Posts from 2024 (Page 2)

A familiar but challenging statement is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When anyone enters Christ, and Christ enters that person, a new creation takes place. Can we biblically identify the one who is in Christ? Most definitely! One in Christ has by faith been baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:26–27) Though most religious people accept the faith…

We sing the song, “I Want To Be a Worker for the Lord.” We read the scriptures: “…being fruitful in every good work…” (Col. 1:10) “…always abounding in the work of the Lord…” (I Cor. 15:58) But are you truly working for the Lord? It would be good for each of us to consider what we are doing for the church—other than simply attending services (and we should first examine whether we are faithful even in that). Below is a…

Who determines the life we live, the obstacles we overcome, and the goals we reach? We do! Others may influence us for good or bad. Problems will hinder progress. But in the final analysis, I am the one individual who succeeds or fails with my life. No one else! Listen to the words of a failure: “I can’t”; “I don’t know how”; “I don’t have the time”; “Let someone else do it”; “I’m afraid”; “It’s too hard.” On and on…

Paul exhorted Timothy to “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (II Timothy 2:15) This admonition is urgently needed in the church today because… Every Christian Is to Be a Worker for the Lord The church of Christ is a divine workshop, and all who seek admittance should come with sleeves rolled up and loins girded about for service. We may have on our…

Wealth and riches are not condemned in scripture. But those who place too much emphasis on them are warned in no uncertain terms of it being foolishness. (Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9-10) Saving for a “rainy day,” for emergencies, and for retirement is always wise and in keeping with biblical teaching; however, there are some things even more important. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth… but lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven… for where…

Bible students are well aware of the emphasis given to wisdom in the book of Proverbs. However, not only is wisdom exalted and encouraged, but numerous references are made to fools. Very often, a contrast between the wise and the foolish is given in the same verse. Consider how fools are described in this inspired book. Fools Oppose Gaining Wisdom – “…fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:7) They don’t think they need either one, but already have all the…

The key word of Proverbs is wisdom. The book was written by Solomon, whom God blessed with great wisdom when he became the king of Israel. Because he had asked God for an understanding heart to judge the people and be able to discern between good and evil, rather than riches or a long life, the Lord gave him far more than he had requested. Not only was he given a wise and understanding heart that far exceeded the wisdom…

Procrastination is a practice of some people, and everyone has been guilty of it at times. It can cost us money, our reputation, our good health, our life, and even our soul. Of course, the value we place on some things demands the urgency of our attention and actions; whereas, many things of lesser value can be put off until tomorrow with no severe consequence suffered. We must learn to distinguish between the two, and then proceed immediately to attend…

Families that are happy, strong, and successful have certain qualities that are minimized, or missing, from the average home. Though dozens of qualities could be given, the following twelve must be recognized as essential by both the parents and the children in order to secure the happiness and stability of family life. Leaving out just one of them results in a divided, dysfunctional family. What are these essential elements? Commitment: First, there must be commitment of one’s life to God.…

A familiar but challenging statement is found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” When anyone enters Christ, and Christ enters that person, a new creation takes place. Can we biblically identify the one who is in Christ? Most definitely! One in Christ has by faith been baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:26-27) Though most religious people accept the faith…

Today is another special time on the calendar and in the hearts of many families. Father’s Day has been celebrated in the United States for over 100 years. It was inaugurated to complement Mother’s Day in celebrating male parenting and fatherhood. Its first celebration was in the Spokane, Washington YMCA on June 19, 1910, founded by Sonora Smart Dodd. Her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran, was a single parent who raised his six children there. It did…

The following is from an interesting article in my files about various types of “shoes,” which should be of interest to the reader. We can gain some biblical truths from the analogies discussed. Likely you have heard the saying, “If the shoe fits, wear it,” which is a statement that points to some uncomfortable truth about ourselves, or someone else. One thing we can do about shoes is change them if they don’t fit, or if they are not what…