Posts from 2025 (Page 2)

Late in His earthly ministry, Jesus said to His disciples: “I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). About six months later, the Lord was crucified. It is likely that the day was declining, and with night coming on, He took the occasion to speak these thought-provoking words. He meant simply that it was urgent for Him to do the work the Father…

We all have them at one time or another—cares, problems, trials, or whatever you prefer calling them. But we must deal with them whether we like it or not. The Scriptures give us three ways to do this. One of the three will take care of some of them. Two of the three will suffice for others. However, all three avenues must be applied in many cases. And what are these three ways to deal with our burdens? Take care…

Feelings and emotions do not determine acceptability with God. Some feel that if a worship service is not emotionally charged it becomes dry, dull, meaningless, and not acceptable to God. Certainly, our worship must be “in spirit” according to John 4:24. However, the same passage also says that it must be “in truth.” Everything we do should be heartfelt, rather than mechanical. When one obeys the gospel, it must be from the heart (Rom. 6:17–18). Yet, what “feels good” to…

Most people today put little stock in reading and studying the Bible. In some circles of so-called “higher learning” it is even considered a mark of inferior ability to study the Book of books. Yet among the readers of the Bible, in all ages, have been some of the ablest leaders and most brilliant minds. Even many who believed in its value admitted they did not read it as regularly as they should. Still, they recognized its unmatched worth. Consider…

What does it mean to be a father? It means more than having children. It speaks of the relationship you are to have with your children, and with your wife as their mother. The responsibility of a father to his children extends beyond Father’s Day, and the honor due fathers by their children should continue long after that day. Father’s Day, however, does cause us to focus on the role the father has to his family, and the honor a…

Quite often the question is asked, “Are you saved?” A member of the church may hesitate before replying, “I hope so,” or “I don’t really know.” But does God want us to live in doubt—or in faith and hope? In last week’s article, attention was given to the apostle John’s first epistle, where we find some guidelines that help us determine our relationship with God. Four were given: One who is born of God (1 John 5:4) One who walks…

First-century Christians could know if they were saved. So can we. The little book of First John gives us some guidelines to help determine our relationship with God. Let us note some of them. One Who Is Born Of God – “For whosoever is born of God overcomes the world…” (1 John 5:4) To be saved and go to heaven one must overcome the world. Those who have never been born of God are still in their sins, and still…

Every normal person needs encouragement during the trying circumstances of life. It is needed in the home as husbands and wives encourage each other, and as parents encourage their children. Good teachers find opportunities to encourage their students who may be struggling in their work. Employers and fellow employees often provide encouragement in the workplace. Truly, in any worthwhile pursuit, there is a need to receive or to give encouragement. Since our relationship with Christ and with Christians is a…

Once again, America and many other countries around the world are celebrating one of the most important holidays of the year in honor of one of the most important people in the world. We live because our mother brought us into this world. Of all the people to be honored, those who have undertaken the role of motherhood, and have done so with love, devotion, sacrifice, and loyalty, are worthy of all the recognition that could be bestowed upon them.…

Most everyone knows that a cork placed on the top of the water will float on the surface. If it is pressed down ten, fifty, or even a hundred feet below the surface of the water, and released, it will rise again. But those who know say that if it is pressed down two hundred feet, it cannot rise again—the pressure of the water is too great. So it is with life. The lower a man sinks into the depths…

One could never estimate the value of self-examination, physically or spiritually. The medical profession encourages it in order to detect possible cancer growths. Lives have been saved because some serious physical condition was caught in time. Marriages have been saved because couples have been willing to look within themselves, rather than at each other, for some solutions to marital problems. Who knows how many have avoided losing their jobs because they saw areas where they could do better as employees.…

Remember To Smile And Speak To People – Scientists say it takes 72 muscles to frown and only four to smile. Our face can use the exercise, and others can use the smile. If you give a smile, you just might get one back. Speaking to those we meet shows interest in someone other than ourselves. Nothing is nicer than a cheerful word of greeting. “Hello, how are you today?” when we meet and “Have a good day!” when we…