Posts from 2026

Self-examination is important when we worship (I Cor.11:28). Self-examination is important as we live the Christian life (I Cor.13:5). Self-examination is important in making necessary corrections and improvements in our life (James 1:22-25). Self-examination is important if we want to pass the final examination on the last day (Rom. 2: 5-11). Let’ s be honest with ourselves as we evaluate our commitment to Christ and the church. Underline your answer. Keep it confidential if you choose. Prayer– How often do…

Last week we began this article on how we can deceive ourselves. Two ways mentioned were: (1) If we think we can practice sin and still be saved, and (2) If we think we can sow one thing and reap another. Another route of self-deception is when we think we are better than we really are. In Gal. 6:3 we find this statement, “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” This statement…

Have you ever been deceived in the business world, or by someone you consider a friend, or even a brother in Christ? Some have been deceived by their spouse. The world is filled with both with people and with things that deceive. The scriptures have much to teach us about the danger of deception, and the consequences of being deceived. Though deception often comes from others, we deceive ourselves more than we realize. Actually, we would not become deceived so…

More than 2000 years ago there was a man born contrary to the laws of life. This man lived in poverty and was reared in obscurity. He did not travel extensively. Only once did He cross the boundary of the country in which He lived; and that was during His exile in childhood. He possessed neither wealth nor family influence. His relatives were uninfluential and had neither training nor education. In infancy He startled a King; In childhood He puzzled…

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…

Sowing and reaping are principles we live with daily. Seed produces after its own kind. (Gen. 1:11,12) When the farmer sows wheat, or plants cotton, he knows what to expect. This principle is stated in regards to the use of the tongue. “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” (James 3:11,12) Jesus…

Will moral goodness be enough to justify a person in the last day? Many think it will. Because Jehovah is a God of mercy, it is believed that He will save those who at least try to live a fairly good life. Surely only the most ungodly, evil person will be lost in hell. But what does the Bible teach? All religious issues must be determined by God’s word, not man’s opinion. We certainly commend anyone who observes a high…

Every member of the body of Christ is important to his/her local congregation. Though no one is indispensable, no one should feel insignificant. The scriptures are very emphatic about this. (Cf. I Cor.12:12-27) The church grows where the members know they receive personal blessings from it and feel a personal responsibility toward it. Such people speak of the church as “we” or “I” rather than “they” or “you”. Faithful members want to be involved and support every good work. (Titus…