Time is a sobering commodity granted to all— rich, poor, young, old, male, female— and the use of it has timeless, eternal implications! Unless each day is organized and properly managed, it can waste away without accomplishment and pass by without attachment to any purpose.
God’s Word challenges us to “redeem the time,” especially when the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). In a wicked world, people who have &ldquo... read all »
The general pattern of brethren assembling relates to 4 hours of the 168 hours of a week. Considering traveling time, the gathering times would likely require another 5 hours. This article, therefore, relates to some 9 hours of the 168 hours each member needs to consider per week.
Note the ways brethren relate to these moments of assembling. Brethren respond in some 4 different groups: 1. Some do not attend at all (Observations over the years indicate 40-50% of tho... read all »
These words are surely addressed to praying people-like yourself. The Apostles were praying people, who upon hearing Jesus pray, still said:“Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Would you like to improve your prayer life? G. Ashton Oldham might help our prayer life, when he wrote:
“Prayer is the chief agency and activity whereby men align themselves with God’s purpose. Prayer does not consist in battering the walls of heaven for personal ben... read all »
To brethren, living in corrupt Corinth, Paul closes his first letter to them: “Watch ye; Stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong” (I Cor. 16:13 AS). William D. Poe stated: “The most important thing in the world that makes young people civilized is good old people.“¹
J. Edgar Hoover adds:
“The bulwark of religious training is vital if the line is to be held against the forces of corruption, crime and disloyalty. I be... read all »
For Ten Years you have found here,
Marty’s articles that could much endear;
But this week, both his and your eyes,
Will find in writing a fitting surprise!
His article this week just does not suit,
To give to Himself an appropriate tribute,
For ten years of special dedicated deeds,
That were designed to meet congregational needs!
Oh, he has blest more than the congregation,
With his timely truths and dedications;
The entire community has co... read all »
When selecting servants who keep watch over your souls (Heb. 13:17), the Holy Spirit’s divine directives are quite succinct and sobering.
When the apostles called for brethren to select men for special service in that first congregation, they gave qualifications (seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom), plus the sobering charge, “look out...from among yourselves” (Acts 6:3 AS). It has been wisely observed that if you don&rsquo... read all »
The traditions of “New Year’s Resolutions” can be a good thing. It encourages one to inspect his/her life (II Cor. 13:5), and it stimulates one to improve in one or some areas of behavior (Matt. 5:16). However, there is a haunting problem related to resolutions. That problem was surprisingly stated by the scientist, Harry Rimmer, when he was giving a biblical lecture many years ago in Abilene, Texas. A baby in the balcony had an extended crying spe... read all »
The Complex Season of Christmas
The seasonal spirit of Christmas resounds all around;
Sales gimmicks for the Young and the Old abound;
Bargains by the bunches blend with Gifts galore;
Magnetic messages draw crowds to every store!
The Cry is “Save our economy,” rather than “Save souls!”
Growth of sales and promotion of purchases are coveted goals;
Glistening lights, snow men and reindeer brighten the scene;
To display a donkey and mang... read all »
It is a sobering fact that we daily make decisions, and then our decisions make us! Most of life’s decisions are determined amidst three basic arenas: the principles we choose to keep; the people with whom we choose to associate; and the laws we decide to obey. Knowing even Truth is futile unless we decide to do it! Also, it is important to remember that not to decide is to decide!!
Many years ago in The New York Observer these words were written: “A t... read all »
An astronomer was observing the setting sun. His telescope suddenly brought into view a hill seven miles away where two boys could be clearly seen stealing apples. It was obvious by their actions that one boy was stealing the fruit, while the other boy was “keeping watch.” The humor or the tragedy of the entire event was that they assumed they were successful stealers, when to Professor Mitchell their sinful thievery was as obvious as an event performed ... read all »
E.B. Janes makes a sobering and significant observation in an article entitled, “Winning Souls.”1 Janes noted Christ’s words in Matthew 16:26: ―For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?: After giving emphasis on the salvation of our soul being so precious and important, Janes then noted souls around us, stating, “Jesus died for them as w... read all »
Decisions determine destiny. Every person reading this article is headed for heaven or hell. Neutral you cannot be! Sorrowful or sublime tomorrows by God’s grace and Christ’s Covenant are the forecast potential of every person. John, by inspiration, succinctly stated these sobering sentiments, entwined with a personal plea:
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in h... read all »
Maura Kelly and Rebecca Webber give us some sobering statements about speech. They were seeking to determine if cursing and slanderous speech are to be recognized as a crime or condoned as a proper privilege under the label of free speech, which is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution.¹ It is obvious there is no clear or settled conclusion in our nation. They reported that some 750 people in Pennsylvania "are arrested or summoned to court each y... read all »
In an old book (1) I came across a most interesting comment by “Charles Spurgeon (Baptist)”, in an
article he wrote entitled, “Prayer Meeting Address to the Newly Converted.” Spurgeon was, in general,
emphasizing as to conversion, “Do begin so that you may not have to begin over again.” (p.
242). Later, Spurgeon added this most clearly stated comment about conversion:
“One of the first things you have to do in starting f... read all »
In an age when some affirm there are no absolutes, seeking to justify loose moral and spiritual practices under the umbrella of toleration, it seems wise to note some biblical facts about people who miserably faltered and failed because they were almost obedient! After King Agrippa heard Paul’s testimony about Christ, he responded, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28 NKJ). There is no record that he ever did!
... read all »