In this season of the year, we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time to remember the reasons we have for being thankful. Among other things for which we should be thankful would include our family, friends, the food and the freedom we have in this great nation. Yet another and most important is remembering all the benefits provided to us by Jehovah God. A great source of joy and thanksgiving surely comes from being a child of God; a Christian. Paul&... read all »
But what is this new birth Jesus teaches that is by water and the Spirit of God?
I believe that everything in Jesus’ New Testament teaches us that it is the spiritual birth of a soul into the family of God that takes place at baptism. We can begin right here in the very context where Jesus introduces us to the idea:
After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. John 3:22
... read all »
The unanswered question from last week’s article remains, “How can I know that I am a child of God?”
The answer begins with faith in Jesus Christ:
He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:11-13
T... read all »
We have just concluded the most advertised and publicized political process in our nation’s history. All who read these words were surely affected in some way at the local and/or national level. What can be beneficially gleaned from it?
One lesson to be learned from the advertising must not be ignored. It was amazing how many candidates used their paid TV time, not to discuss themselves or their attributes, but devoted the time to castigate and criticize th... read all »
Election Day! We cast out votes for candidates and issues put
before us. But sometimes our wishes in an election are frustrated. That’s democracy. God’s ‘vote’, however, is never frustrated. It is His universe.
When He votes for you, you’re in.
Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who esteem... read all »
Why should I say “I can’t” when the Bible says I can do all things through Christ who give me strength?-Philippians 4:13
Why should I lack when God supplies all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus?-Philippians 4:19
Why should I fear when God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind?- 2 Timothy 1:7
Why should I be weak when the Lord is the strength of my life?- Psalm 27:1 &
Daniel 11:32
Wh... read all »
Have you ever wondered what Jesus the Christ looked like? It is rather amazing that we have much information about what He taught and what He did, but we have no description of His appearance. Artists have over the years given us paintings of what they assumed He looked like, yet not one of them ever saw Jesus. Perhaps His earthly appearance was not important since we have no description of Him. However, with that being the case, we are not left without information ... read all »
The Apostle Peter gives to each of us some keys for sharing God’s nature with ourselves. These characteristics are to be added to our life since they do not come naturally. In other words, it takes effort on our part.
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance... read all »
“POTENTIAL AND PRAYER” By John Gipson
“Men ought always to pray” (Luke 18:1) said Jesus. It is more than a privilege; it is an obligation. But evidently Jesus was aware of some power in prayer than many of us have overlooked, for He prayed always. Just think of it: He was without sin; the only begotten Son of God; clothed with power; yet He prayed constantly. Jesus prayed: after baptism…..during His personal ministry…..in the... read all »
Of course it is an old joke, the answer to which is, “You can see his lips moving.” We call it ‘funny’ because, sadly and ironically, there is a ring of truth to it. But in the eyes of God, there is nothing funny about lying. As a matter of fact, He takes dishonesty very seriously whether you are a politician or a child.
It was a lie that gave birth to the deception by which Eve was overcome and led into the very first sin. That sin, of c... read all »
The Queen of Sheba said of Solomon‘s wealth and wisdom, “…I did not believe the reports, until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, the half was not told me. You exceed in wisdom and prosperity the report which I heard.” 1st Kings 10:7
Consider a few impressive details concerning Solomon‘s reign:
666 talents of gold annually, 1st Kings 10:14 (that’s nearly 25 tons!)
Valuable wares from all the Arab kings, 10:15
An ... read all »
Recently Cal Thomas had a thought provoking article entitled, “Pulpit Rebellion Misses Mark” (The Oklahoman, September 30, 2008, 10A). This related to a reaction by some to the “government’s restriction on political pronouncements from the pulpit.” Alan E. Sears, President of the Alliance Defense Fund, had promoted a plan for September 28th as Pulpit Freedom Sunday, urging preachers and pastors to “reclaim their constitutional rig... read all »
If the Christ were to visit American society today, simply to live for a while as a member of his church, would he be comfortable with you? Better yet , would you be comfortable with him?
Have you considered the fact that he was homeless, even without a place to lay his head according to Luke 9:57-58? Would we consider him a bum?
He told people that they were wrong in religious and spiritual matters. He told a Samaritan woman that she and her people did not k... read all »
Many years ago, although to me it doesn’t seem so long, I worked as a program director and disc jockey at a radio station in Missouri. There was always a radio on, as our “on air broadcast went throughout the radio station. Every room, (even the restrooms) had a speaker to hear what was going out to the public.
Most of the time no one ever really listened - unless there was a mistake. Let something or someone “mess up” and it was like ligh... read all »
…That I should be the main focus of worship and Bible class and so what is done there should always appeal to my tastes and be fun, entertaining and enjoyable.
…That I know enough of the Bible already, so there is no need for me to waste my valuable time with further personal study at home.
…That Bible classes are for those who need them, and me and my family are good people, so we don’t.
…That since I have filled my life w... read all »