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 »
…and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourging, yes also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and hole... read all »
Through the prophet Malachi, God reminded Israel that He knew what they had been saying! How sobering it must have been as God reminded them that they said to Him: “How have we despised Thy name?” (1:6); also, “You say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised...My, how tiresome it is!’” (1:12f).
When God promised judgment on the sorcerers, adulterers, those who swear falsely, and those ... read all »
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
There it is in black and white. Clear enough. Anything missing? No. It is all there. Noticeably absent, however,... read all »
If, for the sake of discussion, Christianity were a political candidate, what would be its platform?
Would it champion human life as being sacred, precious, and in the image of God? Or would it let each individual decide if human life was of any value or pertainence?
If Christianity were a political candidate would it be more concerned about the varying economy or the growing ungodliness of our society?
If Christianity were a political candidate, would it ... read all »
You want change? Well I sure do. But not the kind of change we see looming on today’s political horizon. We are in desperate need of changes that go deeper that the presidency.
Yes, I’m for change. I want to see common sense rule (if nothing else) with regard to the definition of marriage. Have people just lost their minds? No other known creature in the universe attempts to mate with the same sex, and no religion in all of human history has regarded... read all »
We hear a lot about global warming these days. Is it anything about which we should be concerned? Well, as stewards of the earth (God did give it to us, Genesis 1:26-28) we have an obligation to show our gratitude for the planet by using it wisely and respectfully.
In the first place, however, we should note that God promised us through Noah:
While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not ce... read all »