As Christians, we do not live in a bubble. We live, work, and participate in society, and oftentimes occupy very important roles in local communities and society at large. What is our responsibility to this world in which we live? First, I would remind all of us that, no matter what role we occupy in […]
The most important decision a person can ever make is to obey the gospel of Christ. When individuals do that, they become citizens in the kingdom of heaven and establish fellowship with God. Their souls are saved, and they now have the hope of everlasting life. After obeying the gospel, it is God’s will that […]
Backyard barbecuers around the country love to cook large pieces of meat, low and slow, for several hours, flavoring the meat with smoke from various kinds of wood (hickory, apple, cherry, pecan, etc.). Those experienced at smoking cuts of meat know that at a certain period in the cook, the meat will enter the “stall” […]
Okay, you have obeyed the gospel of Christ, having made the best decision you will ever make in your life. The question is, what should you do now? The Bible gives you the answer. New Christians are babes in Christ and all babes, both physical and spiritual, are expected to grow. When growth does not […]
Before Paul saw Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was determined to continue his intense persecution of the saints. The appearance to him of the resurrected Christ, however, changed everything. After this confrontation with Jesus, and his later conversion in the city of Damascus (Acts 22:1-16), Paul’s entire life was committed to Christ (Philippians […]
By Steven Matthews We live in a time and age where people are skeptical. They’re skeptical about organized religion. They’re skeptical about authority. They’re skeptical about making a commitment to God. Thus, it has led to a membership at-large mentality. I can come and go as I please. I can worship at one place this […]
The cause of Christ has always demanded sacrifice. It began with the sacrifice of our Savior, not just with His death on the cross, but at the very moment He gave up heaven and came to earth to become the propitiation for our sins. Since then, the halls of history have been littered with examples […]
Jesus condemned the scribes and Pharisees because they did not practice what they preached (Matthew 23:3). The result of their lack of obedience, while telling everyone how great the Law was, was that the label “hypocrite” was attached to them. There are very few things worse spiritually than to be marked as a hypocrite. Hypocrites […]
For the gospel to advance in any generation, it must be defended from those who would corrupt it. Some people purposely corrupt the gospel to fulfill their personal agendas, whatever they may be. Jude spoke of some of these who were present among first-century Christians. Jude 1:4 (ESV) 4 For certain people have crept in […]
Not everyone who preaches the gospel is sincere. Paul informed the brethren at Philippi that he was aware of those who had the wrong motive for preaching the gospel. Philippians 1:15-17 (ESV) 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing […]