By David Phillips
There is a proliferation of religious bodies, churches, all around us today, and the conventional wisdom is that pretty much any of them would like to have you as a member. It is also a fact that many sincere religious people operate on the premise that it really doesn’t matter which church one belongs to, so long as it is under the general umbrella of “Christendom”.
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By Dan Jenkins
When Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he knew the end was near. He looked back over his life and used two illustrations from the Grecian games to describe it. He mentioned fighting (wrestling or boxing) and racing. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4:6). It is at times like this that a man reflects on how his life has been spent. It is a time for self-evaluation.
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By Jon Mitchell
Let’s first define the term “angel.” It comes from the Greek word angelos and literally means “messenger.” Many are not aware that the Bible uses the word “angel” or angelos to simply refer to a human messenger at times. Rev. 2-3 cite seven examples of this, when Jesus tells John to write to “the angel of the church of Ephesus/Smyrna/etc.” He wasn’t telling John to write to a celestial angel; rather, he was telling John to write to the messenger of that particular congregation, most likely referring to the preacher of that congregation, since preachers are to preach the message of God (2 Tim. 4:2). So in that sense, one could answer this question by saying that human angels, literally human messengers of God, walk among us today. In a sense, God wants all Christians to be his messengers.
By Tyler King
“Overtime” can be one of the most exciting moments for your favorite sports team. As is the case with many activities, overtime is when sudden-death becomes implemented; meaning, whichever team scores first is the team that gains the victory. The moments of overtime have kept viewers and fans on the edge of their seats for decades. However, not nearly the amount of enthusiasm is gleaned when a church service runs overtime. You’d almost think it was sudden death for the member attending the assembly when worship exceeds five minutes of overtime.
By Brett Petrillo
“In 1846 former president John Quincy Adams suffered a stroke. Although he returned to Congress the following year, his health was clearly failing. A friend of his came in and made particular inquiry of his health. Adams answered, ‘I inhabit a weak, frail, decayed tenement; battered by the winds and broken in upon by the storms, and from all I can learn, the landlord does not intend to repair” (Today in the Word, April 11, 1992).
By Dan Jenkins
The disdain some have for doctrine in our day stands in marked contrast to the way the Holy Spirit exalts it. Instead of having little regard for doctrine, the early church proclaimed it. Do not lose sight of the charge brought against the apostles, “You have filled Jerusalem with this doctrine” (Acts 5:28).
By Jonathan McAnulty
One of the most famous of prayers is that model prayer, taught by Jesus, which begins, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
Millions upon millions have recited this prayer since our Lord first taught it, finding comfort in its familiarity. Yet the Scriptures teach us that we should pray with both the right spirit, and with the understanding. (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:15) Jesus did not want mere rote from His followers – He was encouraging them to have an active and meaningful prayer life. Which means that we should understand what we pray.
By David Phillips
Vacation Bible School last week reminded many of us of the value of good teachers. If you were not here to be able to observe the great work going on among eager young minds, you really missed out. Our Bible Class program and special events such as Vacation Bible School are great tools through which the children associated with this church are able to gain better knowledge and understanding of God’s word. But those Bible Classes are only as good as the teachers who serve in them.
By Dan Jenkins
The spirit of compromise which permeates our society may be blessing in some areas, but it has little place in regard to the clear teachings of the Bible. Its presence has led to a watered-down teaching in churches in America. While the Bible doctrine about morality is clear, denominations are struggling to deal with divorce for every cause, living together without marriage and homosexuality. The same is true about how God wants us to worship, the organization of church, the path to salvation and many aspects of Christian living. It is as though there is no doctrinal teaching on these matters. This spirit of compromise has made doctrine a four-letter word.
by Jim Mettenbrink
Consider what it means for the Christian to love God with all his being (heart, soul, mind and strength), which Jesus called the first commandment (Mark 12:30, 31). Jesus continued by expanding on this characteristic of love (Greek – agape) – “And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (v32). About six months earlier, Jesus was asked what a person must do to inherit eternal life. He gave the same answer about loving God and one’s neighbor. But when the scribe asked, who is my neighbor, Jesus answered with a story. Note, Jewish thought loving one’s neighbor was to do no harm (passive), now Jesus’ command was to love (active) one’s neighbor.