What Does This Mean? (Regarding Baptism)

Years ago a married couple responded to a door knocking campaign by expressing interest in a personal Bible study. My wife and I studied with them, and we eventually got to the subject of baptism. Upon reading various Scriptures, the woman with whom we were studying acknowledged that baptism was necessary for salvation, but her husband was in denial of this fact. After studying other pertinent Scriptures, we all read these words together:

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

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Older, But Not Necessarily Wiser

As a general rule, heeding advice from those older than us is wise and recommended (Lev. 19:32; Deut. 32:7; Prov. 1:8; 4:1-4, etc.); however, there can be exceptions. Remember that it was the older prophet who led the younger prophet astray and to his death (1 Kings 13). It was the younger generation who had the faith and courage to take the promised land of Canaan (Num. 13, 14; Josh. 3). It was young David who had more wisdom and faith than his older brothers and King Saul (1 Sam.… Read more

Running from a Lion to a Bear

When Amos addressed Israel regarding the judgment of the Lord, he wrote, “Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord!  to what end is it for you?  the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.  As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him. . .” (Amos 5:18, 19).  With these verses Amos was referring to inescapable judgment, but it can also be said that sometimes when people attempt to avoid something harmful they may often go to an extreme which can be just as harmful as the issue they were initially trying to avoid. … Read more

The Question of Praying to the Holy Spirit

Should Christians pray to the Holy Spirit? Considering the clarity with which the Scriptures teach men to pray exclusively to the Father, one may wonder why this question even needs asking. Sadly, some openly teach that Christians may address the Holy Spirit in prayer. What are the repercussions if Christians begin believing such a doctrine? In the future, will congregations all over the world be praying to the Holy Spirit in worship assemblies? This is a dangerous doctrine which needs to be answered.… Read more

Cutting Off Conversation

In the world of politics, there are many disagreements and controversial topics that can stir up emotions such as anger. Often it seems that when one side cannot defend their position logically, they resort to irrational behavior such as name calling, vulgarity, or even acts of violence. They refuse to have an intelligent conversation, perhaps because they know their position will not stand the test of scrutiny. They typically resort to ad hominem arguments that attack people personally (rather than logically addressing the positions people hold), or quite often they simply shut down all conversation.… Read more

Did Paul and James Contradict One Another?

Paul wrote, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:2-3). James wrote, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” (James 2:21). Both passages mention Abraham. Paul implied that Abraham was justified without works, and James said he was justified by works.… Read more

Cold, Hard Facts for Warm, Tender Hearts

  • God hates abortion (Prov. 6:16-17).
  • Babies are not born lost in sin or totally depraved—they are pure and will be in Heaven if they die or are murdered (2 Sam. 12:23; Ezek. 18:20; 28:15; Mt. 18:3; 19:14).
  • God must come before family (Mt. 10:34-39).
  • God loves homosexuals, but He hates homosexuality (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Jude 7; Heb. 1:9).
  • A marriage is only for an eligible man and an eligible woman (Mt. 19:3-9).
  • A couple joined by God in marriage may only divorce for one reason—fornication (the spouse not guilty of fornication may put away the adulterer—Mt.
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Living Like an Animal

There was a time in my life when I was basically living like an animal, rather than a spirit created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26, 27). I was only seeking to fulfill my selfish desires.

“So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee” (Psalm 73:22).

“Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.

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A “Sermon Seen” Is Not a Sermon Heard

Perhaps you have heard someone say, “I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day!”  While the intention behind the statement may be good, one must be careful that he does not over-emphasize morality while minimizing the power of God’s Word. Yes, God condemns hypocrisy and commands His children to do good works and live holy lives (Matthew 7:1-5, 21; Romans 2:1, 21-23; 12:1, 2; Galatians 6:10; 1 Peter 1:14-16). However, Christ did not simply command His disciples to go forth and live good moral lives before the lost to save them—He commanded them to go preach the Gospel and baptize people!… Read more

The Ignored Commandment

Having come out of denominationalism in my early twenties, I thought I had entered the one body of the faithful—those who would do their best to follow God’s commands, no matter the cost. In a sense I was correct — The Lord’s church is a perfect body comprised of people who are fallible, people who are made perfect by the blood of Christ upon repentance and obedience (1 John 1:6-10), but could it be that many congregations are refusing to obey a very specific command from God?… Read more

Islam’s Inferiority

Even after September 11, 2001 and all the wickedness the false religion of Islam has brought into this world over the last 1400 years, Islam is now reportedly the fastest growing religion in the world. With about 1.9 billion adherents, 1 out of every 4 human beings is a Muslim! That should not be the case, because Islam was started by a false prophet who was obviously using deception to gain riches, land, power, and women, and the Bible warns of deceivers who would come along claiming an angel told them something different than what the Bible says (Gal.… Read more