In the book of Ezra, we read of the return of Jews from captivity to Jerusalem and the work of the priest Ezra in rebuilding the temple and restoring worship. In the ninth chapter, the leaders came to Ezra declaring how the people had not separated themselves from the heathen and had intermarried with them. … [Read more…]
Someone may ask these questions: What if I just don’t feel like loving my brother or sister in Christ? I know I should have love for you, but I just don’t. You know, we are very different. We are from very different places. We have very different pasts. We have very different interests in our … [Read more…]
“Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever” (1 Peter 1:22-23). In this Scripture the apostle … [Read more…]
We have at our disposal a wide variety of books that could be read. There’s fiction and non-fiction, self-help and pleasure, and on and on. But one book excels them all: the Bible. May I suggest several reasons why we want to know the Bible. We want to read and study the Bible because it … [Read more…]
Our culture is awash in the thought that we must not judge anyone. For example, to tell someone that homosexuality is sin and if not repented of then the consequence will be eternal punishment, is “judging,” and, as many say, “we ought not to judge.” This “don’t judge” attitude is a lie of the devil. … [Read more…]
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear….” (I Peter 1:17) Brethren, we are sojourners! We are pilgrims! A sojourner is one who making a temporary stay. A pilgrim is one who journeys, especially a long … [Read more…]
It is quite common for community churches to speak of and publish their “core beliefs” – these to them are the immutable truths that those seeking fellowship with them must agree upon. Other teachings not included in their list are not “core,” and are not to be a basis for them to determine fellowship. As … [Read more…]
Use the word “judge” today, and in many circles it will immediately conjure up negative thoughts. Why this? While the Bible contains serious warnings against hypocritical judgment, judgments of motives, judging according to our own standards, and judgment motivated by evil, the Bible teaches us to make judgments in many situations. Jesus taught that righteous … [Read more…]
When we consider Israel and her failings, it may be easy for us to observe her unfaithfulness and consider ourselves better than that. But “whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). We can learn from them. There … [Read more…]
It is undeniably possible for Christians to become discouraged while living in the world but not of the world. “The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). Its ways are against the ways of God, and we are often vexed or distressed by the evil and injustice we witness. … [Read more…]