The concept of a corporation or organization having a mission is central to its existence. In the past few decades, even greater emphasis has been placed on developing and publishing “mission statements” at various levels within corporations, even down to work teams. A mission statement tells the purpose or function for which an organization or … [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…]
In Corinth, the critics who disparaged Paul and his apostleship were in reality false apostles and deceitful workers, although they did not appear that way (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). But they had plenty of commendation and praise from and for one another. “For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. … [Read more…]
Jesus prayed to His Father, and He taught his disciples to pray (Matthew 16:9; Luke 18:1). The apostles prayed to God, and they taught saints to pray (Acts 4:24; Colossians 4:2). This is reason enough to pray. But consider a few other reasons we ought to be praying. We ought to pray because we believe … [Read more…]
“Worship with the church of your choice,” some men say. But what do the Scriptures say? Jesus declared, “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). That’s one, not many. “There is one body,” and Jesus is “head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 4:4; 1:22-23). Again, one … [Read more…]
Someone may well ask, “Why do you folks in the church of Christ not worship with instruments of music?” It is not because they cannot be afforded. According to apostolic command and example, the church makes up a collection on the first day of every week (1 Cor 16:2). Money is not the reason. Human … [Read more…]
“Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor?” (Rom 9:21). Is this teaching that God causes an individual to be saved or lost? No. In the context, the apostle Paul is defending the right of God to choose through whom … [Read more…]
“The Lord had appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, saying, ‘Ask! What shall I give you?’” (1 Ki 3:5). Solomon requested wisdom and an understanding heart. God was pleased and gave him the wisdom for which he asked. But wisdom heard and known does not imply wisdom used. “For it was so, when … [Read more…]
1 Kings 3:5-15 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon’s answer to God began with acknowledgement of the goodness God had shown to his father David, of David’s living in truth, righteousness, and uprightness … [Read more…]
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” … [Read more…]