Edification is being built up spiritually and strengthened in the faith. By divine design, the church has been equipped to be a self-edifying body (Ephesians 4:11-12). And edification should be produced when the church assembles. We have a part in that happening. Let us consider some elements necessary to edification. First and foremost, edification has … [Read more…]
Baptism is widely practiced in religion. But is just any baptism the baptism “which now saves us” (1 Peter 3:21)? Let’s consider characteristics of the baptism that saves. Need the right action The meaning of the Greek word that is translated “baptize” in the New Testament means immersion. It is described as a burial: “Therefore … [Read more…]
Have you ever heard someone say, “we should be concerned with the spirit and not the letter of the law”? They are advocating that instead of being so concerned with carrying out the details of the law of Christ, which they would consider harshness, we ought to be more concerned with what they call the … [Read more…]
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14). It is a blessing to have the assurance that God hears our prayers. But the Bible also tells us that it is possible for our prayers to be hindered. What … [Read more…]
Sometimes Christians are accused of “legalism,” and it’s not usually meant as a compliment. According to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, legalism is “strict, literal adherence to the law or to a particular code, as of religion or morality.” Based on that definition, Christians should be found guilty as charged. Jesus said, … [Read more…]
When discussing some religious topic, sometimes one can be heard to say, “It’s all about the heart” in an attempt to explain who is right with the Lord. Is it “all about the heart?” Let’s explore what may be meant by that phrase. If “it’s all about the heart” means that as long as one … [Read more…]
Four times in the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit spoke this: “The just shall live by faith.” An eternal principle since the beginning, the statement declares the way man must live to please God. In each case where it is written, we can see, by way of contrast in the context, an emphasis upon a particular … [Read more…]
“O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Timothy 6:20-21). “Follow the science” has become a popular mantra during the debate about masks and vaccines. Putting COVID … [Read more…]
“For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). There is great joy in being a citizen of the kingdom of God. Consider several reasons we can rejoice. There is great joy in being saved from our past sins. “But now having … [Read more…]
It is not unusual to have someone ask, “What does your church offer?” Or, “what programs do you have for the young?” An advertisement from a community church offers humorous singing vegetables, free sports posters, coffee with a variety of creamer flavors, rock music, music videos, food, and coffee mugs. Other churches pride themselves in … [Read more…]