Square One
God, Prepare Me
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 1, 2008)
The Bible is a story of sin, redemption and salvation. Jesus comes into the world so we all could have the chance of an eternal home. Tragically, Scripture also tells the story of how the human race has, with rare exception, ignored or taken God for granted (Matthew 7:13-14).
God, Save Me From Persecution
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 24, 2008)
We fight our sins, the persecutions of others, the general distress of life and the omnipresent temptations that lie in our paths. All of these can prove fatal if we do not inoculate ourselves against them. Faith is the answer (Romans 10:9-10,17).
God, Preserve Me
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 17, 2008)
"It is truly astonishing that more do not commend their spirit to the Lord for safekeeping. Trusting in their own power, or seeking to walk by their own wisdom, they ignore the great refuge that is available in God."
God, Protect Me
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 10, 2008)
In an age of uncertainty, we must have someone we can cling to that is perfectly dependable and wise. No human can fill the role because we are sinful and weak, despite our best intentions (Romans 3:9-18).
The Rainbow Covenant
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 3, 2008)
The origin of the rainbow is a fascinating study. It is rich with meaning and we often fail to grasp the true import of the rainbow. In short, it stands as a memorial to the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God and a warning to those who would live contrary to God's will.
Abstinence Education: The Rest of the Story
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 27, 2008)
Abstinence education is under daily attack. A recent news story began, “Programs teaching U.S. schoolchildren to abstain from sex have not cut teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases or delayed the age at which sex begins, health groups told Congress.”
How Christians Can Handle the Troubled Economy
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 20, 2008)
The troubled economy is the source of great exasperation and stress for Americans. Consequently, our lives and relationships suffer. Seeking relief from these pressures people seek a variety of remedies, many of which are destructive. Accordingly, the answers remain elusive as these individuals grope blindly for them.
A Review of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 13, 2008)
Stein hopes to create the possibility that freedom of thought can return to the discipline of science. Then scientists who currently fear recrimination can finally speak up.
A Review of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 6, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, The filmmakers present this excellent documentary as an answer to a salient question. Why are professional people losing their positions at scientific institutions because they express an interest in intelligent design?
Listening "Intentively"
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 29, 2008)
by Richard Mansel When we listen "intentively," we do so with a purpose. We intend to act upon what we have heard. We are receiving a call to arms so we leap into action.
Titanic and How We leave the Lord (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 22, 2008)
by Richard Mansel The builders of the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean. Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy.
Titanic and How We Leave the Lord (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 15, 2008)
by Richard Mansel The builders of the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean. Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy.
Titanic and How We Leave the Lord (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 8, 2008)
by Richard Mansel How does a faithful Christian leave the Lord? Is it with great noise, or with a whisper? Do we move from his arms with great gallops or stunted steps? It happens in moments, with doubts, sighs and knowing nods. Incrementally, we steal away. Let us see how.
The Goodness and Severity of God
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 1, 2008)
by Richard Mansel We accuse God of injustice when he does the same things that we all do. We find certain practices perfectly acceptable and wholesome for ourselves, but not for God.
Walk in the Light
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 25, 2008)
by Richard Mansel Light and darkness are common Biblical themes throughout Scripture. They express vividly the chasm between Christ and Satan. We would all do well to mine its depths in our own personal study.
Sexual Sin
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 18, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, One of the most often discussed subjects in Scripture is sex and yet it is one of the least mentioned in Churches.
Barack Obama and the Misuse of Scripture
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 11, 2008)
Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, recently said that while he did not believe in "gay marriage," he did believe in same sex civil unions. He said, "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans."
God Calls Us to Holiness, Not Happiness
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 4, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, We have strong desires that fight against holiness unless we control them.
Can Christians Suffer From Mental Illnesses?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 26, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, Why do Christians fear their brethren finding out about their mental illnesses?
Zealous for God
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 19, 2008)
How would Paul's zeal help the church today?
Lost Opportunities
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 12, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, Do we realize the eternal consequences of the decisions we make?
Was the Apostle Paul Confused?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 5, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, Did Paul not understand how he was saved?
There Is No Condemnation in Christ
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 29, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, If we are in Christ, we will find life eternal.
Judged by the Content of Our Character
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 22, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his remarkable "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington to thousands of people./1 By April 4, 1968, King's voice fell silent because of an assassin's bullet at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis
The Dark Night of the Soul
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 15, 2008)
by Richard Mansel The man is the Apostle Peter who has denied his allegiance to Christ, his Savior. In his dark night of the soul, we find our own failings and seek never to follow his lead.
Why America Deserves Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 8, 2008)
Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears are burning up the internet. The public is insatiable for information on their tumultuous lives. Lies, smears, innuendos, payoffs, and whispers spew forth from media outlets like sewage.
Does Our Version of Jesus Exist?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 1, 2008)
by Richard Mansel, Do we see Jesus or what we want to see?
The Real Truth About Jesus' Birth
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 25, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Are Nativities Scenes Accurate?
Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 18, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Heaven is worth the battles to remain sanctified.
Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 11, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Christ brings courage in the face of the storms.
Led Down a Deadly Path By The Golden Compass
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 4, 2007)
My Reaction to a Series of Films/Books About Killing God?
Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 27, 2007)
Priscilla J. Owens wrote the lyrics for "We Have an Anchor" in 1882. William James Kirkpatrick composed the music. We can learn many lessons from this hymn. The first stanza reads, ...
Trading Misery for Mercy
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 20, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Step off of the endless cycle of sin and guilt.
Willow Creek Discovers Bible Study
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 13, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, It is earthshaking that Churches need to be preaching the gospel?
The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 6, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian Leave the Lord if he chooses?
The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 30, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian be Lost Eternally?
The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 23, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian be Lost?
Why Wait to Become a Christian?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 16, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Won't you act today?
Are We a Faithful Christian?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 9, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Have we completely submitted to Christ?
Are We One Person or Two?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 2, 2007)
by Richard Mansel Do we live two lives?
Paul: Man of God
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (September 25, 2007)
We can follow Pau's courageous example and change our world.
Are Members of the Church of Christ Too Judgmental?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (September 18, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, We reach people's souls with love, not with a club.
Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (4)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (September 11, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, We must be in the Church that belongs to Christ if we wish to enter heaven.
Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (September 4, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Who Benefits the Most from Denominationalism? God or Satan?
Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (August 28, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, What Authority Does Christ Have in His Church?
Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (August 21, 2007)
by Richard Mansel, Do we want an honest Biblical answer?
Whose God Do We Follow?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (August 14, 2007)
Do we try to make God in our own image?
Are We in Denial?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (August 7, 2007)
Why do people change everything they believe because of a new person or idea?
Culture Wars
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 31, 2007)
Will we stand against the attacks on Christianity?
Satan Doesn't Wear Dog Tags
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 24, 2007)
Satan does not wear dog tags or a uniform. He fights in disguise so his enemies cannot see him coming.
Is Baptism Always the Right Argument?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 17, 2007)
Do people have a misunderstanding that prevents them from accepting the truth on baptism?
What Are Our Attitudes About Prayer?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 10, 2007)
Quotes often soothe the troubled heart. Yet, do we examine them for logic and truth?
The Devastation of Adultery (4)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (July 3, 2007)
Spiritual adultery is a violent act against Christ because we claim to have found a better Savior.
The Devastation of Adultery (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 26, 2007)
The pain of adultery is preventable with the proper focus and foundations. We must develop a plan and execute it no matter the circumstances.
The Devastation of Adultery (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 19, 2007)
Adultery is dangerous because it destroys lives. It is an aggressively selfish act that cares nothing for anyone else.
The Devastation of Adultery (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 12, 2007)
Physical adultery tears homes and lives apart. Spiritual adultery brings misery upon God and one's soul.
Losing Our Perspective on Sin
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (June 5, 2007)
Situations or relationships do not change what God has already said in Scripture. His truth never changes.
Rotting Lives
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 29, 2007)
The spiritual garments of the sinner are corrupt, rotting, filthy and decaying. Put on, instead, the clean garments of righteousness.
God versus Culture: Modesty (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 22, 2007)
If we will be modest in actions, language and behavior then we will, as a result, be modest in our clothing. Immodesty can be an expression of our soul's standing before God.
God versus Culture: Modesty (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 15, 2007)
Modesty is much more than our manner of dress. It is a life lived with God in mind.
Water and Blood in the Plan of Salvation (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 8, 2007)
Water and Blood meet in the remission of sins. Have you been to Christ to have your sins washed away?
Water and Blood in the Plan of Salvation (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (May 1, 2007)
Christ's blood was shed so that man can be saved and justified before God (Romans 5:6-10). This is reinforced by the imagery from the sacrificial system of the Law of Moses. Christ is superior to the blood of bulls and goats and remains the only path to salvation (John 14:6).
Blood and Water in the Plan of Salvation (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 23, 2007)
"But one of the soldiers pierced [Jesus'] side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out" (John 19:34). Scripture is filled with powerful lessons that can be learned in a study of the relationship of blood and water to the salvation of our souls.
How to Love Your Wife
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 17, 2007)
Men must learn how to be the type husbands God desires. Ephesians 5:22-29 offers powerful advice for husbands. God's plan is to create people that are the best spouses they can be.
The Author and Finisher of Our Faith
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 10, 2007)
Christ supplies the meaning and motivation for our salvation.
Are Christians Intolerant? (3)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (April 3, 2007)
Those who call Christians intolerant have a misunderstanding of the mission and calling of God's people.
Are Christians Intolerant? (2)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 27, 2007)
If tolerance is defined as a passive approval of all ideas, then Christians are forced to be intolerant by the strict parameters of politically correct speech.
Are Christians Intolerant? (1)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 20, 2007)
Are Christians intolerant? The answers are both yes and no, depending on the intent of the accuser.
The Sweetest Smell
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 13, 2007)
Service to God is described as a sweet aroma that will draw others to its fragrance.
Jesus Didn't Stay Dead!
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (March 5, 2007)
The Empty Tomb Testifies to the Risen Lord
Are We Spiritually Blind?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 26, 2007)
Have We Lost Our Spiritual Eyesight?
Helpless Hands
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 20, 2007)
This past Saturday night, while cooking spaghetti, I accidently spilled boiling water on my hands. A subsequent visit to the emergency room told me I had suffered first and second degree burns. Three shots and a lot of cream and gauze and I was sent back home. Now, I am unable to use my hands since they are wrapped in gauze.
God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part Two)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 12, 2007)
Becoming one flesh is the secret to a lasting marriage. God's design for intimacy and connectedness creates the resilient bond couples seek. The one flesh concept in Genesis 2:18-25 appears to be a simple matter during the initial passion of...
God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part One)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (February 6, 2007)
Christians and non-Christians have differing motivations for their actions. Fleshly men are guided by pleasure and the dictates of culture. Righteous men are led by holiness and the purity of their Christian walk. The godly man is not resistant to...
God Versus Culture: Marriage and Cohabitation
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 30, 2007)
When we become a Christian, our perspective changes from the will of the flesh to the will of the Father in heaven. The old ways of pleasure cease to be the guiding light of our days. We have a higher...
God versus Culture: Sexual Purity
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 22, 2007)
God created man as sexual beings. Sex exists to provide procreation and unmatched intimacy. It is beautiful and expressive of a boundless love. Humans desire it and will overcome seemingly unsurmountable obstacles to pursue it. Limitations have been placed on...
What Needs to Go?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 16, 2007)
I worked for Wal-Mart for five years. During that time, I discovered a talent for "zoning," which means straightening the shelved items so the store is neat and presentable. I became quite adept at zoning and frequently trained people to...
A Living Heritage
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 9, 2007)
On New Year's Day, my Father, Dalton, took my brother and me on a journey through history. We traveled from Florence to Waterloo, Alabama where he was born and raised. The trip will be one of my cherished memories. Waterloo...
God's Tapestry
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (January 2, 2007)
In Native American markets one can examine some of the most beautiful tapestries in the world. Delicately, they weave diverse colors of threads into one seamless whole. Individually, each are wondrous to behold. Together, they far exceed what any one...
The Need for Brutal Honesty
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 25, 2006)
Attaining heaven requires many sacrifices. The submission of our base desires, yielding control of our destinies, and the focus of our time and abilities are necessary in order to take up the cross of Christ (Mark 8:34). But, another serious...
Dealing With an Angry Conscience
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 19, 2006)
Knowledge is power. It provides necessary insight into situations and problems so we can be better armed to deal with them. There are a host of dilemmas that we face that we have no chance of shaping into our desired...
Understanding Discipline (Part Four)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 12, 2006)
Having studied discipline from the standpoint of parenting and self-discipline, we take the same points and apply them to church discipline. These points are clearly established when we examine them in the common areas of parenting and self-discipline. First, we...
Understanding Discipline (Part Three)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (December 5, 2006)
In studying discipline in its various forms, we can attain a deeper understanding of the concept. Examining discipline in general and in the home, we take the same concepts used in the latter and apply them to self-discipline in our...
Understanding Discipline (Part Two)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 28, 2006)
Examples of bad parenting are everywhere. Crime, failing students, sexual promiscuity, and the general hostility of today's youth are evidence of the epidemic. Discipline is desperately needed in our homes. The failure of so many parents to do their jobs...
Understanding Discipline (Part One)
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 21, 2006)
Discipline is defined as, "Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order."/1 Discipline is tied to a standard or pattern so that...
Wake Up!
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 14, 2006)
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines "automatic pilot" as, "A navigation mechanism, as on an aircraft, that automatically maintains a preset course."/1 Pilots avail themselves of this technology when they are fatigued or have other duties to...
Stewards of Truth
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (November 7, 2006)
When we contemplate stewardship, our minds turn to effectively utilizing the money God has given us. Yet, the word simply refers to one who properly handles what has been entrusted to him. We want to briefly examine one item entrusted...
Trick or Treat!
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 31, 2006)
On Halloween night children go door-to-door crying, "Trick or treat!" The resident of the home distributes candy, thus saving their belongings from mischief. With Halloween here, the phrase can be borrowed and application can be made to people's use of...
The Eternity We Choose
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 24, 2006)
The ancient story is told of a young ruffian who caught a bird and brought it to a wise man. He asked the wise man if the bird were alive or dead. The older man stared at him silently for...
Why Do We Disobey God?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 17, 2006)
Why do men and women openly defy God? Why do we show contempt in the face of his warnings? The short answer is sin and human weakness. Yet, we feel compelled to dig deeper. God is all-powerful and formed the...
Is Everyone Subject to the Gospel?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 10, 2006)
There is a belief that only Christians are subject to the New Covenant found in the New Testament. Non-Christians, they say, have a "law written on their hearts" and are not subject to the laws of Christ (Romans 2:14-15). Gentiles who lived in the Old Testament period were under "natural law" and not under the Law of Moses (Romans 1:19-20). Non-Christians are likewise outside of the Law of Christ and not subject to its laws.
Will Everyone Be Saved?
By Richard Mansel, assistant editor (October 3, 2006)
Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved regardless of their lives. It sounds loving and compassionate. Yet, it is the complete opposite of God's scriptural plan for salvation. God is perfectly good and desires that all men be...