The X-Files

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God's "Flaw"

Forgetfulness is seen as a flaw among humans. Humans see forgetfulness as a defect, something that comes as part of getting older or that plagues us in our teenage years. I forget small things, like where I last placed the...

God's Set Purpose

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose...

House Cleaning

It had been way too long and things had begun to get out of hand. Nothing was working the way it was supposed to work. Every effort I undertook turned into a major production, as I had to deal with...

Proclaimers of His Majesty

"For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty" (2 Peter 1:16). Today I heard someone use the phrase "too...

The Meaning of Christmas

Merry Christmas and, dare I say it, Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays! As you enter into the town square of Waynesboro, Tennessee, a sign is strung between two buildings wishing all visitors and residents, "Season's Greetings." The town square itself...

Not Far from Each of Us

Call it elusive, call it unattainable, call it the bane of my existence, this thorn in my flesh, the snag that prohibits me from completing my nine-year-old's Christmas wish list is a Disney Mix Stick. Each morning at nine I...

Prayer is the Answer

Prayer is a peculiar thing. We know we should pray. We recognize God hears our prayers. We understand God answers our prayers. Yet, still we do not pray as we should. Why? Bad experience with prayer might be one answer. We ask God for something, God answers but not as we wanted, so we conclude prayer does not work. When you want to know how to do something right you go to an expert. Paul was an expert at prayer. Perhaps at some time he had done as the other disciples and asked Jesus to "teach him to pray." Paul prayed earnestly, unceasingly, and most importantly, according to God's will.

Straight to the Cross

Straight to the Cross-is a new book published by Forthright Press, an excellent book if I do say so myself (check out chapter three!). Straight to the Cross-is where Jesus was destined to go from the moment Mary placed him in the manger. Straight to the Cross-is where each of us must go if we ever want to find meaning in this life. Taking people straight to the cross is our central message. "For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2) But when you stop to ponder the cross it can really be a rather strange message.

Who Do You Say that I Am?

Matthew 16:13-16 Katie Fisher, 17, entered the Madison County Ohio Junior Livestock Sale hoping the lamb she had for sale would get a good price. For months Katie had been battling cancer. She had endured hospital stays and been through...

Leaving the Filth Behind

Jesus and his apostles unmistakably teach us that forgiveness of sins takes place when one believes in Jesus as the Son of God (John 3:16), repents of their sins (Luke 13:3), confesses him before others (Matthew 10:32), and is baptized (Mark 16:16). No one step is "better" or "above" the others, yet remove one and you render the others of none effect. One who is baptized, yet never has repented of their sins, remains in their sins. One who believes in Christ, repents of their sins, confesses Christ and yet refuses Christ's command to be baptized remains in their sin.

Some Things You Just Don't Do

There are some things that you just don't do. "You don't tug on Super Man's cape. You don't spit into the wind. You don't pull the mask off the ole' Lone Ranger and you don't mess around with Jim. (or...

What Is Your Faith-Heritage?

Among our brethren today you hear people talking about our "faith—heritage," or being a part of the "Stone—Campbell movement." What is all this about? Upon first reading, one might think this is just some convoluted way of referencing the American...

Out of the Box

There is a popular children's show on the Disney Channel called "Out of the Box." The theme song is one of those songs that, once you've heard it, sticks in your mind all day. It ends with the words, "Out...

Holiness

One of the least studied books of the bible deals with one of the most important topics concerning man today. The theme of the book of Leviticus can be stated in one word, holiness. It deals with the question, "How...

Unity in Diversity

Conflict and controversy are two sure-fire ways of exciting people into Bible study. Sadly, this kind of fire seldom resolves anything, rarely incites people to go into the world to save the lost, and most often causes division and even...

Where Are Your Priorities?

The inspired writer of Hebrews spends a great deal of time in chapter ten explaining the blessings of the new covenant of Christ. "He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made...

Circle of Protection

The Musk Ox seems to have more sense than God's family at times. When faced with danger, musk oxen form a circle with their heads and horns facing outward. In the center of this circle of protection, musk oxen place...

Life Happens

Life is never easy. Life on this earth will introduce you to a myriad of emotions. In the course of one day, we can experience boredom and excitement, elation and desolation, life and death. Whether your outlook on life is...

Evangelism Depends on You

During the preparations for an evangelistic crusade in Latin America, a very poor, unshaven man came to one of the week-long biblical counseling courses. It was unusual to see a man of this condition attending an in-depth training session. Most...