by William J. Stewart
A midday break while walking from Judea to Galilee resulted in a significant conversation. So weighty were the matters discussed, that the Holy Spirit had John record it for all future would-be worshipers. “The hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24) Continue reading
by William J. Stewart
It is important for us to walk in God’s way, to be in the world and not of the world. We do not want to practice or accept what is contrary to God’s will. Some, in their zeal for such, have subscribed to asceticism, defined by m-w.com as “practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline.” The extreme forms of asceticism often involve flagellation and other forms of harm to the body. Less severe, but still strict, are those who refuse the use of modern technology (cars, electricity, telephones, etc.). Still on the asceticism spectrum, some oppose reading, watching or listening to any entertainment of this world and consider it a sin for a Christian to do so. Continue reading
by Rusty Taylor | via bridgeviewchurch.com
We know well the importance of certain sayings that the biblical authors saw fit to state not once but twice. Paul says in Galatians 1:8-9, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” Similarly, Jesus repeats himself word-for-word in Luke 13:3, 5, “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
The Book of Proverbs is full of repetitions like these. In this article, we will give attention to some wise sayings that are worth repeating. Continue reading
by Jim Mickells | via The Hickory Heights Messenger
Sylvia and I were watching America’s Funniest Home Videos on night a few years ago, when a teacher asked some of their students a question. There were two young boys, about five or six years old, who were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up. One of the little boys thought for a few seconds and then said, ‘I don’t want to grow up.’ This was a very cute and funny video that made us laugh. Yet the more I thought about it the more it made we realize this is an attitude displayed by many Christians. They would not articulate such with words. Yet their actions or lack of is a clear indication it is their desire whether they admit it or not. They do not want to grow up spiritually. Continue reading
by Dee Bowman | via The Hickory Heights Messenger
Character is the accumulation of qualities that distinguish one person from another. Character is not just one single trait, but the accumulation of all a person is, the sum total of all his traits.
Someone has suggested that reputation is what others think us to be, character is what God knows us to be.
How does a person develop and maintain a good character? Continue reading
by Keith Sharp
When faced with a Bible passage that plainly teaches the necessity of water baptism for salvation, many of our friends protest, “But what about the thief on the cross? He was saved forty feet above the high water mark! He never got his big toe wet! I want to be saved just like the thief on the cross!” Surely this unnamed malefactor must be the most popular criminal who ever lived! Continue reading
by William J. Stewart
Goliath, the Philistine giant, challenged Israel to produce a champion to fight him one on one. The loser’s people would serve the victor’s nation (1 Samuel 17:8-10). Israel did not send out a man, rather they “were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). Continue reading
by William J. Stewart
I’m not asking if your dishes are done, if the floor is swept, the carpets are vacuumed, the light fixtures are dusted, etc.. Our title refers to 2 Kings 20, where the prophet Isaiah was sent to an ailing king Hezekiah. He had a very short but vital message for the king, “Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live” (20:1). Continue reading
by William J. Stewart
Peaks and valleys in life is a common thing. Whether we are talking about our relationships, career, health, finances, emotional well being, or faith, there will be high and low moments.
A survey of what we know about the apostle Peter’s life shows that he experienced these peaks and valleys in the faith, just like you and I. It is interesting to notice that most of the low or difficult times came on the heels of a spiritual high or occasions of growth. Let’s notice this pattern from Scripture. Continue reading
by William J. Stewart
When he was an old man, the elders of Israel approached Samuel, who served as a prophet, priest and judge among his people, and said, “make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). The prophet was broken up (Strong’s 03415) over their demand. The LORD assured Samuel, “they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me” (1 Samuel 8:7). Continue reading
