Transforming Ourselves From The World
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:1-2 Keeping ourselves free of worldliness lies at the heart of every word of scripture and therefore every time we study or teach the Bible. The passage above really makes it clear. We have only the two choices of Godliness or worldliness. It has always...
Read MoreNot What We Want But What We Need
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11 As I sit here putting this bulletin together, I find myself struggling to believe that we are expected to have a blanket of snow in a few hours. It’s not from a lack of experience with abrupt weather changes or not knowing we can have really cold weather for several more weeks. It has occurred to me one of the key elements driving my uncertainty is it’s just not what I want. I’m, maybe, a little spoiled by these cool crisp mornings and nicer days. The Bible is clear...
Read MoreIf We Can Just Get Them Interested
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19-20 The charge to go forth and spread the gospel is as authoritative today as it was over 2,000 years ago when Christ gave the great commission. As individuals, congregations, and a collective body, we work diligently to carry out the command of Matthew 28. The Lord’s Church has capitalized on every avenue and advancement of...
Read MoreWhat Lack I Yet?
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Matthew 19:20 This certainly, on the outset, is a very good question. The passage we are using is what we commonly refer to as “The rich young ruler”. Initially, he is introduced in a positive manner. He is seeking to learn more. He presents himself in a way of wanting to grow. We need to never settle or feel as though we have attained all (Php 3:14). We also appreciate all the good things this young man has done and areas of faithfulness in his life (Matt 19:18). Also, he was interested in the most...
Read MoreOpportunity or Obligation?
Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Psalm 100:2 How do we view each day? I know for me I usually feel like each day has a list of obligations and in many ways it does. However, each day is also filled with opportunity, but I often wonder am I treating opportunities like obligations? For example, we have studied brotherly love on the last couple of Wednesday nights. I now realize, while to love one another is a scriptural command (John 13:34-35), it is also an opportunity I have to show godliness and increase the quality of life for those I come in contact...
Read MoreThe Times Are Changing
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 No doubt we’ve all heard and most likely said the expression “times are a changin”. All it takes is a simple trip to the grocery store. Not only will one be floored by the high cost of the simplest items, we are also overwhelmed by the actions and attitudes of our fellow man. However, when we examine the Bible, we can see a consistency in the fact that the...
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