Posts from 2022 (Page 20)

In years past it was not uncommon for some people to say, “The church of Christ believes that they are the only ones going to heaven.” Some of those saying this would have come by it honestly because that is exactly what was communicated to them by a member of the churches of Christ. However, others were simply misunderstanding (or misrepresenting) the speaker’s definition of “Church of Christ.” From the Bible’s standpoint, the church of Christ is made up of…

Critics come in many forms. But what they all seem to have in common is an ability to get inside your head. In fact, they can be the consummate squatters of the mind: They move in and take over, and the only way you will get rid of them is to evict them. But this is easier said than done. Humans are social creatures who rely on the cooperation of others. We need feedback, both positive and negative, to help…

One of the criticisms levelled at Global Warming advocates is that their actions do not always match their Doomsday predictions. They are accused of preaching imminent global destruction but living as though there is plenty of time. Spiritually speaking a similar criticism can be levelled at most Christians. We too can be accused of preaching imminent global destruction—at the return of Christ—but living as though there is plenty of time. Nowhere is this more evident than in our personal relationships.…

Forty-five years ago, the hymn, “What will you do with Jesus?” was among the Top 20 invitation songs in our congregation. The lyrics echo Pilate’s question to the crowd after they had chosen that Barabbas be released instead of Jesus. “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked. They all said, “Crucify Him!” (Matthew 27:22). The hymn remains a powerful and personal challenge to the sinner to consider his status before God; “neutral you cannot…

Those who know you best are the first to notice when you are especially happy. You become energised and begin to smile, sing, and retell those tales of victory; it’s a good day for everyone. The normal day can be one of struggles. Its not that you are unhappy, its that stubborn problems tend to be hard to smile at. We are ever reminded of how Adam consigned us to thorns, thistles and bread eaten by the sweat of our…

All of us can name the name of the last brother or sister we saw walking away from Christ and His Church. Sadly, I can name the last and the first. My heart breaks for them both, and every soul in-between. Some denominations teach that a Christian cannot fall away from Christ. Since the reason that God only chooses specific individuals, and miraculously endows them with faith, it is impossible for these ‘Elect’ to fall away. When asked if they…

Agatha Christie’s, “Murder on the Orient Express,” has stood the test of time, and as they say, “It ain’t famous for nothing!” I have read the book and seen the two major motion picture adaptations, but for the life of me, I can find no possible way for the reader and viewer to work out who the killers were before the detective’s final detailed explanation. Christie’s ability to convince her audience that her victim was murdered by, not one, but…

Once upon a time, we went forth from our pews to have discussions about God. These were discussions centred around Biblical doctrines, and their goal was to clearly understand what God wanted from all people. Those that remembered that the devil was always present at every discussion “did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God” (Acts 20:27). But those who forgot gave in to false teaching and compromise. By the end of the twentieth century “Doctrine”…

A preacher friend of mine once said concerning a sermon he was preparing, “I’m not sure that I can preach this without it sounding like a conspiracy theory.” It’s a sad day when Biblical teachings are considered as being the conspiracies of cult leaders. But should we be surprised? After all, Satan has his own preachers! Jesus places upon you and me the “Responsibility of The Listener.” He commanded: “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure…

I think that we might agree that, given half the chance, most of us would happily share all our frustrations in detail. But since such outbursts do not make for a pleasant living, we wisely curb our desire to over-share that which aggravates us. Many people bottle up their grievances and save them for an audience that will either cool their tempers or put up with their eruptions. Many a sin is hidden among the moods of the day. Pity…