We must surely realize our need for such a pattern. No reputable contractor would attempt to construct a building without a blueprint. Even the most talented seamstress realizes the need for a pattern. This is because the tasks they undertake are difficult. Of how much more infinite difficulty is the task of the church, which is "the pillar and ground of the truth"? (1Timothy 3:15)

Indeed, concerning man's entire relationship to God, Jeremiah could cry in all truth, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to…

When you lay out Acts 2 and 3, there are some great comparisons. Both begin the same basic way (Men of Judea, Men of Israel) and contain at least these similarities:

They start by clearing up misunderstandings and reference a direct act of God's power (2:15-20; 3:16-18).

They show how the miracles attest to Jesus (2:22; 3:16).

They speak to "the name of the Lord" (2:21, 38; 3:16).

They reference the guilt of killing Jesus (2:23; 3:14-15).

They affirm the resurrection of Jesus (2:24, 32; 3:15).

They show how it all happened according to…

One of my best memories as a kid is that of loading up the station wagon and heading to Bible study on Wednesday night. No matter the weather, or schoolwork (we had to do it immediately after school on Wednesdays), or ball, we were there. Do you know how embarrassing it was to be pulled out of practice or a game (the worst!) and have to leave the field with your parents (of all people!) to "go to church" while the others stayed and played? Funny how I still remember that. Not only did I survive, but also in the…

There was a lot of publicity a few years ago about studies indicating a "genetic predisposition" to homosexuality, but there has never been anything near proof that homosexuality cannot be helped and is genetic. If someone contends that it is genetically driven, the burden of proof is on the one making that contention. It cannot be proven. Some other thoughts:

1. Homosexuality is "conduct". We do not deny that someone may have homosexual thoughts or temptations. But what makes someone homosexual is committing homosexual acts. Most people confuse a "tendency" or a "temptation" with the act. I may be tempted…

Elders across the country are seeing an increase in the number of Christians who are dealing with depression/anxiety and the very negative effect on the spiritual lives of their members. There is a dipropionate increase in the number of young people whose lives are interrupted by anxiety/depression to the point that their ability to worship and serve God becomes difficult for them. At this point parent and elders are faced with a more difficult challenge to prevent spiritual malnutrition.

There is a growing body of research in the mental health world that suggests…

Have you ever taken the time to consider the “one another “statements in the scriptures? The impact that would occur IF every member in the local church fully followed these passages. The encouragement would strengthen the “fainthearted”, help the weak, [ 1THess 5:14] cure the weakness in most, and build up one another.

Consider the follow passage and look for the positive effects will have on every member!

Joh 13:34 "A new commandment I give to you, that you…

Do you hesitate to be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) or even to admit that the scriptures teach that you should be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:16) because your parents or some other loved ones have failed to do so and because you are concerned about their spiritual welfare? If so, you may be risking your eternal salvation while doing nothing to enhance their eternal destiny.

It is natural for you to be concerned about the spiritual welfare of your parents or other loved ones. You must realize, however, that your obedience can neither save…

Children can influence their parents just as parents can influence their children. The following story about an imaginary couple may have been duplicated in the lives of many of our readers.

George and Mary were a wonderful couple as they began their life together. Throughout their youth they had received strong teaching concerning worldliness, and their conduct showed the effects of that teaching.

They had been taught faithfulness in attendance, and they never missed a service for "anything." In character and conviction, they were blameless.

This young couple failed, however, to instill into the hearts of their…

What can I do to improve my discipleship? I trust that these are matters all can benefit from, but I need to personalize this. I'm not simply asking, "What can I tell others to do?" but "What can I do?" Getting lost in the maze of responsibilities and thinking about what others need to do is easy. Far more difficult is the hard work of being honest with self, knowing what needs to change, and having the will to do it.

There are obvious actions and attitudes that are always on the table: more prayer, more study, more love,…

Sometimes people attempt to justify their sinful conduct on the basis of "well everyone else is doing it." If "everyone else" is dressing immodestly, what are we going to do? If "everyone else" is going to a "must see" R-rated movie, what are we going to do? If "everyone else" is lying, stealing, or cheating what are we going to do?

In the days of King Nebuchadnezzar, "everyone else" was bowing down and worshiping his golden image (see Dan. 3:1-7). But what did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego do? They said "let it be known to you, O king, that…