Brethren often talk about “the five steps of salvation,” in reference to man’s part in his response to the gospel. Although there is value to this concise list, the Bible never speaks of “The Five Steps Of Salvation” as it is typically used today. Don’t misunderstand me, I believe in what is typically referred to as “the five steps” because you can put clear Bible verses after each of the “steps!” My concern is that constant reference to “man’s part,” may make man’s response more important in some people’s minds than “God’s part.” The formula, though useful , can…
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THE DILIGENCE OF JESUS
(by Heath Rogers)
Christians are not saved to sit. We are not to put our spiritual lives on "autopilot" and expect any favorable results. The Bible contains repeated admonitions for us to be diligent in our efforts to grow spiritually and to serve the Lord.
We often learn best with the reinforcement of a good example. If we need an example of diligence, we need look no further than our Lord.
Jesus showed diligence in His youth. The Lord's family traveled to Jerusalem for the Feast of Passover… -
In our entertainment-oriented culture, many churches find themselves trying to 'out do' themselves with more and more elaborate additions to worship. What began as special music by a choir becomes a full orchestra with professional soloists. A dramatic reading necessitates a full Broadway stage production. And as long as those who come to worship enjoy what is offered, anything goes. The expectation is that sermons will be shorter, wittier, and more uplifting. Anything in worship that cannot be 'jazzed up' must be abandoned as boring — and there is nothing worse than being boring, we are led to believe.
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I am amazed at the number of people in the church who complain that there is nothing for them to do. By this they generally mean that the elders have not given them a specific assignment. Does this excuse them from not being active in the greatest cause on earth? No!
Every member must realize that the Lord has already assigned them specific duties like helping to restore brothers who have been caught in any trespass (Gal. 6:l) and bearing one another's burdens (Gal. 6:2).
Each one of us is under the commission we call great (Mk. 16:15,…
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Attendance at worship services and Bible study times has always been a problem. Faithful brethren have constantly agonized over those who didn't attend. It has been that way in every generation, including among the very first Christians. The Hebrew writer was compelled to pen these famous words:
“Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Notice the reasons why you should attend every…
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AM Sermon
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While working out I was pressing more weight than I should have. In my mind I am still in my twenties. I started my third set … 5… 6 … halfway through the last rep my arms decided enough was enough. I was abruptly reminded that the half-century is in my rear-view mirror by several years. Seeing no other option, I shifted a little to the right, dropped the weight and fell off the bench. Now if this had occurred at home, that would have been the end of the story. However, I was blessed to enjoy this…
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Acts 11 records disciples bringing the gospel to Syrian Antioch. “And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord” (verse 21, NASB).
“A large number who believed turned to the Lord.” Does this imply that some who believed did not turn to the Lord? How sad to think it could be so. Yet the New Testament elsewhere describes people who believed in Jesus, but for one reason or another were unwilling to be his disciples. Some who believed were afraid to confess…
