Torches light the way through the Kidron Valley as soldiers and officers angrily approach Jesus of Nazareth. One of the chosen twelve steps from the group and greets his friend with a kiss (John 18:1-11). He approaches as one very familiar with Christ using the sign of brotherly love to identify his teacher to the authorities (I Cor. 16:20). How hypocritical of Judas: a demonstration of respect which will lead to murder. This is just another form of torture Christ has to endure although He knows the prophecy is going to be fulfilled (Prov. 27:6 & Psa. 41:9). The follower's…

Recently I listened to this old hymn by C. Austin Miles with fresh ears. As a child, my mood would turn gray and my heart would fill with sadness when singing this song. Perhaps I associated the tune with funerals for members at our small country congregation or maybe it was because we sang it slowly, with emphasis on the fermatas (held notes). Today…

As a follow up to Brother Chumbley's series of lessons on evidences, I'd like to point out one more witness of testimony that is a powerful tool in leading others to Christ…ourselves. A strong, convicted Christian gets the attention of the outside world through their godly conduct. If we yield the fruits of the spirit in our daily lives (love,…

While dealing with a health issue and receiving a disappointing, yet non-life-threating report, I prayed this prayer. The morning after returning home from the hospital I retreated to my safe place, the back porch. Directly in my line of sight, standing tall and perfect, were Pink Ladies. Full-bloom and a soft pink, the only color among all the greenery…

"Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness." (1 Timothy 2:9-10, NAS95)

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." (1 Timothy 2:9-10, KJV)

In this verse the discussion of what you "put on" is a demonstration of…

Practice Makes Us More Perfect There are very few areas of expertise achieved by men apart from diligent study and practice. Olympic athletes and other individuals considered to be at the peak of physical human ability are not born that … Read More →

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For all the negative things we have to say, God has a positive for it.

Hell is for Real “Hell is for real.” When was the last time you heard someone say that? When was the last time you heard some money or power hungry televangelist teach that soul-searing truth (2 Ptr. 2:1-3; Acts 20:30)? … Read More →

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Miserable Friends I feel for Job who, when he needed comfort and compassion, got what was anything but. He rebukes his friends and goes on to express his utter feeling of abandonment and helplessness. As Christians we need to remember … Read More →

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"During our years of church planting, we tried to change people's perceptions about what the Sunday worship would look like," wrote Michelle Lazurek, in a recent Crosswalk.com article.

"We took out pews and replaced them with pub tables and chairs, added lights and a stage and most importantly," the award-winning author and preacher's wife said, "(we) added a breakfast bar where people could grab bagels and other breakfast foods and coffee during the service."

Lazurek admitted, "Not everyone loved these changes."

Some of the reasons she shared why they added breakfast to worship included "it brings us…

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“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17). “Continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Rom. 12:12).

            These are but two of the passages which have led our shepherds to choose prayer as a subject of emphasis in the coming year. And let’s be clear about something—the intent is not to focus on prayer in 2017 and then move on to something else in 2018. Instead, the hope is that in this coming year we can learn some things and make some changes that will stay with us throughout our lives. In February we will use our winter classes to focus on prayer and…