In Christ Jesus we are “a new creation; the old has passed away” (2 Cor. 5:17). We are forgiven fully. The Lord even wants us to be free of the guilty feelings that may haunt us. Why, then, must a Christian give an account of himself on the day of judgment? Paul says that “we…
TV commercials promising easy money are amusing. These advertisements assure gullible viewers that they can earn a comfortable living while sitting on their hands: “To learn more, just call the toll-free number at the bottom of your screen.” Call that number, and you may be duped into buying a “starter’s kit” costing only $495.95. Yes,…
God gave our first parents freedom of choice. In the tropical paradise of Eden, they were permitted to decide for themselves whether to heed the divine warning concerning the forbidden tree. This freedom to choose between right and wrong has come down to all the children of Adam and Eve. Some choices, though, lie beyond…
The Old Testament depicts a seemingly endless enmity between the Israelites and the Philistines. For instance, the book of Judges tells of Shamgar, a man who delivers Israel by killing “six hundred of the Philistines with an oxgoad” (3:31). The far more familiar story of Samson’s struggle with the Philistines is recorded in the same…
The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was approaching. James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas (the Lord’s half-brothers) invited Jesus to accompany them to Jerusalem. There he could prove himself to the people. ”If you do these things,” they said, “show yourself to the world” (John 7:4). The skepticism implied in their challenge was confirmed by the author…
A permissive attitude concerning divorce and remarriage has beaten the American family to its knees. Adults bounce from one disastrous marriage to another, and innocent children suffer the consequent instability and abandonment. The church must guard against contributing to the confusion and hold firmly to the biblical principles that govern marriage. Below are two common…
On February 12, 2009, Kyle Butt and Dan Barker met to debate the existence of God. In his closing remarks, Mr. Barker gave an analogy intended to show the superiority of the atheist’s view of mankind. Imagine, he said, that a person is charged with a crime and imprisoned. After some years the governor pardons…
Beautiful flowers decorate the wedding chapel. The groomsmen and bridesmaids stand at the front of the room in their impeccable tuxedoes and gowns. The groom, handsome and nervous, is eagerly awaiting the entrance of his bride. Now the majestic strains of the wedding march swell and fill the chapel. The audience stands, turns–and gasps in…
Public school teachers cannot legally lead students in prayer, display the Ten Commandments, or teach the Genesis creation account. According to the Supreme Court’s dubious interpretation of the Constitution, the state must sever any links between itself and religion–Christianity in particular. What biblical principles relate to this controversial legal doctrine known as “separation of church…
Several years ago I heard an excellent Gospel meeting message presented by Billy Smith, dean of the Freed-Hardeman University Bible department. His sermon challenged the assembly to make Jesus the focus of faith, worship, daily living, and hope. Billy introduced his lesson by noting a common criticism of the churches of Christ. “Our denominational friends…