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How do we react when those around us commit sinful acts? How do we react when those around us live sinful lives? It is probable that we react in one of the following ways: either we ignore the sin, so as to avoid confrontation, or we magnify the sin, to feel better about our own transgressions, or we get frustrated by the sin, and begin to develop wrong attitudes in our lives, or we correct the one who has sinned,…

In Proverbs, Solomon invites us into the intimacy of his family circle. Twenty-three times1 in the book he addresses “my son.” Forty times he mentions mothers and fathers. Five times he mentions a wife (5:18; 6:29; 18:22; 19:13- 14) and five additional times he mentions a wise, virtuous, or gracious woman (possibly referring to his wife or a future daughter-in-law). Let’s allow the world’s wise man to give us the verbs we need to successfully prepare our children for heaven.…

Though often used to describe men, integrity is a word that is about as understood as it is a quality that is possessed. Webster’s Dictionary defines integrity as: “The state or quality of being entire or complete; wholeness; entireness; unbroken state” (Webster’s Dictionary, 1913). In this sense, integrity may refer to a structure or a foundation. If a foundation has lost its integrity, the building resting on that foundation will not stand because it’s lack of wholeness has deprived it…

What a mistake in that spring day of so long ago! What began as one man staying home alone ended with adultery, an illegitimate child’s death, the death of an innocent man, and the heartbreak and ruin of a family! How sin so easily ensnares us and our righteous judgment can be skewed and distorted by being alone in the wrong place! David could have gone with Joab. All the kings were going out to battle, why not David (2…

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that teach practical and moral lessons. Written by Solomon (Prov. 1:1), it served as instructions to make a son wise and knowledgeable (Prov.1:2, 8; 2:1; 3:1; et al.). Though the book was written as instruction to an individual, there are many proverbs we can apply to the church. Let us note a few to emphasize the importance of laboring in the work of the church. A working church is a…

Though the reality of weak and dying congregations of God’s people saddens us, we take comfort in the fact that there are many congregations throughout the world that are thriving. In addressing the 7 churches in Asia, Jesus highlighted the good along with the bad (Rev. 2-3). A careful examination of each address reveals important characteristics which are present in healthy and thriving churches. Congregations that are hardworking (Rev. 2:2- 3; 2:19). To the church at Ephesus Jesus said, “I…

Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord (Jer. 9:23-24). The downfall of Israel was their failure to keep…

How sad it is that so many congregations of the Lord’s people are dying. Sadder still, the fact that much of it could be prevented. Major health problems often advertise their presence through minor symptoms. Doctors recommend routine health screenings to look for signs of trouble. In many cases, if symptoms can be identified early then steps can be taken to prevent any major problems. The health of the church operates in the same fashion. By looking closely at symptoms,…

Generally speaking, members of the churches of Christ understand the difference between the Old and New Testaments. This difference contemplates more than narratives and historical events. The Old Testament and New Testament are distinctive in both character and content. The purpose of each is also unique. The contrasts seen in the parallels of these divisions of the Bible demonstrate the unique qualities of these two parts of the Bible, which together provide all truth revealed by God. The Old Testament…

As far as we know, the first introduction we have to Barnabas is found in Acts chapter 4. In this chapter we learn that his given name was Joses and he was a Levite from Cyprus. We also learn that the apostles “surnamed [him] Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation)” (Acts 4:36). If the name was given because of Barnabas’ character, and most likely it was, then he was an encourager. Barnabas was one who met the…

As future evangelists in the church of Christ, we have seen the job postings for vacancies to be filled in local congregations. These job descriptions tell us if we either qualify for the job or even desire to pursue and attempt to achieve that position. Most are familiar with the protocol of securing a future career. But what if your job description was; “To turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitude…

With a full week of the New Year behind you, what has changed in your life from last year? What resolutions have you determined to keep? What resolutions have you already broken? How many New Year’s resolutions involved your spiritual life and involvement in the church? Last week we pondered what the year 2022 would be for us. Let’s pose a few more questions to direct our minds to our own work in the Lord’s kingdom. Will 2022 be the…