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James describes the kind of heart we need in order to profit from studying the Bible. Read His words carefully. “Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (Jas. 1:21 -22). Every time we read the Bible, listen to Bible teaching or are studying the word, we must receive it with meekness. Sometimes there are individuals who have great knowledge about the Bible…

An antiseptic is defined by the dictionary as “a substance that destroys or inhibits the growth or action of microorganisms (such as bacteria) especially in or on living tissue” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). This medicinal substance is vital when trying to reduce the threat of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction on a person’s open wound, such as during a surgery. Today, we have a variety of antiseptics such as mouthwash, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, which can be readily purchased at a local…

Paul, in his address to the Areopagus, spoke of the need for all men to repent and that a day has been appointed for judgment; those statements came with the assurance or proof in the resurrection of the Christ (Acts 17:30- 31). We overlook the gift of having an assurance from God. We want assurances when it comes to things we buy or promises made. With God, these assurances are a blessing. We can come to realize this assurance as…

When Jesus foretold the time when not a single stone of that majestic temple in Jerusalem would rest upon another, the disciples asked for signs which would precede the destruction of that temple and the end of Judaism (Mark 13:4; Luke 21:7). The Lord gave at least eight distinct signs which would come before that event. He then foretold of another event which would happen for which there was one single sign to announce its coming. Jesus spoke of a…

When we say yes to God’s plan of salvation for us, we have to say no to our old unsaved ways of life. I’ll explain this by looking at God’s plan of salvation. #1 Hear the gospel. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17) When we first hear the gospel, our faith grows and we start to trust God’s ways for us. To be able to live a life of trusting God…

As we live our lives from day to day, there are actions or behaviors that become a regular part of our routine. These repetitive actions that we decide to do for ourselves become second nature and can develop into habits. These habits (physical or spiritual) can be good habits or bad habits depending upon the effect or the outcome that the action produces. To paint a clearer picture in our minds, we probably think of many habits that we perform…

Some of us are “late to the party” where good sense is involved, while others figure things out pretty quickly in life. This should not surprise us because many times Bible characters were slow to “get the point” of things that the Lord was teaching. David, for example, was a little slow when Nathan told him about a rich man who mistreated a poor man and essentially stole from him (2 Samuel 12:1-4). When David heard the tale, he became…

Some of us are “late to the party” where good sense is involved, while others figure things out pretty quickly in life. This should not surprise us because many times Bible characters were slow to “get the point” of things that the Lord was teaching. David, for example, was a little slow when Nathan told him about a rich man who mistreated a poor man and essentially stole from him (2 Samuel 12:1-4). When David heard the tale, he became…

By John Mitchell I remember the final scene in a movie that I saw years ago. Two men were in a house, and they were arguing with each other. One man shoots the other man. The man who was shot staggers to the side. Knocking over a lamp, he says, “Why did you shoot me?” Then he staggers the other direction, knocking over a T V, he says, “I’m not guilty, I didn’t do it!” Then he staggers another direction,…

By Jon Arvin After the birth of Jesus, Joseph is told in a dream to take Mary and their Son to Egypt to avoid the threat against his life from Herod (Matthew 2:13). In this short passage we learn a few truths about the enemies of Jesus. TO THE ENEMIES OF JESUS, NOTHING IS OFF LIMITS: …Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him. – Matthew 2:13 Herod was fearful of losing his power and authority. He…

Pray, specifically, about having opportunities to share your faith. Think about the people in the various places you spend your time and ask God for inroads with these individuals specifically. Pray for courage, wisdom, and your words (cf. Col. 4:2-6). Pray for their hearts. Pray to pick opportune times to approach them. Cultivate your fields. Spend time thinking about who you have or can build a relationship with. That will be your area of greatest success. Be involved in their…

2 Peter 1:5-11 – 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and selfcontrol with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted…