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Is it important to remember life-changing or defining moments? Of course, it is. Keeping such things in our memories allows the substantial impact to remain with us. They keep us focused on what is important and snap us back to reality when we begin to lose our way. One of our more common methods of remembrance is to establish memorials. Memorials tend to be erected to commemorate events and interactions that left lasting impacts on those who raise them. These…

The story is told of a Christian high school senior who was honored as one of the best and brightest in his community because he provided a forceful demonstration of integrity. When his school team was given the word “auditorium” in a regional spelling bee, he glanced down to ponder his response and noticed that the word was printed on the microphone stand. He called this to the attention of the judges who responded with a more difficult word. The…

Righteous living has always been a cornerstone of godly living. Ever since the Creation, God has had the expectation of man and woman that he and she both live according to His command. However, both man and woman failed – as every man and woman have since. So, when Jesus declares, “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mat. 5:20), what is He…

“and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. 25 Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger,” – Ephesians 4:24-26 Paul is encouraging the church to grow in Christian maturity and grace. One sign of that new…

Among the people of the earth, the Israelites had a special relationship with God. Even among those in the tribe of Levi had a special service which drew them into a closer relationship with God than their brothers. The descendants of Aaron were to be the priests and the rest of the tribe were to serve and participate in taking care of the tabernacle (Num. 18:1-2). God provided for them since they were exclusively working in His service. Chapter eighteen…

D o you feel like it’s harder to be nice these days? Some people today are extremely negative, extremely hurtful and extremely vile. Some people today throw niceness back in the face of those who extend it. Some people today make being nice awfully hard. Be nice anyway! When your own family members let you down, say things that hurt, forget to do things they promised to do, ignore your efforts to show kindness, dump everything on you and expect…

Are you ready for an evangelism boot camp? There was a time in our not so distant past when these types of seminars were being held all over our nation. Christians carried film strips (Jule Miller) in the back of their trunks and went house to house teaching anyone who would listen the Gospel of Christ. Now most of our training is inwardly focused and are geared towards keeping the saved, saved. Success is seen in how many sister congregations…

Paul’s words to young Timothy were so descriptive of the trials he would have to face. Those verses in 1 Timothy 4 were given to Timothy because of what was happening. The gospel was soon to be preached to every creature under heaven, and the future of the church was so promising. Paul warned Timothy that the Holy Spirit of God had clearly revealed that some would depart from the faith and begin following false teachers and the lies they…

The assembly should highlight the week of every faithful child of God. This period of worship, study, and devotion provides the much-needed focus and spiritual context for life that the world attacks as dull or meaningless. Every gathering offers yet another opportunity to remind ourselves of the extent of God’s interest, the depth of God’s love, and the might of God’s power—all exercised throughout millennia for our personal and eternal benefit. However, even many Christians fail to appreciate this blessing.…

In the closing verses of John, Jesus foretold the nature of the death of Peter. He reminded Peter of that time when he was young and could dress himself and was free to go wherever he wanted. He then said, “But when you are old another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” The Holy Spirit then adds these comments, “This He said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God” (John…

How long do you wait? You are at a traffic light. It goes from red to green. The person in front of you is clearly distracted, and your lane is the only one not moving. How long do you wait before you take action? You are seated at a restaurant. Ten minutes pass, and no one has taken your drink order. It is busy but not slammed. They should’ve come to the table by now. How long do you wait…

Prayer is a resource and an honor that not all enjoy. Through the power of prayer, we can receive forgiveness from God, boldness from God, peace from God, opportunity from God, strength from God, healing from God, wisdom from God, and tranquility from God. For those that do not have the privilege of prayer, their prayers will be an abomination to God. Their prayers will fall on deaf ears. Their prayers will be hindered. Their prayers will not be answered…