Family, friends, teammates and the world were all in shock when they learned that Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend before driving to the NFL football team’s training facility and shooting himself last Saturday [December 1, 2012]. On the very next day, the grieving Chiefs decided to proceed with their scheduled game against the Carolina Panthers. The Chiefs won the emotion-filled game, but all would agree that the outcome of the game was not the important thing. Chiefs quarterback Brady Quinn was asked to share his thoughts about the tragedy in a press conference after the game. Commenting on Quinn’s remarks, Mike Florio said, “Quinn’s post-game remarks were eloquent and heartfelt, and they captured perfectly one of the things we risk losing as a society that communicates primarily in snippets of misspelled words and emotions.” “The one thing people can hopefully try to take away, I guess, is the relationships they have with people,” Quinn told reporters after the game. I know when it happened, I was sitting and, in my head, thinking what I could have done differently. When you ask someone how they are doing, do you really mean it? When you answer someone back how you are doing, are you really telling the truth? We live in a society of social networks, with Twitter pages and Facebook, and that’s fine, but we have contact with our work associates, our family, our friends, and it seems like half the time we are more preoccupied …

In one of the opening chapel sessions at Faulkner University this year [2007] the President spoke. Among the things that he said was this statement: “The time has come for you to stand on your own.” I thought that was a very powerful and appropriate statement. It made me think about several things. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, Chapter 6, talked about the Christian armor. In this discussion he emphasized the need to stand. The word “stand” is mentioned several times with the conclusion, “And having done all, to stand.” I believe that it is the case that the time has come for all of us to stand. We Must Stand for What Is Right We need to firmly and without compromise stand for the truth (Jude 3). We need to be those who can be counted as proponents of right. We need to hold forth the banner of righteousness, and never back down. We must stand for right, even if no one else around us is. As has often been said, the greatest evil may be those who believe in the right, but who do not say anything. That is how Germany could be led into the terror of Hitler’s regime, and literally millions of innocent people were annihilated because good people remained silent. We Must Stand against What Is Wrong Those who are proponents of evil are very often militant and noisy, actively trying to get others to become part of their evil. If we …

“I never made a fortune and it’s probably too late now, but I don’t worry about that much. I’m happy anyhow. As I go along life’s journey, I’m reaping better than I sowed. I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed. I remember times when things went wrong, and my faith got a little thin. Yet, then, all at once the dark clouds broke, and the sun peeked through again. So, Lord, help me not to gripe about the tough rows I hoed. I’m drinking from my saucer because my cup has overflowed.” Some of you may recognize this as a partial recitation that was written by Jimmy Dean, country music star and “sausage maker.” Alice and I are country music fans, and we’ve watched old programs where he recited this very piece. It is most humbling to hear him repeat it. The words of the whole writing give cause for thought. How, though, can we make application to ourselves? David had no trouble understanding how to apply such words to himself. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me… my cup runs over” (Psalm 23). David said bad things might happen to him, but he knew that whatever came his way, God would be with him. He felt rich because of the blessings God had provided him, so much so that he could say his blessings …

“That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish” (Ephesians 5:27). There are many things to which we give honor in this life, our parents, country, friends and associates, etc., but nothing is to receive the honor due the church for which Jesus died. The Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom [church] of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). The church of the Bible is incomparably greater than all human institutions, sectarian or fraternal. This is so because God is its Author. “To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:10-11). This is so because Christ is its Builder. “And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). This is so because Christ is its Head. “And he is the head of the body, the church who is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:18). This is so because Christ is its Savior. “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the …

Don’t we all harbor regrets in our lives? We all make mistakes. We all flounder in a world of doubts and the misdirection of poor human advice. Oh, to put our sorrows, regrets behind us and push forward, doing that which is right in the sight of God Almighty must be our goal. “I want to live my life so that my nights are not full of regrets” (D. H. Lawrence, 1885 – 1930). As we ponder regrets, we can imagine that even the illustrious apostle Paul must have had inner regrets. Yet few men, young or old, have been so furious in persecution as was Saul of Tarsus; and the fact that he, so young, entered on the work of persecution in the manner he did… He “made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and, haling men and women,” he tore them from their homes, and “committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3)… He “punished” that is, scourged them “in every synagogue.” (Life of the Apostle Paul by Albert Barnes, 30) With zeal that few men can muster, Saul of Tarsus, later the fearless, matchless apostle Paul, performed many acts against the church. How did he overcome past negative feelings, past actions and finally to prevail? “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God …

In Revelation 21:18, we read, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.” This verse is part of the description of the church given by John. He saw the heavenly Jerusalem descending out of heaven (v. 10). The church is seen as a most beautiful place made of gold and precious stones. In ancient times, jasper was seen as having certain special powers. It was also believed to be associated with certain things. These are not true, but it is possible that these beliefs and superstitions are reasons that God used jasper in his picture of the church. Jasper stone was believed to be a remedy for snakebite. How appropriate that the church is envisioned as having walls that make the city safe from the bite of the great serpent, Satan. If one stays inside the walls of the heavenly Jerusalem, one cannot be harmed by the bites of the Serpent. The jasper stone was also thought to have the special power to relieve drought. People believed that the stone could be used to bring much needed rain during times when it had not rained for a long time. Jesus said He brought living water. He meant that if one will drink of the truths in the Bible, then one will live forever in Heaven. If we will stay inside the walls of jasper, then we will always have the kind of water that we need. The …

The Old Testament chronicles the long line of 17 judges, ending with Samuel, and his sons Joel and Abijah (1 Samuel 8:1-2). [Editor’s Note: Typically, Bible students acknowledge that there were 15 judges raised up by God, despite Samuel appointing his sons to be judges. In the absence, however, of a specific enumeration concisely in a singular passage of Scripture, some commentators cite fewer, or in this case more, than that number. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor] Israel became dissatisfied and requested a king. The people desired to be “like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). This request troubled Samuel. “Jehovah said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee, for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not be king over them” (1 Samuel 8:7). Note that God himself had been ruling over them; He had been their King. An earthly kingdom was granted with Saul, followed by David and then Solomon. However, God had in mind a better kingdom arrangement – an arrangement whereby He would once again be the King. He gradually revealed His plan. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of the peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to establish …

One of the sentries who stood guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns when Hurricane Isabel slammed the Atlantic coast in 2003 was later asked by a reporter why he didn’t seek shelter from the storm. The reporter asked a question about his “silly, purposeless, personal risk” to which the valiant soldier replied, “I wouldn’t expect you to understand. It’s an enlisted man’s thing.” “When practically every government employee in Washington was beating a hasty retreat to avoid the aftereffects of Hurricane Isabel, a small group of men decided their commitment to duty, honor and country was more important than personal safety or comfort” (Texarkana Gazette). People around us, be it family, close friends or neighbors, often do not understand. They can’t understand our thought processes as our hearts are internally developing “the mind of Christ” (Philippians 2:5; 1 Corinthians 2:16). They can’t understand the radically different way we approach life with new values and priorities. They can’t understand our calm in the midst of the storms of life. They can’t understand the peace and confidence with which we approach death (Psalm 23:4; Philippians 4:7). They can’t understand why we rise early on Sunday morning with our families to go to Sunday School and worship our Father above (John 4:23). They can’t understand why we return on Sunday evening for worship and fellowship with the saints. They can’t understand why we go to midweek Bible Study on Wednesday, or why we would assemble three or four week nights for an …

Paul wanted to get to Jerusalem before Pentecost, so he called for the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet him at Miletus. He reminded them of the struggles he faced while in Asia. He had served the Lord with a humble attitude, even being moved to tears at times and surviving more than one Jewish plot against his life. Yet, he had faithfully declared the truth to them publicly, in the synagogue and the school of Tyrannus and teaching in one house, then another. His preaching extended to Jews as well as to Greeks regarding the need for repentance and faith. The apostle told them he was compelled to go on to Jerusalem, despite knowing he would be arrested and trials would follow. Paul’s greatest concern was not for his safety but with completing the special ministry Jesus had given him, preaching the kingdom. He never expected to see the faces of those elders again. He called them to faithfully witness the content of his preaching at Ephesus. He had preached the whole truth, thus relieving himself of any responsibility for those who might have remained in sin. He charged them to watch out for their own spiritual wellbeing, as well as watching out for every sheep in God’s flock at Ephesus. This was specifically because they had been given oversight, or made bishops, over the flock purchased with Jesus’ blood. False teachers, even from within the eldership, would draw away disciples, thus watchfulness was imperative. Paul urged …

We live in a world that is constantly plagued by fear. It is very easy for us to fear especially the unknown. Someone once said that the unknown is only that which is temporarily hidden. At other times we fear illness, poverty, family disruption, war, famine and the future. For those who place their trust in the Lord, however, it’s different, because those who do so are in the hands of an omniscient, omnipotent, heavenly Father. They can face with confidence any difficult situation that comes along. Psalm 56:1-13 was written by David when the Philistines captured him in Gath. This was likely written on the same occasion as Psalm 34, when David fled from Saul to Philistine territory. He had to pretend insanity before Achish when some servants grew suspicious of him (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Yet, if you notice Psalm 56:3, David made a very simple but concise statement, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” David stated in this Psalm, “What can flesh do to me?” How much harm can people do to us? They can inflict pain, suffering and death, but no person can rob us of our souls or our future beyond this life. How much harm can we do to ourselves? The worst thing we can do is to reject God and lose our eternal future with Him. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matthew 10:28). Instead, we should fear God, who controls …

The Preacher wrote in Ecclesiastes 11:1, “Cast your bread upon the waters, For you will find it after many days” (NKJV). Bible students generally agree that this verse, in the light of the immediate context is speaking of being a benevolent person who sees others in need and displaying a charitable attitude toward them, regardless of their moral status. It may be a gift of money, some food or a word of encouragement. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of this principle while He lived on this earth and He taught His disciples to profess the same attitude as found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). The apostle Paul later wrote: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith”(Galatians 6:9-10). Our Lord stressed that when we do a charitable deed, we should not do such to be seen of men (Matthew 6:2-4); but, our heavenly Father knows when we give and the intent of our heart. “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10). To help a friend, a fellow Christian or a stranger without a desire and expectation of recognition is indeed rewarding. The joy is in the giving and …

On May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister became the first man in history to run a mile in less than 4 minutes. Within 2 months, John Landy broke the record by 1.4 seconds. On August 7, 1954, the two met together for a historic race. As they moved into the last lap, Landy held the lead. It looked as if he would win, but as he neared the finish he was haunted by the question, “Where is Bannister?” As he turned to look, Bannister took the lead. Landy later told a Time magazine reporter, “If I hadn’t looked back, I would have won!” The Christian life is compared to an athlete competing in a race. Christians must forget those things that are behind and reach forward to what’s ahead (Philippians 3:12-13). We can’t make spiritual progress by looking back; we must run the race that is set before us! Notice things necessary for running the race successfully. Crowd In any sporting event, the crowd plays a major role in the level of enthusiasm and encouragement. While running the Christian race, we are blessed with “so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews12:1). The list of faithful followers of God in Hebrews 11 make up an arena of redeemed who have already finished the race and now, by example, cheer on the runners. Encouraging and exhorting one another is a worthy task (Romans 14:19; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). Coach While running the Christian race, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). He is the “captain …

I recently received a phone call from a woman who was very distraught over things being taught and practiced where she worships. Taking of the Lord’s Supper any day of the week, instrumental music being advocated and other issues are being promoted as acceptable. In the course of conversation, she mentioned how, when discussing whether these changes were scriptural or not, the response she received was, “We don’t want to limit Christ.” To say you don’t want to limit Christ sounds noble, but the fact of the matter is quite different when we alter the pattern found in Scripture. Scripture is indeed our pattern. As an inspired apostle, Paul reminded Timothy, “Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). He reminded the brethren in Rome, “But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed” (Romans 6:17). That this pattern was the standard applicable to all congregations is seen in his words to the church at Corinth. “That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church” (1 Corinthians 4:17). Following the pattern revealed in Scripture is not limiting Christ, but following Christ. Jesus told His apostles, “All authority in heaven and on …

Quite frequently we hear false teachers tell their listeners to “Just say the sinner’s prayer and ask Jesus to come into your heart.” Of course, since there is no Scripture that teaches this, no Scripture references are given. Those who are told, and who may be inclined to believe this fantasy, need to read Solomon’s warning in Proverbs 28:9. Hear him: “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.” Since in the New Testament both Jesus and His apostles give in no uncertain words the terms by which man accepts God’s gift of salvation, one is without excuse when he turns away his ear from the law of Christ and imbibes the babble of those who encourage him or her to “say the sinner’s prayer.” These teachers are encouraging them to commit an abomination. Such teachers ought to be ashamed. Friend, obey the Gospel to have the forgiveness of your sins. As you do so, the Lord will add you to His church, not to some denomination. Then, as a child of the heavenly Father you will have the God-given right to pray, “My Father who art in heaven…” Isn’t this what you yearn to do?

In James 1:12-15, James established that God is not responsible for temptation and sin in Christians’ lives (James 1:13); rather, the responsibility for temptation and sin lie at the feet of individuals who relinquish control to their own lust (James 1:14). James reminded the brethren not to err in this fashion (James 1:16), and he further established his case by revealing the truth about God. First, James declared the truth about God’s giving with these words, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17a). While some were blaming God for temptation and sin in their lives, James declared two very important facts about God’s charitableness: (1) God’s giving is good; (2) God’s gifts are perfect. The first word translated “gift” denotes the act of giving while the second word translated “gift” signifies the product. In other words, God is not the source of temptation; He is the source of giving that is beneficial (“good”) for Christians. In addition, God is not the source of the product of uncontrolled temptation, namely, the uselessness of sin (James1:15). The opposite is true; God gives blessings that are complete (“perfect”). If there is good in your life it came from God. Second, James declared the truth concerning God’s reliability with these words, “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17c). James refuted the notion that the same God who is purely motivated and gives profitable, complete gifts could also be motivated by base purposes and give incomplete, …

It has been many years since I rode a train, but I seem to remember that I saw written on the ticket the expression, “Not good if detached.” That thought has many applications. Faith is no good if detached from works (James 2:20). The branch is no good if detached from the vine (John 15:1-7). The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). The heart of the Gospel is that Christ died for us, was buried and was resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). That is good news. Yet, detached from the terms by which God says we must accept those facts, it is of little value. This is frequently done in denominational groups. On the other hand, it is possible to tell the conditions of appropriation, such as confession and baptism, but detach them, or not properly relate them to the facts of the Gospel. This is also a perversion, and it makes the actions of no value. If a person is told that he needs to be baptized to be saved, but has not really loved the Lord and repented of his sins, he is still lost. In 1 Corinthians 1:23, Paul said, “We preach Christ crucified.” The cross is at the center and heart of the Gospel. The cross is like the hub of a wheel. The spokes of the wheel are faith, repentance, confession and baptism. They connect the rim to the hub. It is possible to speak and act as if the spokes have …

“And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, ‘Who is that man, walking in the field to meet us?’ The servant said, ‘It is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself” (Genesis 24:64-65). They have finally done it. Scientists have finally proven the Bible wrong and not worthy of your attention. How, you might ask. Well, it is all about camels and a man by the name of Abraham, who apparently used them quite often in his many travels throughout what we would call the “holy land” and beyond. Well, at least that is what many think and no doubt will continue to think, despite the truth. So what’s this all about? Just recently archaeologists studying the domestication of camels in the area of Palestine have determined that it was not until about the 10th century B.C. that camels arrived in the region of the Mediterranean. They studied primarily the bone density of certain camels using radioactive-carbon techniques and determined that it was impossible for camels to have existed in the regions around the Mediterranean before the 10th century in a domesticated fashion. The conclusion they then drew was that the Bible is inaccurate, and therefore, it is not trustworthy because men like Abraham are said to have used camels, though they predate the 10th century. Believe it or not, many biblical scholars actually agree that domestication of the camel did not happen until …

In Isaiah 6 we find that Isaiah volunteered to go and speak for God.  Why did Isaiah volunteer?  It was not because his task was pleasant, because his message was one of judgment.  It was not because he wanted money, glory or honor, because he received none of those.  It was not because he was assured of success, because God guaranteed him that the people would not listen.  This must have been extremely difficult for him to begin a task, knowing beforehand that he would not be successful.  However, God assured him that a remnant would listen and be saved (Isaiah 6:12,13).  That would make all his efforts worthwhile. Most of us would be glad to teach, if we knew the vast majority would listen and obey.  Regrettably, we know that is not the case; therefore, we often become tired and discouraged or refuse to even begin.  Isaiah can become a source of encouragement for us to volunteer to become God’s great servants.  God has already asked all of us to volunteer in His service; therefore, don’t wait for someone to ask you to do something.  Isaiah volunteered to speak for God, and he was told to keep preaching until God’s predictions of destruction had been fulfilled (Isaiah 6:10-11).  In like manner, we must keep preaching the good news of salvation, or doing whatever it is that we can do in the service of our Lord, as long as there is a man in his house or people in the cities.  …

In Exodus 17:8-16, we find the account of Amalek coming out to fight against Israel after Israel had left Egypt. Moses told Joshua to choose men for the fight, and then proceeded to tell Joshua that he would station himself on top of the hill with the staff of God in his hand. As Moses held his hands up, Israel had the upper hand and was winning the fight; however, as soon as his hand lowered, the tide turned and Amalek prevailed. Aaron and Hur, who were with Moses, then sat a stone under Moses, and then they held his hands up for him so that Israel might win. His hands were steady until the sun set, and Joshua overwhelmed the people of Amalek. Judges 3:31 is the only verse in the Bible about the judge Shamgar. Shamgar defeated 600 Philistines with an ox goad. An ox goad is a tool for driving oxen; basically it is a large staff with a pointed end with which you goad (drive) oxen. The Bible is full of exploits and showcases of the power of the Almighty. What are we so afraid of (Romans 8:31)?