Regarding solemnized pronouns, it is worth noticing that words tend to undergo meaning changes over time and space. I have known and know of fine Christian people in the former British colonies (India and Nigeria) who used words that were naughty back in England, but the colonials did not know that when they picked up the English language. Further, words change meanings within the same country over time. Words have meanings as used, and often that use bears little relationship to their root or original meanings. This change has occurred with the use of the pronouns “thee,” “thou” and “thine.” It is the transition in meanings that causes confusion. In neither the Hebrew Old Testament nor the Greek New Testament are there two sets of pronouns — common and solemn. That point is well made in citing God’s speaking to Satan (Genesis 3:15 KJV) and Christ’s speaking to the devil (Luke 4:8 KJV); neither the Father nor the Son were acknowledging Satan as deity by the use of “thee” and “thy.” Scripture uses the same pronouns for humans and for deity. In German and at least one Scandinavian language there are more and less formal pronouns but not in Scripture. The common use of “thee” and “thou” is found in the writings of Shakespeare and other writers of the Elizabethan period. When Shakespeare wrote, “Go, prick thy face, and over-red thy fear, Thou lily-livere’d boy” (Macbeth, 5.317-18), he was neither being reverent nor respectful. In his day, being “lily-livered” was to be cowardly. …

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34 NKJV). “Be anxious for nothing…” (Philippians 4:6). A word from one who has trouble practicing these Scriptures, be thankful they are there. Awareness of evil in the world generally increases with age. Some precious children are exposed to humanity’s injustices earlier than are some pampered adults. Still, the more one knows about the world, the more one knows people mistreat people, the relatively innocent suffer at the hands of the oppressors (Ecclesiastes 4:1), and the privileged and powerful exalt themselves at the expense of the lowly (Matthew 23:14; 2 Timothy 3:6; James 5:5-6). This wicked phenomenon even happens within the Lord’s church (3 John 9-10). It is enough to depress one’s spirit beyond recovery, if it were not for the Word of God. The multiple exhortations of divinely offered comfort include: “Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity” (Psalm 37:1). “And why not?” the persecuted might object. “Evil people seem to be getting their way! Their riches increase! People believe their slanderous lies!” (Job 21:7-16; 12:6; Jeremiah 12:1; Psalm 109:1-5). Why not fret? Because God who had the power to create and to uphold the world with His Word (Psalm 33:6; Hebrews 1:3) is the One who has power to deal in His own good time with the wicked. “For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither …

Sometimes, it is difficult to see that the goodness of the Gospel should be chosen over the bitterness in the hearts of men. Often, others will speak hurtfully without knowing it. The harmful ways and actions will be born out of a heart that has grown through worldly living. The question is, though, upon what will you choose to focus? Will it be the good or the evil? Though evil may be present in the minds of others, Peter told Christians, “For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully, for what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God” (1 Peter 2:19-20). Jesus certainly had those who did evil toward Him, and yet, He loved them and treated them with dignity. Notice John 13. Jesus ate with the twelve disciples and washed their feet before dinner. He then announced that one of them would betray Him. Yet, no one knew that it was Judas. When Judas got up and left the room, there were several thoughts in the disciples’ minds about where he was going, but no one knew that Jesus spoke of him. Jesus treated him without anger! He asked us to do the same to our enemies. Jesus said in Matthew 5:39, ‘‘But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on …

Have you ever heard of some trouble or hard times falling on one’s foe, then felt a sense of glee and responded with, “He got what he deserves”? It is a safe assumption that all who have been hurt by another have done so. Rejoicing over hardship that comes on an offending person is, unfortunately, a part of our “human nature.” As a matter of fact, it is so much a part of human nature that even those striving to live righteous lives will engage in such, never realizing the seriousness of it. We fail to grasp that such rejoicing is the same emotion one feels when he is finally able to take forbidden vengeance on an old enemy (Romans 12:19-20). Revenge has been accomplished, though it is just that someone or something else has acted in our stead. Christians do this too often, and they soothe their consciences by saying that they did not take vengeance on the offending person, but nevertheless, “he got what he deserves.” After all, everyone knows “what goes around comes around,” right? The plain fact of the matter is that such an attitude is sinful — displeasing in the sight of our Father. Rather than rejoicing at the tragedy of an enemy, one should mourn. Genuine grief is a part of loving our enemies as Jesus commanded when in Matthew 6:44-45 He said, “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and …

If a person is interested in going to Heaven, it most definitely does matter what one believes about Jesus. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whomsoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Some people claim to believe in Jesus as a historical person who walked on this earth but believe He was just another great religious leader. Still others believe Jesus was a prophet like Jeremiah, Daniel or Moses. Jesus Himself left no doubt that He was more than any of these. “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’ So they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets’” (Matthew 16:13-14). None of these, of course, were true, although they believed in Jesus Christ to an extent. Yet, Jesus wanted to firmly establish that His followers knew exactly who He was. Note Matthew 16:15-16, which reads, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” There is the what is to be believed about Jesus as shown by our Lord’s next words, “…‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, …

When the preacher begins his sermon in one of the five following ways, you can know that you are in for a long day: God sees power in preaching. From Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah, Malachi to even a country boy named Amos, God has used the method of preaching to communicate to His people. Preachers of the New Testament include John the Baptizer, Peter, Paul and especially Jesus. Over the past centuries, all great revivals have begun with powerful preaching that calls men back to their God. We dare not neglect the pulpit today if we are to revive ourselves to accomplish what God demands of us. Some see preaching as outdated, useless and boring. They prefer share groups, movies, games or anything but a sermon! As you might have noticed, preaching the Gospel is a passion of many preachers. It is an opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to gather together to study God’s Word. It is a time for all to be challenged in their Christian walk and for lives to be changed by God’s power. When a preacher preaches from God’s Word, in a very real sense, it is God speaking to man. While not every sermon of any preacher is even close to perfect and all men stumble, let us remember the power that is contained in the spoken word. Gather together with God’s people as God’s truths are proclaimed. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are being saved …

Sin is never satisfied. It will take all your health and wealth as well as your independence and happiness. Sin is negative in all its ways. We read in the Holy Bible of the consequences of sin. Paul wrote in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death.” Yet, the Lord does not leave us without a way out! The apostle continued to say in Romans 6:23 that “the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Sin is not what it promises to be. The devil told Eve that she would be just like God. We clearly see that the oldest lie in the book is the very lie humans want most to believe! Nothing is sacred to the wanton sinner! In Genesis 3:5, the Devil said, “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” Eve doubted God and paid the price. Soon, she would learn the depth of the tempter’s deceit and the result of her sin of doubt and disobedience. In Genesis 3:16, God told her, “I will greatly multiply thy sorrow.” Never would Eve have imagined the pain and suffering her disobedience would bring into the world, and her husband’s inaction resulted in God’s judgment on him as well. “For dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” Death came into the world because of sin. Sin is never healthy for our …

Just before Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage and adopted as His children, Jehovah instituted the Passover Feast (Exodus 12:1-28). It was Jehovah’s Passover (Exodus 12:11). It was known as the “Days of Unleavened Bread” because it was observed over the course of seven days (Exodus 12:18-19). In just a few words, the people of God were given strict guidelines for the proper observance of this feast. It was expected that the supper would be observed in the homes of the Israelites (Exodus 12:3-4, 15, 19-20, 22-23), for that is where they were saved from the death that was to pass through the land. This is where they ate their common meals, but this supper was to be different. The focus was on the elements of the supper and how they ate it. It was to be eaten in remembrance of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage and death (Exodus 12:25-27). The meal was to be observed as a holy feast (set apart from common meals). Though deliverance was offered to all, no one was forced to enter the safety of the home or to eat of the meal. If they did not enter, they did not eat or did not eat properly, they would die a physical death (Exodus 12:15, 19-20; 31:14). The Passover Feast was the precursor to the Lord’s Supper. Just before all of mankind was to be delivered from the bondage of sin and death and adopted as children through the death of Christ on the cross, …

“When brothers and sisters differ with one another, how we differ is just as important as the fact that we differ or as the subject about which we differ” (Joshua Fullman, Chapel, Faulkner University). A dog owner was trying to force-feed his dog some cod liver oil. The dog was resisting violently. As the “fight” continued, some of the oil was spilled on the floor. The dog eagerly lapped the cod liver oil off the floor. It wasn’t the medicine the dog was rejecting, but it was the method of delivery to which he objected. Some of us seem to feel that one honestly mistaken about some doctrine needs to be rebuked and condemned rather than taught. When we do this, we often do more harm than good, solidifying people in their error. When we are correcting a brother overtaken in a fault, we are to do so with gentleness and humility (Galatians 6:1). When we answer those who ask for a reason for our hope, we are to answer them with gentleness and respect (2 Peter 3:16). Whenever we speak, we are to speak truth with love (Ephesians 4:15). [Editor’s Note: There is a difference between an impenitent false teacher (Romans 16:17-18) or divisive person (Titus 3:10) and someone who did not know something and who is teachable (Acts 18:26). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]

When I think of a person who believes or says all one needs to do in order to go to Heaven is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, his or her prayer might sound something like this: My heavenly Father, I am so thankful that you sent your Son from Heaven. He came here and lived an obedient life as an example for me, suffered and died a horrible death, and shed His blood for me that I can have forgiveness of my sins. Father, I am so thankful for this, and to show you just how thankful and appreciative I am, here is what I plan to do for the remainder of my physical life. I plan to do nothing. Father, I have read in your Word about the parables of the talents and the sower in Matthew 13 and 25, but my preacher told me that I don’t need to do anything but to believe. So, that’s what I plan to do. I know I will hear you say at judgment, “Enter in my good, faithful, productive servant.“ The apostle Paul in writing to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 15:58 penned, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” When we take spiritual inventory, we could ask ourselves this question, “Am I a productive worker in the kingdom or am I like the one talent man, …

Several things have come on to the national scene during the last few years to remind us of the ongoing moral war. Serious moral issues are involved. Many lessons may be gleaned from our national disgrace. Sin Will Find UsOut (Numbers 32:23) There have been denials, which were nothing but lies, about relationships, which were adulterous. These involved married men and young women who were vulnerable to people in positions of power. I believe those involved felt no one would ever learn the details. How wrong they were! Our sins are an open book, completely known to God. We all have seen some of those involved walking from religious services carrying their Bibles. Was this because they believed the Book or wanted to be seen through the media as men holding a faith? God’s Word condemns unfaithfulness, dishonesty, deceitfulness, lying and adultery. What people do in their private lives are reflections that carry over into their public lives. Their examples of character, fidelity and honesty must be consistent. Sins against others are wrong, whether they come to national attention or not. How can we be expected to respect men who cheat on their wives and children, dishonor those who voted for them, mock the taxpayers who pay their salaries, use government moneys and campaign contributions to pay legal bills that should not have been necessary in the first place, and then act as though it is no big deal? Sin is sin, regardless of who is guilty. Leadership DemandsCharacter and …

Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution seemingly has become one of the most universally accepted ideas of our time. Debates on the subject have highlighted the alleged conflict between science and faith, although capable men and women have shown the two disciplines to be compatible. Unfortunately, evolution’s influence permeates everything today from textbooks to television to children’s toys. As a result, this theory can have a dangerous affect on the way people think about important spiritual matters. Evolution andthe Purpose of Life The Bible reveals God’s purpose for man, both in creation through Adam, and recreation through Christ. God’s power is displayed by man’s weakness (Exodus 9:16), while man’s potential is realized in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). By contrast, evolution essentially teaches that the purpose of life is simply to exist. The weak die; the strong adapt and survive. In effect, this way of thinking is the ultimate form of materialism. However, a man’s life consists neither in the abundance of his possessions, nor the superiority of his genes. Long life, good health and a large family may all be desirable, but they do not commend men to God. In fact, the absence of these things may well teach men to depend on God for their strength (2 Corinthians 12:10). “And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Evolution andthe Value of Life Long before Thomas Jefferson wrote that all men are created …

Webster’s Everyday Encyclopedia of the New World Dictionary of the American Language (1967) devotes a large section to a “Guide to English Grammar.” The first presentation in this section is a brief description of an “Article” in English grammar. It says: An Article is a word placed before a noun to show whether the noun is used in a particular or general sense. (1) Give me a book could mean any book. (2) Give me the red and green striped book, on Golf, would mean only the specific book indicated. The article “a” when used, indicates something general, or any item. When the article “the” is used, only the specific, one-of-a-kind item defined by the description given is meant. In simpler terms, the article “the” points to things that are one of a kind, singular or unique. The article “a” is a general term denoting more than one or many of a type. Did you ever employ such reasoning in your attempts to study the Bible? Doing so will amaze you as you attempt to “show thyself approved unto God…” (2Timothy 2:15). Let’s look at some simple examples of this truth. In 760 B.C. Isaiah said, “…for out of Zion [Jerusalem] shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:3). Employing the established rule of ‘articles’ in English grammar would render this verse thusly. “for out of Zion [Jerusalem] shall go forth the [only] law, and the [only] Word of the [only] Lord from Jerusalem.” One has only to look at Acts 2 to see this prophesy fulfilled. Why is this …

“Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:22-24 NKJV). It is difficult to fully appreciate the Christians of the first century. I assume for most of us, we see their world with eyes informed by our world. Life for us is about freedom of choice, to come or go, to pursue or sit still, to live here or there, to be involved in this program or that at church or to be involved in none at all. Are we able to comprehend what it was like to be a slave and a Christian in the Roman world? Christians today are often judged to be faithful to God in Christ in very similar ways to being judged successful in business, sports or economically. Busyness in various church programs, not only loyal attendance but being out front in some form of service in worship or Bible class, and known conversions as the result of a Christian’s efforts are all good things. I appreciate, applaud and encourage all who can be so described. Yet, there is something about Paul’s words to the Christian slaves of Colossae that informs me about what it is to be a faithful Christian. A slave’s life was …

The Bible is full of practical advice for Christian living. We can learn what God would have us to do from reading the Scriptures, and we can also find the keys to happiness in this life. In 1 Peter 3:10-11, the apostle Peter wrote a simple formula for how a Christian can love life and see good days. He wrote, “For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” Let us notice this three-part formula more closely. Refrain Our Tongues from Evil, v. 10. James 3:5-6 tells us that our tongues are little members but boast great things. The tongue is also described as a fire and a world of iniquity. When we use our tongues for positive things such as confessing Christ and preaching the Gospel to others, then the tongue is used for its intended purpose. However, when we misuse the tongue, it can be very dangerous. Misusing the tongue includes gossiping, which is condemned in 1 Timothy 5:13 and cursing, condemned in James 3:10. The context of 1 Peter 3:10-11 also deals with speaking no guile. This means we are not to use our tongues to speak deceitfully. Speaking good things will lead to good results and will save us from so many problems in our lives. It will allow us to love life and see good …

When I say the name “Peter,” what comes to your mind? The apostle Peter’s character shines abundantly in the Gospel records. I believe this to be true because Peter was not afraid to speak his mind. There are times when he got it right (“You are the Christ, the son of the living God,” Matthew 16:16), and there were times when he got it wrong (“Far be it from you, Lord; this shall not happen to you!” Matthew 16:22). Regardless, he forcibly gave his input. One day, Jesus sent the apostles across the Sea of Galilee by boat (Matthew 14:22-33). He stayed to send away the multitudes and to pray on the mountain. The hour got late. Jesus began to walk across the water to meet the apostles on the other side of the sea. He would have passed them, but they cried out in fear. They believed Jesus to be a ghost. Jesus called to them, trying to comfort them by revealing His identity. Peter set out a challenge, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus replied, “Come.” Peter left the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. After some time, Peter noticed the storm that surrounded him. Peter began to sink into the water. Jesus reached down to grab his hand. Jesus responded, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus and Peter entered the boat. The other apostles worshipped Jesus. What can we learn? (1) Peter …

People are in fear of COVID-19. You can’t see COVID-19 unless you have experience with a microscope and a lot of studying in the field of biology. Though you can’t see it, people still fear it. Everyone is waiting for a vaccine for something they can’t see. Likewise, you can’t see sin, and yet, people aren’t running afraid of it. They actually run to it. The people who can see sin are the ones who have spent their time in the specialized field of Bible study and are able to see it through the microscope of God’s lens. God gave a vaccine for sin in the person of Jesus Christ and His blood. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Much like other vaccines, sometimes it doesn’t work because of user error, such as getting the vaccine and then getting into direct contact with people who have the flu. Everybody who gets a flu vaccine is not going to be immune to the flu. Some actually get the flu after the vaccine. The shingles vaccine is the same way. It works for some but not for others. The same can be said for the pneumonia vaccine and a host of other vaccines that we put into ourselves yearly. Without the vaccine that is the blood of Jesus, you stand no chance to make it to eternal rest. However, even those who have accepted the …

So often, something will happen, and someone will exclaim, “Did you see that?” It may have been something extraordinary and could have been important, but someone may have been concentrating on something else or some other kind of distraction may have captured one’s attention. While one of the people saw it as something very exciting, dangerous or unusual, at the same time, the other party didn’t see it at all. We’ve all seen blinders on horse’s eyes to keep them looking straight ahead so that they won’t be startled at some unusual or strange sound or something they see off to the side. Those things become distractions and cause them to hinder their ability to keep going straight forward. People are like that too. Even Christians may need blinders to keep them from reacting to distractions along the way. Those things can cause us to lose sight of our destination of Heaven. When we react to and give in to sin, we lose our concentration on the heavenly goal. Jesus spoke of this very thing in Luke 9:62, where He said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” We must set our eyes on the heavenly goal and not keep looking back, whereby we are tempted to participate in all those old sins we gave up to become followers of Christ. So, what kinds of blinders do Christians need to keep them on the straight and narrow path? …

Recently in a Bible class, someone put forth this question: “How do I know I am saved from my sins?” This is a very important question for every one of us. You see, if we are not saved on earth, we will not be saved in Heaven, since only the saved ones will enter Heaven. So, how does one surely know he is saved? There are plenty of people who would explain this by saying that one’s feeling is the evidence or the proof of one’s salvation. In other words, they believe, when a person accepts Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior, and then, this brings good feeling into one’s heart because he feels that he has been forgiven. Yet, the question is, “How can one know if his feelings are right or wrong?” One’s feelings are the result of one’s education or knowledge. Someone may feel happy upon learning certain news, but if he had not learned the truth or if had he been misinformed, then, his feelings would be wrong. His happy feelings would not change the truth, like in the case of the rich fool about whom we read in Luke 12:15-21. There is no place in the Bible where we are taught by a command or an example that one is saved by his feelings. In fact, the Bible teaches the very opposite to this view in Matthew 7:22-23. Here the Lord said, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not …

Christians must be constantly on guard against Satan. He told God he had been busy going “to and fro on the earth,” which goes well with Peter’s description of a roaring lion (Job 1:7; 2:2; 1 Peter 5:8). Paul described the Christian response to this ongoing assault. He encouraged the Corinthian saints to be firm in matters of faith and not let false teachers shake their beliefs, as they had on the resurrection. He also urged them to be men in the faith and courageously stand in God’s strength. Further, the apostle reminded them that all of a Christian’s actions should be based on love. Loving actions should end all strife (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). The apostle to the Gentiles directed Christians in Corinth to carefully choose who they followed. He urged them to be subject to those who lovingly ministered to the needs of fellow Christians, especially singling out the family of Stephanas. They had been the first converts in Achaia. Even Paul needed encouragement. He felt an emptiness because of his separation from the brethren in Corinth. Relief came with the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. Their coming enabled him to write based upon firsthand knowledge so he could address some of their greatest needs. He wanted the Corinthians to receive them as those who had helped (1 Corinthians 16:15-18). Remaining faithful is not automatic. We must hold the line like soldiers in battle yet be sure our actions are controlled by love. Each of us must seek out faithful …

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This simple statement, recorded by Moses, informs us of Who has authority over creation, Who cares for us and to Whom our allegiance should be. He created all things for us because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). It should come naturally to love God and to follow His will for our lives. Unfortunately, it does not. While the Father has all authority and has given that authority to the Son (Matthew 28:18), people’s allegiance is all too often given to Satan, who is our adversary (1 Peter 5:8-9). He has always been a deceiver (Genesis 3:13; Revelation 12:9). Since he deals with sin, many have become hardened against the truth (Hebrews 3:13). Because of this, John correctly said, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). Satan has no interest in our welfare; he is in rebellion to God, desiring the allegiance that rightly belongs to God for himself. He uses the tools of sin to entice people to follow him, and once people see what has happened to them, and then desire to let go of that lifestyle and its consequences, he works even harder to keep them in bondage to sin. Ultimately, he knows sin will destroy them. In that Satan is completely in opposition to the will of God and seeks what rightly belongs to deity for himself, …