No Grandchildren in Heaven

There will be no grandchildren in heaven. At first glance, this statement seems ridiculous and contrary to the Bible. In a way it is. As we are all born of parents who had parents of their own, each of us is a grandchild to someone. Physically speaking, if we live faithfully so that we are allowed to enter heaven, we may be there as someone’s grandchild. However, the same cannot be said in the spiritual sense. Romans 8:16 and Galatians 3:26 tell us Christians are “children of God.” Galatians 3:27 goes on to say, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” We become God’s children when we are baptized and live faithfully for him. As each individual becomes a Christian, he becomes a spiritual child of God. In the eyes of God, the individual is no longer someone’s grandchild; he is God’s child. This leaves no room for grandchildren in heaven. In fact, the Bible does not anywhere refer to Christians as God’s grandchildren, only as his children. So why does it matter thatthere are no spiritual grandchildren? The Romans passage continues and says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ;” (8:17). As God’s children, we will inherit heaven when the time comes. Our inheritance is based on the fact that we are adopted children (Galatians 4:5-7). To receive our inheritance, we must be God’s children. It won’t matter if our parents are God’s children. That is not what …

Changing Times

Over the past several years, there have been many articles written and there have been many discussions about the subject of “The Role of Women.” Undoubtedly this is the result of confusion by both men and women as to the God-ordained role for women in the home and in the church. Some men and women wish to expand this role beyond what God has commanded and others wish to restrict that role beyond what God requires. The purpose for this article is not to outline the God-given role for women. That has been adequately dealt with many times (see the list below for other articles discussing the role of women). I would like to make a few suggestions as to why many are confused about the role of women and caution women to examine their thoughts and actions to ensure that they are pleasing to God in the realm of Christian living. Today’s women, living in the United States, experience many rights and freedoms that were not always afforded to us. There was a time when it was inappropriate for women to travel alone. In 1920, the 19th Amendment was passed granting women the right to vote on a national level. It took 75 years prior to the enactment of the 19th Amendment for this right to become a reality. Many of the women who openly fought for this right died before seeing the successful results of their efforts. Some states did allow women to vote previous to that date. In the …

TEKEL

“Thou are weighed in the balance and are found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). God did not lack wisdom when he created the heavens and the earth. It pleased him to form man and breathe life into his nostrils; this man became a living soul! “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good” (Genesis 1:3). God was and is a very powerful and loving God! He is to be glorified! His people are not to be found wanting; they are to reflect his goodness. In Daniel, we read how God gave Nebuchadnezzar a kingdom. He, the king, refused to give God the glory. “When his heart was lifted up, they took his glory from him” (Daniel 5:18). How? The king became as the beasts of the field. He ate and slept with them until he knew that God ruled in the kingdom of man and, he, God would appoint over that kingdom anyone he would choose. Nebuchanezzar’s son became the next king. “And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this: But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven” (Daniel 5:22-23). In other words, your father was your example; why didn’t you glorify God? Daniel gave King Belshazzar the answer to the handwritten message on the wall. “Thou art weighed in the balance and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). It so happens Belshazzar was slain that same night! The Old Testament teaches that God is a loving …

Well Equipped

Equipped: “To be supplied with the necessary materials for an undertaking” (American Heritage Dictionary). Those involved in the blowing to bits of the many lives in Oklahoma City were certainly supplied with the necessary materials to maim and kill. Those digressed individuals who devised the plan to dispense such havoc must have had anger, bitterness and a great measure of malice dancing in their evil heads. To have developed such a mode of diabolic destruction, knowing that death and harm would come, sprang only from fiendish and corrupt minds. To most of us, it shatters thoughts of safety in public work places. What was the basic environment in the home of these individuals? It is time for parents today to become seriously involved in the activities in the homes of this nation. We are “to train up a child in the way he should go . . .” (Proverbs 22:6). Sometimes I have to wonder, “Have children been taught correctly how to live?” The mind of a child grows, fortunately, learning either good or evil. A child can be trained to respect and to love others. There should be no room for hate in the mind of a child. To walk in love is better than to run in fear. Love will not cause a building to explode! A kindergarten child manages to sneak a loaded pistol into the classroom hidden in a book bag, only to have that weapon discharge endangering those present! Could this be the beginning of …

In the Beginning

God created the heaven and the earth. And darkness was. And the Spirit moved. “And God said, Let there be light, and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). God’s presence became known as a Spirit. The elements were acceptable, tangible and real. Heaven, the sky above the earth, was visible. The earth itself was firm under the foot. Darkness and light were distinguishable. Water was wet! Known facts, undeniably true because of their positive presence. After the creation chapters of Genesis are digested, can any doubt be harbored as to the glorious works of the Creation? Then God created man in his own image! From Adam and Eve came the future population on earth. The power of God, his might, his love, wrath and his deep concern over the coming generations only serves to prove his goodness and wisdom. Noah walked with God, the only one knowing the Lord in that timeframe. He and his immediate family were the only ones who served God. The people became so wicked that God was sorry that he had even created man! “I will destroy man whom I have created from off the face of the earth, man, beast . . . creeping thing” (Genesis 6:7). Talk about wrath! “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8). Fortunate for the next generations, Noah knew the Lord God and obeyed him or the end would have been written immediately! God so loved the world, his creation and man that he made …

One of His Ribs

“And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone, I will make him a helpmeet for him.” So he did. “Made he a woman . . . and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:18, 22, 24). When the Lord says something is not good, believe it is not good! If you have lived long enough to know, it is not good to live alone. God improved man’s state of being when he took from Adam and made Eve. Adam was searching among the animals he named for the Lord for a mate. “And Adam gave names to all the cattle and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found an helpmeet for him” (Genesis 2:20). It was planned for Adam to have a companion. God took a rib from Adam and made a woman! He brought her unto Adam to be named, a name first dignified by the Lord. This creation would be loved and appreciated enough for man to leave all behind and “cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh . . .” (Genesis 2:24-25). The pure beauty of it all was that they were not ashamed! God made Adam to care for the Garden of Eden and woman to care for man. Today when a man establishes his home, choosing a wife to cleave to, they shall be one flesh, living together as man and wife, not ashamed, just as in the beginning. …

Good Ground

A baker knows the power of good yeast. Any well-saturated dough can rise properly if the correct amount of leavening is used in the mixture. To make it all happen of course the leaven must be placed into the dough first! One seed may become a huge tree, but it must first be planted within a good soil. First, it dies, then it returns to the surface of the earth to become once again alive. The words of Jesus Christ can and will change many lives. Some are ready to hear and obey. Others are not willing to listen to the message and become offended by the demands. Some receive the good news joyfully while other seeds do not grow. “But he that receiveth seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, that understandeth, which also beareth fruit and bringeth forth . . .” (Matthew 13:23). Excuses are given for not being receptive to the truth of the Bible. Some are pressed for time, others seem unable to absorb the knowledge, still others feel little need for God in their lives. Excuses will be totally useless when the Judgment Day arrives! Truth! Peter, talking with Cornelius and many others gathered together in the Gentile city of Caesarea, said this, “Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me I should not call any man common …

Archaeology and the Bible

I believe in the spade. It has fed the tribes of mankind. It has furnished them water, coal, iron, and gold. And now it is giving them truth — historic truth, the mines of which have never been opened til our time. (Blaiklock, p. ix.) This view of archaeology was given by Oliver Wendell Holmes. The subject of archaeology is a relatively new field of study. This term has been defined by Blaiklock as “that branch of historical research which draws its evidence from surviving material traces and remains of past human activity” (p. v.). More specifically, Bible archaeology studies things as they relate to the Scriptures and the times in which the Bible was written. (Vos, p. 9.) In a broad sense, Bible archaeology has only been around for one hundred fifty years (Unger, New, p. 18). Clyde Woods said that “Although archeology [sic] was more or less a treasure hunt when it began, it may now be classified as a science because of its strict methods.” (Woods, p. 4.) In the last fifty years, archaeology has continually brought forth new contributions to the study of ancient times and has gradually grown in significance. (Unger, New, p. 18.) The purpose of this article is to show, through archaeology, that the Bible is historically accurate. Proof of the Bible’s accurateness will lend credence to the claim that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. To establish the claim of historical accuracy, the fall of Jericho (from the Old Testament) and the …

Sunday Guests

Growing up, Saturdays were usually cleaning days. The whole house was cleaned from top to bottom in preparation for Sunday company. On Sunday morning, Mom was up a little early to get last minute things done in the kitchen before we all went to church. When we arrived home from worship, guests came with us. Sometimes we knew on Saturday who was coming. Some days, enough food was fixed for guests and Dad just invited a family or two after services. Looking back now, I realize Sunday guests were not an every week occurrence as it seems in my memory. They were, however, a very frequent event and one I greatly enjoyed. Many times I regret that circumstances in the last few years since I moved out on my own have not permitted me to entertain “Sunday Guests” like I remember growing up. Not only are these get-togethers enjoyable, they fulfill one of God’s commands for his children. The Bible commands us to be hospitable (Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Timothy 3:2; 1 Peter 4:8-11; 3 John 5-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:14). The command is not limited to our brethren and there is much room for individuals to carry out this command in their own way. To Whom Should We Be Hospitable? There are basically two groups of people we are commanded to include in our hospitality. One group is our brethren. In 1 Thessalonians 5:14 we read, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the …

So Much to Watch, So Little Time (Part 4)

This article is the fourth and last in a series on personalities. Each article considers one of four personality types and looks at examples of that type found in the Bible. The last personality type is that of the phlegmatic, the watcher. These individuals, like the melancholies, are not aggressive. In fact, this person is very passive. He is tolerant of others, content and balanced. The phlegmatic is a good listener and as such makes a good mediator. He tries hard not to be offensive to anyone. An adaptable person, he is friendly, but shy and very consistent. Like the other three personalities, the phlegmatic has his weaknesses. This individual is so much the watcher that he becomes involved in as little as possible. He is fearful, indecisive and hesitant of things in life. This characteristic leads to a compromising nature. Often the phlegmatic worries over everything. Phlegmatics come across as indifferent and unenthusiastic, lazy and sluggish. The phlegmatic person is not easily excited. If a job has to be done, he wants to do it the easy way. His goal in life is to have peace. These people need respect and a sense of self-worth. If you observe a person patiently watching activities around him, trying to make peace or working with small details, you are looking at a phlegmatic. We have already looked at Bible examples of the sanguine, choleric and melancholy personality types. In each instance the individuals allowed God to be a great influence in their …

Why Would a Person Want to Repent?

What causes a person to want to repent? This is a good question for pondering in light of our responsibility to persuade men to turn to the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11). Repenting is, indeed, turning, changing direction, doing an about face. It is spiritual in nature but necessarily effects our practical behavior. The drunk realizes his exclusion from the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21) and gives up his mind-numbing practice. The backbiter ceases to speak stabbing words and speaks what is good for edification. These are examples of repentance, but the question remains, what causes a person to want to change? Guilt. One phenomenon that separates man, made in God’s image, from beasts is that of conscience. Men and women feel remorse when they’ve done something they feel is wrong. True, the conscience needs trained for sensitivity and guidance by revelation, not just feelings. It is possible to be sincere about a belief, but still wrong (cf. Romans 10:1-3). However, conscience is implanted within man (cf. Romans 2:14-15) and he feels badly when his course is defined by objective wrongdoing. The guilt can be ignored, causing one’s conscience to become hardened (cf. 1 Timothy 4:2). Preferably, it can motivate one to repent. Then, he can seek the forgiveness of the Lord through obedience to his commands, and begin a new life of guilt-free service (Romans 6:3-6). In answering our question, “What causes a person to want to repent?” then, we are led to an ensuing question: “What causes one to realize …

A Tribute to Bible Teachers

To those who teach God’s Word to the young, I offer this tribute. May God bless you for all the hours spent in study of the Word. You are the one who sparked that flame of excitement. Little hands held out a paper, saying, “Look, Mommy. I learned about Jesus today.” As the years went by, the flame grew brighter. Boring things like learning the books of the Bible became lively games in your class. “Teacher” knew all the Bible answers. You set an example I could be proud to have my children follow. The time of decision came. You taught the truth, urging my children to “count the cost.” You shared my joy when one was baptized at an early age, as well as my concern for the one who waited for his own right time. Then there were more hours of study devoted to teaching the deeper doctrinal matters. Instruction on Christian character impressed the importance of letting their lights shine brightly. Soon they will have children of their own. Bible class teacher, don’t quit now! Another generation awaits like candles. God be with you as you strike another match.

So Much To Think About, So Little Time (Part 3)

Two previous articles introduced the ideas behind personalities and discussed two of four personality types.  So far, the working choleric and the talking sanguine have been considered.  For each personality type, biblical examples have been introduced and application made to current living. The third group we need to examine contains the melancholies.  These people are the thinkers.  They are thoughtful, analytical and respectful.  All the strengths listed here belong to someone who is not nearly as aggressive as the sanguine or choleric.  This person is very sensitive to others.  He loves to make plans and tries to make everything in his life perfect.  These individuals are usually very creative. This group has its weakness also.  As the word melancholy suggests, this personality is very moody.  Often sad or depressed one moment, the individual may be happy and content the next.  The melancholies in life tend to be very pessimistic, critical and suspicious.  They are also insecure people who do not easily make friends.  However, when they do make friends, they make lasting friendships.  Melancholies are usually hard to please and fussy over details. A melancholy person is a self-sacrificing individual.  He will be a loyal friend no matter what it costs him.  This individual wants things done right or not at all and strives for perfection in all things.  He needs order and sensitivity in his life above all else.  If you encounter a perfectionist who is creative and moody, you have just met a melancholy person. A melancholy personality tends to be persistent, a perfectionist, pessimistic, depressed and revengeful.  What Bible figures come to mind regarding any of …

So Much To Talk About, So Little Time (Part 2)

A previous article introduced the topic of personalities. The statement was made that people tend to identify more easily with others like themselves, even Bible characters. One specific personality type (the choleric) was then addressed. This article will move to another type of personality — the sanguine. The sanguine personality type is a very fun-loving individual. These people are very easy to pick out in a crowd. The sanguine always has friends around and is compelled to make them laugh. Sanguines are full of energy. They bounce from one activity to another. Craving attention, the sanguine loves to be the star. In all things, he tries to have fun and complete any task at hand “the happy way.” There are some weaknesses in the sanguine personality as well. Because he always wants to be the center of attention, this lively person is many times a show off or class clown. He is restless and frequently leaves projects or goals before completing them. The sanguine is often undisciplined, disorganized and forgetful. The sanguine personality is one that characterizes a person who is warm, friendly and very sensitive. An individual with these traits needs attention and approval from those around him. If you meet an exuberant salesman or a stranger that goes out of the way to meet you, a sanguine personality has just arrived. There are a couple of Bible characters that come to mind when thinking about the sanguine personality. This individual is the talker of the group, an impulsive …

So Much to Do, So Little Time

As a general rule, people tend to identify more easily with others similar to themselves.  This feeling of special understanding is not always limited to the people around us.  How many times have you read the Bible and felt you understood the ways of one character better than another?  Part of the reason for this may have to do with personality. Though there are many ways to categorize personalities, one way divides people into four personality types.  These categories are the sanguine, the choleric, the melancholy and the phlegmatic.  Each kind of personality has general characteristics associated with it.  Though the characteristics may not be true for all people with that personality, they are generally true for many such individuals.  All four personality types have general strengths and weaknesses with which people must contend.  No one personality type is better than any other.  All four have good and bad qualities; all four are needed to make this world a better place. For the next few moments, let’s consider some Bible characters from one of the above personality types.  Since these individuals cannot complete a personality test to show us their personality type, we have to use what is written on the pages of the Bible.  By looking at what each wrote, did or said we can get a good idea of their respective personality types.  The goal of such a study is to see people like ourselves serving God to the best of their abilities and providing great examples for us to follow. The choleric personality type is a very strong individual.  These …

Sarah: Mother Of All Nations

Genesis Chapter 12 Abraham and Sarah lived in Ur of Chaldees around 2000 B.C.  Ur of Chaldees was not a primitive tent-dwellers camp, but an advanced city-state with fine buildings, canals, one of the oldest law systems known, a school system, advanced mathematical calculations, an elaborate system of writing, dictionaries, encyclopedias, religious records and refined art.  Their homes had many rooms for the family and their servants — complete with running water.  The city of Ur had many modern conveniences. God, knowing Abraham was a faithful servant in spite of the idol worship all around, chose Abraham to be the father of all nations and called him out of Ur to a land that God would show him.  After God told Abraham to leave family and friends behind to journey to a strange new land, Abraham went to tell Sarah about God’s plan for them.  I picture this scenario in my mind.  Abraham comes home one day and says, “Sarah, God told me we are to leave all this behind and travel to a new land.” Sarah asks, “Where are we going?” To which Abraham replies, “I do not know.”  “When will be get there?” asks Sarah.  “God did not tell me,” is the reply.  How would you react if your husband were to tell you this?  Many women today would reply something like this.  “Abraham I am not going anywhere.  I have this nice house, all my friends are here, my family is here.  I cannot leave all this behind.  You do not even know where we are going and you expect me …

Sign Broke: Message Inside

Everywhere you look there are signs.  Signs advertise products or services to buy.  They encourage consumers to visit various places of business.  Some signs give messages that we should apply to our lives.  One such sign caught my attention. As I drove to work one day, I noticed a marquee type sign outside a church building.  The words read, “Sign broke, message inside.”  The sign was probably intended to encourage its readers to attend the worship service for a spiritual message instead of just reading them on similar signs.  However, a better biblical application is available. Consider for a moment the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16. Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. The message in these verses is clear.  Christians are to show their religion by their lives.  Just as a candle hidden under a basket can give you no light by which to keep from bumping into things in the dark, neither can one’s Christianity, carefully hidden behind closed doors, bring others to Christ.  Many verses throughout the Bible tell us to be examples to those around us and to tell others about Christ’s power to save.  Let’s look at some of these verses. In Genesis chapters Six and Seven, …

Women of the Bible: Rebekah

Beginning with the book of Genesis and ending with the book of Revelation, God’s inspired writers gave detailed descriptions of women worthy of study. We would do well to imitate some of these women, while others should be studied only to show a type of life not to live. However, the majority of these women had both strengths and weaknesses. An in-depth study of these women will help us to understand our lives, our strengths and weaknesses. Background Information Abraham, in his old age, sent his servant Elizar to Nahor to obtain a wife for Isaac. Abraham was very concerned that Isaac marry someone from his homeland rather than a Canaanite woman from the land in which they dwelt. The servant asked God to guide him to the maiden that would be the wife of Isaac. His request was that the young woman who volunteered to water the camels when Elizar asked for a drink would be the chosen one. Abraham’s servant saw a beautiful young woman approach the well.  When he asked her for a drink of water from her pitcher, she willingly gave him a drink and hurriedly filled the trough for the camels. Elizar discovered that the young maiden was from Abraham’s family and asked if there was a place for him to stay. As was custom for that time, Laban showed great hospitality to Elizar. Laban received Elizar into his home, fed the camels and ordered a meal to be prepared for the stranger. Before Abraham’s …

Lord, Whithersoever Thou Goest, I Will Go

“Lord, I will follow thee” (Luke 9:57).  Once as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, three men voiced their feelings as to a wish to follow him.  Jesus did not decline their offer, but he stated facts which may have caused them to reflect on their statement.  Sadly enough today, these same simple facts exist as disguises behind which many hide from the true work of a disciple. To one certain man Jesus says, “Foxes have holes, birds . . . nests, but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke 9:58).  No excuse, just a plain fact: Jesus, after his mission on earth began, had no earthly home to call his own, yet truly the whole of earth was his!  He was here to teach and save the people, not to have a home to come to at the close of his day.  An earthly home cannot be the most important thing to one who will follow after Jesus.  His thoughts are to be centered on preaching the Word. To another who wanted to be his disciple, but needed time to first go and bury his father, Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead, but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61).  Even family matters must be placed second after the choice is made to follow after God.  Jesus said go, preach the kingdom of God, don’t wait on a family member to die and be buried!  Personal affairs cannot be an excuse …

My Father’s House

“Make not my Father’s house a house of merchandise” (John 2:16).  Jesus drove the moneychangers from the temple.  “His disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten you up” (John 2:17).  Is there shoddy merchandise eating away at the present day church with such zeal that Christians have become helplessly adrift in the sea of uncertainty?  Are we children “tossed to and fro, carried with every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14)?  In some of our present day churches, poor standards and opinions are replacing the true knowledge of the Scriptures.  Christian values are always based on truth!  Seek that truth. What can Christian women do to turn the tides of truancy?  If the work Christ asked us to do is to be accomplished, there is no time for idleness!  Jesus would be swinging the whip made of cords and upsetting a few tables if he were seen to enter the church today.  We are to be about our Father’s business! The church of the 1950’s knew the Bible and taught what they knew!  What keeps us from doing the same today?  Have wolves entered in sheep’s clothing to teach false doctrine, and once inside received a nod of consent?  “Ye shall know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16). Some say, “Sincerity is what really counts, religion is only a matter of emotions and opinions.”  The use of instrumental music will only deny Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16.  Music of the heart comes from the heart by way of …

Compassion Is Love In Action

Compassion is defined as a sympathetic attitude, one of sadness; a real concern for someone’s misfortune; grief over another’s distress; pity. To have compassion then is to express a feeling of concern. To express is to do something about something! When acting upon that concern, love—agape love—will gallop forward at a breakneck speed to alleviate the problem or pain. Compassion is a concern for the welfare and comfort of others. It swiftly moves on that concern to bring about a change for the better. “And, behold, a woman . . . diseased . . . touched the hem of his garment . . . and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matthew 9:20-22). Yes, the faith of this woman brought her to the hem of Jesus’ garment, but Jesus, aware of her faith, had mercy and she was whole again! He gave her comfort! On that day he also gave life back to a maiden. He gave sight to the blind and he drove out demons from the bedeviled. All because he had a great compassion for those who needed and asked for his help. In turn, they confessed “according to their faith.” His sympathetic love touched them, making them whole. He noticed their misfortune, was concerned and healed them. He loved them! Today we do not possess the powers to cure illness as did Jesus, but we can learn to practice the compassion of agape love! Attending to …

Wake Up America!

Are you tired of hearing about all the bad things that are going on in our country today?  I hope you are, because it’s time for a change.  I know you probably think there is nothing you can do, but there is.  First of all, start with yourself.  Just take a moment to see what is on the inside (2 Corinthians 13:5).  If you think there are things that you can improve on, then do it (James 4:17). There are so much hatred, jealousy, prejudice and disobedience in the world today.  The first thing you need to do is pick up the Bible and start to read it (2 Timothy 2:15).  I know you wonder what the Bible has to do with change, but if you are a Christian, you should already know that.  If you’re not, the Bible can and will change your life if you let it. The inspired Word of God tells us everything we need to know to be better persons (2 Peter 1:3).  It gives us all the qualities necessary for being better parents, spouses, teachers, friends and even how to be better rulers.  We all know our government officials could use some help there.  If you agree that our country is falling apart, then it is time to take action now before it is too late.  Each and every one of us is capable of doing his part. First we must start with ourselves, then work on the rest of our families.  Before too …

Never The Same Again

By: Judy Corns If the fundamental of the Christian position is true, and it is, that the man Jesus is the Son of God, then one can never, ever be the same after this discovery.  We just do not ignore Jesus after being introduced to him!  If the Bible is read and we are seeking and searching for the meaning it holds, then the Book cannot easily be closed and placed on a shelf with the remark of “How interesting!” Jesus is not just interesting!  However, he is compelling!  He can, through loving words, comfort the sorrowing or rebuke the sinner.  Sadness turns to joy as a repentant sinner begins righteous living.  Jesus can profoundly disturb and challenge anyone willing to read and study the Scriptures, having a faith to attempt an understanding.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  Morally and spiritually Jesus will stroke the heartstrings as he offers life eternal to any repentant and believing soul.  To those engulfed in hate, “God commendeth his love toward us . . .” (Romans 5:8).  For those lost in the dark, Jesus has this to say, “I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness” (John 12:46).  The hopeless find he gives a reason to live, “In lively hope through knowledge of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).  Turning from sin has an eternal reward. When …

School Daze

By: Elizabeth Robison The Bible, God, and prayer were used to start each day in a positive way when I began teaching elementary school in 1958.  Now, at the close of the twentieth century, federal law forbids any such action.  What has happened in our public schools? We shall recall those early days and how things used to be, how they are now and, most importantly, what can be done to rectify the situation. When I commenced my career forty-one years ago, I kept a Bible on my desk at school. Every morning “Opening Exercises” consisted of reading a few verses (either by a student or myself) from God’s Word, followed by the class repeating the model prayer, commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew 6:9-13).  We sang a patriotic song and concluded with all of us reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in unison. During the course of the day, as we studied various subjects, I felt that I could (and I did) freely mention God’s part in our lives.  For example, I recall in  Health class that we studied the human body as, according to our textbooks, “a masterpiece of engineering design.” We would discuss how well-suited our various systems are to do the jobs intended, how we have back-up features, such as two eyes, two ears, etc. From there, the logical conclusion I would guide my class to reach was that all these wonderful features could not have “just happened.”  Where there is design, there must be a designer.  …

Christian Woman: Where Is She Today? What Is Her Role In The Church?

By: Bonnie Rushmore My lesson today will be three-fold.  First, we will discuss godly women.  Second, we will review some restrictions God has placed on women.  Third, we will consider what Christian women can and should be doing in the kingdom of God.  Our emphasis today will be on fulfilling our responsibilities in the church. Our overall theme for today has been Christian Woman – Where Is She Today?  It was once said the only difference between men and boys is the size of their shoes and the price of their toys.  It has also been said that the only difference between the sins of years ago and the sins of today is the tools used to commit those sins.  Both of these sayings imply the same thing. People do not change from one time period to another.  I would suggest that a godly woman has not changed from the beginning of time until now.  With this thought in mind, let me show you from Bible characters what a godly woman should be. First, godly women need the faith of Sarah.  I picture this scenario in my mind.  Abraham comes home one day and says, “Sarah, God told me we are to leave all this behind and travel to a new land.” Sarah asks, “Where are we going?” To which Abraham replies, “I do not know.” “When will be get there?” asks Sarah. “God did not tell me,” is the reply.  Still Sarah willingly left family and friends behind to …

We Always Teach!

We are always teaching something.  We as parents are teachers wherever we are.  Bible class is not the only place a teacher is found.  Hired teachers perform in a formal classroom, daily in contact with the children.  Those teachers come prepared to teach.  The most important teaching takes place in a less formal setting—in our homes—in our presence. If we insist the child attend school but do not insist he be present in a Bible class, we are teaching him something.  Could he be learning that the knowledge gained in classes offered in the school is more important than a knowledge of God?  Or, you as a parent do not find it important enough to teach him about God! If you take him to a football practice instead of bringing him to Bible class on Wednesday evening, he just might get the idea that sports is more important than going to Bible study.  If you stay home on a Sunday morning, just to entertain or prepare a meal for company, are you not teaching the child in your home that friends and family and their happiness and comfort is more important than doing the will of God?  Why not invite the guests in your home to worship?  Perhaps everyone would enjoy the day more.  God would surely be pleased. When you and your family choose to go to the lake on Sunday or some other place of entertainment for the day, then come in quietly to take the back seats in church five or ten minutes late, what do you …

The Christian Teacher In The Public Schools

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6). “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh” (James 3:8-12, warnings against foul language). “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21, “lasciviousness” = sensuality or promiscuous sexual behavior; “revellings” = marching through the streets under the influence of wine and celebrating Bacchus the god of wine; carousing.  Surely, these words are good descriptions of modern dancing.) “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but and adulterers God will judge” (Hebrews 13:4). “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not …

Hope Seen

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?  But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Romans 8:24).  A casual reading of this passage would cause one to think that there is a contradiction between this verse and my assignment, “Hope Seen.” Looking to Hebrews 11:1 will give us an insight to what Paul was speaking of in Romans 8:24.  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).  Chapter 11 is often called the chapter of faith and the Bible Hall of Fame.  Many Old Testament characters and their great faith are brought to our remembrance in this chapter.  Middle way through we are told in Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”  These Bible characters died believing the promise of salvation and an eternal home would come.  They realized, as we must also, that our home on this earth is only temporary.  This faith is not a blind leap in the dark.  It is a faith based on the evidence around us and God’s Word.  We must make preparation for our heavenly home. The Christian can have comfort in the hope of eternal life …

Today’s Christian Woman

According to principles in Proverbs 31, a Christian woman has many opportunities today to further God’s plan of salvation.  A vessel, chosen by God, she is precious.  A ‘lively stone’ acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5).  She is priceless, a member of her family who seeks to be of worth to others as she quietly reaches out to teach about Jesus.  He expects her best, for it is her reasonable service.  She knows her place.  Always a Christian, she is a glorious and gracious addition to the church.  A living temple, she serves with joy in her heart. Today’s Christian woman can always be attuned to the wishes of the Gentle Shepherd of the flock as she continually strives to please God.  She studies the Scripture to improve her knowledge and elevate the cause of Christ.  She is obedient to her husband and speaks well of him wherever she goes.  She is kind, using no unpleasant words or actions.  She shows how to love and be tenderhearted by being tender and loving.  She brings joy and laughter into her busy world, yet she is ready to weep with those who may be suffering and in deep sorrow.  She must keep her tongue under control.  She is trusted to keep her speech and actions pure concerning others.  Trustworthiness is a trait becoming a virtuous woman.  She will seek guidance and wisdom through daily prayer, often without ceasing!  Above all she has true modesty! Ephesians 5:19 plainly says “singing …

Do You Love Me?

Do you care about my soul? Do you have the courage to tell me when I sin? Are you more concerned about my reaction to the message than the importance of the message? Or, maybe you are not convinced that I can sin so that I can be lost. I am reminded of examples in the Bible where someone was concerned enough about someone’s soul to tell them they had sinned.  Do you remember Jonah? God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach repentance to this wicked city.  However, Jonah did not want to preach to the Ninevites and chose to flee to Tarshish on a ship. Quite content with himself he settled into the sides of the ship and fell asleep. God caused a great storm. The sailors confronted Jonah that he was the cause of the storm (Jonah 1:10). Jonah immediately acknowledged he was fleeing from God. He spent three days praying for forgiveness; then he obeyed God’s initial command to preach repentance to the Ninevites. The purpose of reminding you of this biblical account in the Old Testament is to emphasize that someone was willing to tell Jonah about his sin. I am also reminded of Nathan and King David. King David committed the sin of adultery with Bathsheba. To hide his sin he committed the sin of murder by having Bathsheba’s husband killed in battle. God sent Nathan to King David to confront him of his sin.  I imagine it would be difficult to stand …

Philip’s Daughters

“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist; which was one of the seven; and abode with him.  And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy” (Acts 21:8-9). A casual reading of the above verses may not attract much attention or reveal a wealth of information besides the obvious.  These verses tell us a man named Philip housed Paul and company while he was in Caesarea.  This man had four unmarried daughters who had the gift of prophecy.  However, by implication and comparison to other Bible texts, these verses have much to offer. First, let’s consider the man Philip.  The phrase “which was one of the seven” refers to an earlier event recorded in Acts 6:1-6.  Philip was chosen to do the work of a deacon because of certain qualities in his character.  The men chosen were to have a reputation of honesty, wisdom and a desire for the spiritual.  Since they were to be making arrangements for the care of others, some sort of leadership ability and a desire to work were probably considered as well. Philip’s life again appears on the pages of inspiration in Acts 8:5-13 and Acts 8:26-40.  Both of these passages relate Philip preaching Christ to others, hence the phrase “Philip the evangelist” in Acts 8:8.  The first part of Acts 8 tells of Philip preaching in Samaria after Saul began persecuting Christians in earnest.  …

One Sack of Food

“When Jesus heard [about the beheading of John the Baptist] he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart” (Matthew 14:13). Surely Jesus was saddened and needed a time to pray–John was his fore-runner and his relative! The foe was coming closer. ‘Herod had heard of the fame of Jesus.’ But just now ‘the people had heard him and they followed him on foot.’ “Even so, Jesus went out to meet the multitude, and was moved with passion” and went about healing the sick. They stayed until evening, longing to hear and see more of this Jesus. His disciples approached him saying, “This is a desert place (v. 13) . . . send them away . . . to buy themselves victuals” (Matthew 14:15). Now Jesus had been made sorrowful. Going to the Father to refresh himself, he moved on. May I quote him? “They need not depart, give ye them to eat” (Matthew 14:16). These people were now physically hungry! As for the soul, Jesus taught much in spiritual nourishment, yet he never neglected the physical needs of the crowd gathered around him. One sack of food, offered with a smile and a concern in the voice, does make a difference to the oft disappointed, abandoned and many times lonely human soul who timidly inquires for just one sack of food. Can we take time out of our day, our circumstances, perhaps even our sorrows and move into another mode, that of action? Placing our burdens at the feet …

What Does Simon Say Now!

The details are not clear but the story went something like this.  Frank brought marijuana to school.  He and Simon, who just held it, were caught with the drug in the school bathroom.  School policy is zero tolerance for drugs.  Frank had a long disciple record from the past several years, including trips to alternative school and court school (a step beyond alternative school administered jointly by the school board and the local court system).  Needless to say, Frank soon found himself at a type of juvenile detention center.  Simon’s discipline record was almost non-existent.  It included nothing more serious than talking in class, chewing gum and maybe a detention or two.  Due to the zero tolerance policy, Simon (an average student) landed himself in alternative school for the last six weeks of his eighth grade year because he just held some marijuana on school property. The above scenario is probably not an unusual occurrence.  Studies conducted in 1997 show that an alarming number of students use or have used various drugs.  Forty-seven point one percent of students reported use of marijuana in their life, while 26.2% claimed to be current users.  The figures show this drug to be the most widely used.  Cocaine use was reported as 8.2% of students using at least once and 3.3% of students currently using the drug.  In addition, 7% of the students surveyed admitted to using marijuana on school property while 31.7% reported they had been offered, sold or given an illegal drug …

In Times Like These

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings . . . Thy God reigneth” (Isaiah 2:7). Of all the lessons to be gleaned from the Bible, this one echoes over and over: “Go, carry the Gospel message, the truth, to all the others.” We, as Christian women, have the opportunity to use our teaching skills today. God in times past was rejected, departed from, and denied. Is it so strange then, in times like these, we should have a need of a refresher course in Christianity?In this time of God’s people, true, there are more than a few wolves among us. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine: . . . and shall be turned unto fables” (1 Timothy 4:4). Can this be? There are many opinions and pleasant ideas being put into practice. This teases the lazy minds of those who fail to study the Bible. Fables are spread ever so carefully today. We read and hear “join hands with all who believe or are right with the Lord.” Please remember, “believers” do not always follow after the Lord. The devils believe–yet they have sense enough to tremble!We, as women in the Body must understand the truth in all of its power and beauty! We must live it, teach it and guard it against outside invasion. “That your hearts might be comforted being knit together in love . . . understand . . . the mystery of God” …

Sarah: Whose Daughters Ye Are

“Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4). That is, the Old Testament is very important in guiding us in the Christian life. One area of study concerns the characters of the Old Testament. In Peter’s instructions to Christian women, he calls attention to the manner of “the holy women” “in the old time.” Then he mentions Sarah specifically, and says we (Christian women) are her daughters. We are her daughters in the sense that Abraham is the father of all faithful children of God. Peter’s point is that those who do well in emulating her good qualities can be counted as her daughters. It is interesting that Peter has emphasized the importance of a beautiful “inside,” as more important than outward appearance. Outward beauty may attract attention, but this inner beauty can lead the lost to Christ. The apostle has said that an unbelieving husband might be won by the influence of his wife’s godly lifestyle. “While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man [person] of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek an quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Peter 3:1-4). It is our loving service to God that makes us beautiful rather than the costly ointments and gaudy …

Jezebel: Forever an Evil Name

There are many names found in the Old Testament that are still used today. One name comes to mind that is associated with such evil that I can imagine no one giving it to his child. Revelation Chapter Two Verse Twenty reads, “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.” The Jezebel mentioned here is not the same as the one found in the Old Testament. The Jezebel of the Old Testament left such a legacy of evil that her name was used here to indicate the evil in the church at Thyatira. Just what did the Old Testament Jezebel do to offend the Lord? The story of Jezebel’s wickedness begins in 1 Kings 16:31. Here we read that Ahab took Jezebel for his wife. Notice the phrase “. . . as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel . . .” Implied here is the fact that marrying Jezebel was even worse than being wicked like his fathers before him. The rest of the verse says that Ahab and Jezebel served and worshipped Baal (a god of the Canaanite people). Jezebel greatly influenced the religious lives of the people of Israel. First Kings 18: 4, 13 and 19 tell of her hatred …

The Little Servant Girl

The Bible contains the record of many women who were of sterling character. In this study we will examine the account of the young Hebrew girl taken into slavery to be the servant of the wife of Naaman, the Syrian captain, who was afflicted with leprosy. Many lessons about daily living may be gleaned from studying this girl–her motives and actions display some godly characteristics that we all should strive to possess. We will examine three traits: contentment, courage and faith. Second Kings 5:1-3 reads, “Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress, ‘Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! For he would recover him of his leprosy.’” From reading these three verses we can see that very little information about this unnamed servant girl is recorded. We need to “read between the lines” to discover the wonderful traits she must have possessed to prompt her speaking out to suggest a source of help for her captor, Naaman. One writer has described this account as a “pretty” story; pleasantness rested in her character. Slavery, in Bible …

Finding A Lost Child

The mother frantically explained her son was lost, and it would soon be dark. Could Joe and I help with the search? Of Course! We dropped everything, drove to their house and joined the search. What would we have sacrificed to find her son? Time was no object. If money would have helped, it would have been eagerly offered. This mother’s agony was very real to me. As I hugged my dear friend, I could feel her overwhelming fear. Was he hurt? Had he been kidnapped? Would she ever see her son again? The boy was found riding his bicycle in the country. The path he had chosen was longer than expected and it grew dark before he realized the danger. Every day children are involved in tragedies. We may shed tears for a child who has been kidnapped, murdered, abused or neglected. How often do we shed tears for the countless children who are not learning about Jesus? Are you thinking, “I would do something to reach them if I could. But what can I do?” There is something you can do. It will take less time each week than I spent looking for the lost boy. The cost is minimal. It can be undertaken by one individual or as a church project. Send It If they won’t come to you–go to them! No, it isn’t practical to go into each child’s home. But Bible teaching can go into their homes via the Post Office. A couple of years ago, …

Jerusalem Headlines

Pick up any newspaper in the world. One of the first things you will notice are the headlines. These phrases alert the reader to the main events or stories of interest found in the paper. They also give some important information about the following article. Imagine for a moment the possible headlines of a Jerusalem newspaper one weekend almost two thousand years ago. Friday’s headline Late Night Sanhedrin Meeting Finds Man Guilty Saturday’s headlines Self-Proclaimed Son of God Sentenced To DeathSon of God Crucified: Where Were His Angels?Vandalism at the Temple During Mid-Day Blackout Sunday’s headline Jesus’ Body Missing from Tomb: Stolen by Followers or Resurrected? The account of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and the events leading to the crucifixion can be read in all four gospels (Matthew 26:47-28:8; Mark 14:43-16:8; Luke 22:47-24:12; John 18:2-20:10). The information found in these passages can give us a good idea about the contents of articles corresponding to each of the above headlines. Late Night Sanhedrin Meeting Finds Man Guilty An article about the arrest of Jesus would follow Friday’s headline. As Jesus and his disciples were preparing to leave the garden, Judas arrived with a mob to take Jesus into custody. From the garden, Jesus was taken before the Sanhedrin for trial. This trial was illegal; trials were not to be conducted on feast days, days in preparation for feasts, or on the Sabbath (Kittel, Gerhard, and Friedrich, Gerhard, Editors. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged in One Volume. Grand …

The Fullness of God

Any hungry baby, fast growing child, or a hard working man knows how to, and will demand food that fills the emptiness which comes with hunger. If ignored, hunger causes an intense gnawing desire to be satisfied! If we eat food prepared to nourish and sustain our bodies, these bodies will lack nothing. So, eating wholesome food becomes a daily choice of subsistence. Indeed food, daily food, must be supplied and knowing this, the body demands to be filled religiously. Could shallowness of mind lead us to believe that only the body is to be fed until full? “Know ye not that yea are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you” (1 Corinthians 3:16)? A mind is housed within this body and it seeks to be fed also. It should be. It needs food to sustain eternal life! Paul was given grace to preach “the unsearchable riches of God” (Ephesians 3:8). Our soul food. “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious,” why stop with taste? Desire more of the Word, seek and search after the “bread of life which came down from heaven” (John 6:51). Jesus said, “I am that bread of life” (John 6:48). How often are we to feed our souls, you ask? On a continual basis, never ceasing. The Bible says “Till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure …

All I Need to Know About Life I Learned from Jesus

I know I’m special because Jesus loves me (John 3:16). Jesus is happy when I obey my parents and play well with others (Ephesians 6:1). When I am kind to others, I am following Jesus’ example (Matthew 7:12). I must be an example to others as Jesus is my example (1 Corinthians 11:1). My sins caused Jesus to die (Romans 5:6-8). Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, so I should be willing to sacrifice for others (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus spent his life teaching others the way of salvation. I must be willing to do the same (Mark 16:15-16). Children begin learning at birth. They immediately begin accumulating information. This data comes from all five senses. As the child grows, the acquired facts are related to each other in a way that becomes meaningful. For example, a baby hears the sounds of words everyday. Soon, the words come to have meaning. The child will respond to his name being called. Eventually, the baby begins to say the words himself to get a response (asking for a drink). The words that are used around the child become part of his vocabulary. Many parents do not feel the need to bring their children to Bible class. Some believe that newborns and very young children will get nothing out of the class. This, however, is not true. All children, even newborn babies, can greatly benefit from attending Bible class. Consider, for a moment, the lines above. I know I’m special because Jesus loves me. One …

Jesus And His Temptations

The definition of the word temptation is: “to entice.”  Entice is defined: “to attract artfully or adroitly by arousing hope or desire.  To lure; an inducement to pleasure or gain.”  (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) To lure, to arouse, or entice are all good definitions to describe accurately the wily ways of Satan.  Wiley or no, Satan had no measurable ill effect on Jesus Christ!  Jesus had a perfect knowledge of the Scriptures and through that knowledge He escaped the artful ploys of His opponent.  Comforted by the words: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” Jesus “then was led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil” (Matthew 3:11; 4:1).  Jesus fasted for forty days. A period of forty days and nights of fasting is a long time! It amounts to exactly 960 hours!  Going without food for a day is often causes hunger; multiply that by forty.  “He was afterward an hungered” (Matt. 4:2).  Total starvation would seem the better term! Can one perceive being that hungry and resisting the tempter who would say, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread” (Matt. 4:3)?  Human that I am, my first reaction would be to have loaves of bread in all shapes, sizes and flavors of my choice!  I would have a picnic!  My spirit would be weak.  Not so, Jesus.  He was the Son of God in human form.  There is no doubt He could …