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A longtime, prominent denominational preacher once told a large audience that he believed that “There were Christians everywhere, even in the deepest, darkest recesses of the world like Africa and South America even if they had never ever heard the Gospel preached unto them” (In His Own Words, Billy Graham Ministries). Is this noble teaching? Thayer defines “nobility” as uprightness, to act with integrity and conviction. Is this possible when only using the wisdom of man? (NKJV, Jeremiah 10:23). The…

There are many encompassing challenges when it comes to serving God. For example, one might ask, does God desire to be served? I understand that He does this by command, example, and by inference. The Woman clearly stated His decree when she informed Satan, “God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die,’ (NKJV, Genesis 2:3b). It only took about five seconds to be tempted and fall to disobedience. How does this help…

The Israelite Deliverer stated, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, NKJV). The Holy Spirit explicitly instructs the Hebrew nation to declare allegiance to the One who had taken them from bondage to salvation. Ten miraculous signs were given to all…

Have you ever experienced a Holiday experience called a “turducken”? This delicacy is a blend-word, or portmanteau is a term given to a duck, turkey, and chicken meal combination first made famous by John Maden in 1996 on Monday Night Football. The combination is a rich and indulgent meal. Although fun and fanciful to the senses, this never makes for a healthy meal. Too much of a good thing is not always a good thing. We love this for the…

Periodically, one may find themselves immersed in a Bible Study where someone objects to the doctrine of Christ, stating, “Jesus came to set us free from all these rules and regulations that were given to Moses.” Which is essentially true (Colossians 2:14, NKJV). They often favor a life without interruption in the things preferred versus a “system of religion” governing their living. Additionally, someone might suggest, “Give me Jesus and not the church,” which also infers a “managed” lifestyle significantly…

Vertical Love You may have noticed an increase across this nation where people argue for “love without boundaries”. This mantra is often claimed when there are friends, neighbors, coworkers, and especially family who have crossed into an opposing doctrine, and we fear losing our horizontal relationship with them. This is amazingly interesting based on the evidence that Jesus clearly states that religious-minded people should love God above all other things (Matthew 22:37, NKJV). He goes on to state, “And the…

Champion Who doesn’t love a champion? It would be challenging to deny its impact, especially during this year’s Olympic competition. We often associate this winning sensation as we are uniquely drawn to the zenith of the Victory Stand! One’s National Anthem is played. Throngs of people cheering as the victory synchronizes in the background. The victor is typically moved by sovereign emotion, and tears often flood their cheeks, forming a mixture of pride and release that accompanies victory! As much…

Needed Edification Ever been criticized? Ever had to endure someone’s wrath but for all the wrong reasons? America holds a very impassionate ridicule in perceived judgment. Nobody wants to be wrong, but this has never reduced the amount of negative verbiage used against a person’s enemies. Isn’t that interesting? On the one hand, I can see this as a habitual regimen in the world. What is hard or even seemingly impossible to accept, is this tendency in the Church. We…

Right Kind of Friend Have you ever wondered if you are the right type of friend? A friend supports more thoroughly than a blood relative (Proverbs 17:17, NKJV). Godly friendship imbrues a heart suited for the will of God (James 2:23). People of like minds often find one another during times of duress and habitually find themselves forsaking what others would or could not (1 Samuel 18:1). We are commanded to love and be friends above reproach (Proverbs 18:24). Most…

Battle Fatigue Have you ever been weary? Have you ever been exhausted to the point where you had difficulty choosing to move forward, staying where you were, or just simply falling backward? Many people have answered the call of Christ, and I do believe many have chosen this purposeful path. I also believe struggles naturally occur in this decision. Thayer defines weary as “to reduce or exhaust the physical strength of the body; to tire; to fatigue; as, to weary…

Please Pray for Me Prayer has always been a tantamount facet in the lives of those who believe in and serve God. Scripture elucidates this avenue of communication of human beings with their Creator. For example, almost everyone identifies with the mournful utterances of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10, NKJV). Her womb was “shut up”. She endures the ridicule of her peers. Because of her misery, Hannah is described as one who “wept and did not eat” (1 Samuel 1:7b). Her…

There is often a rare question of curiosity that arises to “kill the cat”. One such query is, “Did the chicken come before the egg or vice versa?” To say the least this simplistic novelty makes for engaging coffee table talk, but no one has ever taken it too seriously to my knowledge. A more difficult question comes in the structure of “Why choose Barrabas over Jesus?” Now this issue demands more intellect and honesty. The Bible states Jesus would…