Let's Go Back to the Bible

Posts by Josh Blackmer

Holding Fast to What Is Good

How do we know what is good or bad? Hebrews tells us that we can “exercise our senses to discern between good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). It is that ability that helps us stay clear of the traps and temptations this world throws at us. The fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, when consumed, removed innocence and required the consumer…

Four Mistakes About the Christ

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, saying, “What do you think about the Christ?” (Matt. 22:41-42). On another occasion, Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” (Matt. 16:13). This is an important question. Consider opinions expressed regarding the Christ. “‘Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of…

To Eulogize Our Lord

You have probably heard or read one. A eulogy is reserved for the dead to speak of their deeds in life. Those admirable traits and praiseworthy moments, if there are any, help us to remember the person for who they were. Some have said that life might be a little sweeter if we daily said the things that we typically reserve for…

The Conditions of God

There are those who would preach and praise God for His boundless love and grace. For both of those I am eternally thankful. However, some use words like “reckless” and “unconditional” to describe these attributes of God. These words go beyond the scope of what the Bible says. God is certainly not reckless with anything He does, and there are conditions in…

The Psalms in Prayer

The Book of Psalms is a source of songs in which we can offer praise and thanksgiving to God. It also has much to offer in regard to our approaching God in prayer. Many of the psalms are written in the style of prayer or petition and are thereby suitable in helping us learn how to pray and how to express those…

Overcoming Discouragement

Discouragement is a very real danger—a weapon that Satan wields very proficiently. Discouragement has the potential to destroy us, thus Paul warned about it (Gal. 6:9). The following are some suggestions that should help us overcome this threat. Focus our eyes on heaven. Life is meaningless without God (Eccl. 1:2). Our eyes need to be focused upon the goal of our life.…

Can We Show People Love?

“I find it easy to portray a business‐ man. Being bland, rather cruel and incompetent comes naturally to me” (John Cleese). It is easy to be mean, and the world makes it easier. Life seems to be a gauntlet of rude awakenings, playground politics, the rage of rush hour, the push‐and‐shove along the corporate ladder, and the snippy bickering of a thousand…