We read about people being baptized in the New Testament and it creates within us a desire to also be baptized.  We read about Jesus and the apostles teaching people to be baptized in the New Testament and it prompts us to want to be baptized.  So, as long as I was baptized (i.e., fully immersed in water), does it really matter…

There are passages in the Bible that encourage us, build us up, inspire us, and keep us going through difficult times. Then, there are others that instill fear and reverence for the Lord. Passages like, “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of…

Bob had just walked outside the front door to begin weeding the flowerbed when his neighbor saw him. The neighbor began the conversation with a comment about how sad he was to see Bob selling his home for they had become good friends. The neighbor was surprised when Bob said we are not selling our home, we never plan to do that.…

In an effort to prove that baptism is not essential to salvation, an appeal is often made to the Holy Spirit falling upon the household of Cornelius in Acts 10.  The claim that is made goes something like this: “They received the Holy Spirit and were saved before they were baptized; therefore, baptism really isn’t essential to salvation.”  In short, consider this.…

Jesus healed many but few returned to show gratitude. On one occasion Jesus healed ten men with leprosy—a disease that produced years of indescribable misery, advancing slowly but surely, as it destroyed the body. Ten such leprous men stood afar off and pleaded with Jesus to have mercy on them (Luke 17:11, 13). The Lord healed them (Luke 17:14). It was necessary…

The early history of the church that began on Pentecost at times looked so bleak. With all the apostles present it was so easy for the infant church to “…continue steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). However, it was not long until two of the leading apostles were arrested and brought before the Jewish officials who ordered them to stop preaching…

The wish that some people seemed to always have was to discover that a “rich uncle,” whom they had never met, died and left them a great fortune.  I am not sure that such has ever happened, but that is how some folks dream of becoming rich.  But, for every child of God, there is something much better than having a “rich…

Conflict will happen in life. There are many reasons why, but the important thing is how we deal with it. Will we represent Christ well or will we follow the unhealthy paths of common conflict practices? The book of proverbs offers some great wisdom in dealing with and avoiding conflict.  • “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs…