By Austin Dalton The parable of the virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 is a good example of being ready. The wise virgins took extra oil and the foolish did not. When the bridegroom came later than expected, the foolish did not have enough oil and had to go buy some. While they were gone the bridegroom [...]
The Trunk-or-Treat Truth
By Starla J. Halbrook ‘Tis the season for “trunk-or-treats,” a new way to “evangelize, invite and minister,” according to many of our friends and Terry Delaney (http://ministry-to-children.com/trunk-or-treat). If, like me, you are wondering about this new way to proclaim the Gospel, Mr. Delaney in his article, “Trunk or Treat: A Church Halloween Alternative Idea,” provides [...]
Personalized Religion
An article in the September 13, 2011 edition of USA TODAY (p. 2A), was titled “More Americans customize religion to fit their personal needs.” To read it is to confirm what many of us have known for years; men push God off the throne and rule themselves. Or, to put it in Old Testament terms, [...]
Pat Robertson: Divorce for Alzheimer’s?
In an online video Pat Robertson states that a man can divorce his Alzheimer’s stricken wife and move on. Watch the video here http://bit.ly/rnBoHi. He flatly contradicts the Bible’s teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage (Matt. 19:9; Rom. 7:1-4). Why does this not surprise us? Robertson may have a reputation as an outspoken conservative Christian, [...]
Global Warming: A Biblical View
Global warming or climate change is a controversial issue. Environmentalists have convinced millions of people, many influential, that mankind is disrupting the natural processes of the earth. We are told the use of automobiles, factories, and various technologies are impacting the climate in a detrimental way; so much so that if we do not quickly [...]
Forgiveness Without Repentance?
Time and again the question comes up, “Should I forgive someone who has not asked for it?” In other words, are we supposed to automatically forgive another? As with other questions, Scripture has the answer (2 Pet. 1:3). The Bible teaches us to forgive as Christ forgave (Eph. 4:32). He forgives when men repent and [...]
How Is Your Heart?
By J.D. Shadburne In Acts 8 we are told the story of a true believer. We’re told of a story of someone one who after being “preached Jesus” (Acts 8:35), believed with all his heart and was baptized (Acts 8:37). The Ethiopian Eunuch is an example of a person who decided he was going to [...]
Five Things A Pastor Won’t Tell You 5
Note: In this material, the term “pastor” is used in its common usage; a leader of a denominational church. It is not used in the biblical sense as outlined and illustrated in the New Testament (Acts 20:17-32; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). 5. Some Believers Will Burn In Hell Not all believers [...]
Five Things A Pastor Won’t Tell You 4
Note: In this material, the term “pastor” is used in its common usage; a leader of a denominational church. It is not used in the biblical sense as outlined and illustrated in the New Testament (Acts 20:17-32; 1 Pet. 5:1-4; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). 4. Faith Alone Will Not Save You. There are certain [...]
Too Much On The “But”
In reading some commentaries it amazes me how much some men can get out of one verse or even one word. While some simply speculate and run wild with imagination, others offer truly profound observations on a passage. It can be highly beneficial to learn from others, though we must always remember to examine their [...]