May 29, 2024

Conducting Our Assemblies Decently and in Order

Worship service

When it comes to our worship services, we tend to emphasize what we are to do. As we study through the New Testament, we see certain “acts” that were part of the assemblies of the churches in the first century under the guidance of the apostles.* Yet in his first letter to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul also described the manner in which these assemblies were to be conducted.

“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40, NKJV).

What does it mean to conduct our assemblies in this way? It is important that we understand this so we can worship God acceptably and not misapply Paul’s instruction.Continue Reading

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May 15, 2024

Living for Christ

Man with Open Bible

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was an act of love. Before His death, He told His apostles, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This love should produce a deep sense of gratitude in us. Yet, as Paul explained, it must do more than that. It should also motivate us to live our lives for Him.

But what does it mean to live for Christ? It is more than just a belief in Him or an appreciation for what He has done. Our belief and appreciation should affect our behavior. So let us learn what it means to live for Christ. To do this, we will consider a few passages that contain analogies and instructions that help explain this concept.Continue Reading

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May 1, 2024

Do Not Grow Weary

Man with Head in Hands

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9, KJV).

In the verse above, Paul told the Galatians that they were not to “lose heart in doing good” (NASB). Yet this often happens. We become exhausted through the activities, pressures, and obligations of life. This is something that everyone faces. However, as Christians, we need to deal with this feeling appropriately and not allow ourselves to “lose heart.”Continue Reading

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April 17, 2024

Should Christians Listen to Contemporary “Christian” Music?

Contemporary worship band

Contemporary “Christian” music has grown in acceptance and popularity over the last several decades. During this time, artists in more and more genres – including rock and hip hop – have been writing songs with lyrics that are more spiritual than secular. For many religious people, this is seen as an unquestionably positive development.

Before we consider whether these songs are ones that Christians should listen to, let us start with a definition of what we mean by Contemporary “Christian” music.

“Contemporary Christian music (CCM), also known as Christian pop, and occasionally inspirational music, is a genre of modern popular music, and an aspect of Christian media, which is lyrically focused on matters related to the Christian faith and stylistically rooted in Christian music. …the term is typically used to refer to pop, but also includes rock, alternative rock, hip hop, metal, contemporary worship, punk, hardcore punk, Latin, electronic dance music, R&B-influenced gospel, and country styles.” (Wikipedia)

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April 10, 2024

What Makes an Outstanding Young Person?

Paul and Timothy

During the apostle Paul’s second preaching tour, he met a young man named Timothy. Paul was so impressed with him that he wanted Timothy to accompany him on his journey (Acts 16:3). As Luke introduced Timothy in this passage, we can see that it was not just Paul who held this young man in high regard.

“Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, and he was well spoken of by the brethren who were in Lystra and Iconium” (Acts 16:1-2).

What made Timothy such an outstanding young man? The passage above does not give us much information (other than the fact that he was “a disciple”), yet we learn more from Paul’s second letter to Timothy about what set him apart from others.Continue Reading

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March 27, 2024

Skeletons in the Closet

Skeleton in the Closet

The above phrase is an expression used to describe a secret from one’s past that, if discovered, would have a negative impact on that person. It might cause them shame, a loss of credibility, or even legal trouble. During a contentious political campaign season, it is not uncommon to hear reports and allegations about the secret past of the candidates as their opponents are looking for anything – even these “skeletons in the closet” – to discredit them.

When Jesus was on the earth teaching, many opposed Him – particularly the leaders of the people. The leaders were concerned that if Jesus continued to “go on like this, all men will believe in Him” (John 11:48). This was not what they wanted. It would be very convenient for them if they could find some “skeleton in the closet” in Jesus’ life. Then, they could discredit Him and turn people away from Him. Unfortunately for them, they could not do this. They could only produce false witnesses with inconsistent testimony (Mark 14:56).Continue Reading

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March 13, 2024

Why Do We Obey God?

Man sitting and thinking with the Bible

Sadly, most people in the world do not recognize God. Therefore, it is unsurprising that they do not obey Him. Yet for those who claim to be Christians, obedience ought to be a way of life. But why should we live a life of obedience? 

The New Testament clearly indicates that we do not obey God in order to earn our salvation. Because all of us have sinned (Romans 3:23), the only thing we have earned is eternal punishment (Romans 6:23). Jesus said, “So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’” (Luke 17:10). Even if we could perfectly carry out every command the Lord has given, we are still “unworthy slaves” who are dependent upon the grace of God.

At the same time, Jesus implied in the statement above that His people would obey Him (“when” – not IF – “you do all the things which are commanded…”). When He commissioned His apostles to go out and make disciples, they were to teach them “to observe all that I commanded” (Matthew 28:20). Obedience is expected of those who would be Jesus’ disciples.

That brings us back to our question: Why do we obey God? There are a few reasons presented to us in the Scriptures:Continue Reading

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