December 8, 2015

Lessons from a Rich Fool

Gold Coins

On one occasion, Jesus told a parable about a man who was considered a fool because of how he focused on his riches to the neglect of his soul. This parable was presented as a warning against greed and a reminder that there is more to our existence than material things (Luke 12:15).

“And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, “What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.’” But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God’” (Luke 12:16-21).

Let us consider three brief lessons from this parable.
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December 1, 2015

God’s Words to Adam

Garden of Eden

Adam was created by God and was the first man to live on the earth. The first three chapters of Genesis record his beginning up until his fall. In these chapters, God made several statements directly to Adam. In this article, we will consider what God said to Adam and see what we can learn from these statements.
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November 17, 2015

Paul’s Message to Felix

Paul before Felix

After Paul was arrested in Jerusalem, he was taken to Caesarea where he had the chance to speak with Felix the governor. The apostle used this opportunity not to plead with the governor to release him, but to deliver a message from the gospel that Felix needed to hear.

“But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you’” (Acts 24:24-25).

The points that Paul discussed with Felix are necessary for all of us today. Let us briefly consider them:
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November 10, 2015

Was James a Heretic?

James

There are several statements in James’ epistle that are contrary to popularly held religious beliefs. Let us briefly consider these passages in light of what many churches teach today.
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November 3, 2015

By What Authority?

Matthew 21:23

Matthew recorded an occasion in which the religious leaders questioned Jesus about the things He was doing. After Jesus rode into Jerusalem receiving praise from the people (Matthew 21:1-11), drove the money changers and those selling animals out of the temple (Matthew 21:12-13), healed the blind and the lame who came to Him (Matthew 21:14-15), and then performed a miracle that caused a fig tree to wither (Matthew 21:18-19), the chief priests and elders confronted Him.

“When He entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him while He was teaching, and said, ‘By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?’” (Matthew 21:23).

This was actually a very good question. It is one that we need to ask ourselves and ask of others regarding the things that are done in service to God. Yet many are not at all interested in this question. They simply want to do what they have always done, what seems right to them, what their preacher says, or what their family has always done in religion. But it is important that we appeal to the proper source of authority.
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October 20, 2015

Conversion

U-Turn

In the second recorded gospel sermon following the healing of the lame man, Peter told the crowd that had gathered, “Repent…and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, KJV).

What is conversion? The dictionary would define this as a change in form, character, or function. In the New Testament, it refers to a change to follow Christ. In this article, we will notice three things that happen in our conversion – not only to see how conversion happens, but also to learn how to keep from reverting back to the world.
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October 13, 2015

Worship in Spirit and Truth

John 4:24

Worshiping God is one of the great privileges we have as His people. However, we must understand that He does not need our worship. Paul told the Athenians on Mars Hill that God “does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:24-25). Yet He does desire our worship. Jesus said, “The Father seeks [people] to be His worshipers” (John 4:23). However, just because God seeks worshipers does not mean that He will accept just any worship that men might offer to Him.

When Jesus was traveling from Judea to Galilee, He stopped to rest beside a well in Samaria (John 4:1-6). While He was there, a Samaritan woman came to draw water from the well and Jesus asked her for a drink (John 4:7). This was an unusual request – it even surprised the woman – since “Jews have no dealings with Samaritans” (John 4:9). But this conversation led to an important discussion about worship. It was a lesson needed by the Samaritans, the Jews, and also by us today.

After the woman perceived Jesus to be a prophet (John 4:19), she mentioned the difference between the worship of the Jews and the Samaritans to see what Jesus had to say about it. Jesus’ answer came down to this statement: “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).
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