December 2, 2012

“Do Not Be Children in Your Thinking” (12/2)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 12-14.

When the disciples tried to prevent children from being brought to Jesus, the Lord said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). There are certain characteristics common in children that disciples must have (innocence, trust, etc.). Yet Jesus did not teach that His followers must be like children in all things. Notice what Paul told the brethren in Corinth:

“Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20).

While there are certain characteristics of children that are to be emulated, there are others that are not. In this passage, Paul said that in the realm of thinking, Christians are not to be like children, but are to be mature.
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June 9, 2012

The Sluggard Begs During the Harvest (6/9)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Proverbs 19-21.

The sluggard is mentioned several times in the book of Proverbs. In this passage, we learn something else about him.

“The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing” (Proverbs 20:4).

We understand that the sluggard has nothing and is forced to beg because he refuses to work. Other passages also make this point. But this verse builds upon that truth and teaches us something else.
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April 25, 2012

Stand Firm in the True Grace of God

Standing and looking at the sunset

Grace is a misunderstood topic among many in the religious world. People believe we are saved by grace alone and that works (especially baptism) are not necessary for salvation. There are also those who believe that grace gives them permission to sin without fear of punishment.

As Peter summarized his first epistle, he said this: “I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!” (1 Peter 5:12). What is the true grace of God? Is it the kind of grace that is described by the majority of those in the religious world, or is it something different? A study of Peter’s first epistle – which he said is “the true grace of God” – will help us get a better understanding of grace and what is related to it. Let us notice some of the things that Peter, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), included in this category.
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March 1, 2012

Profitable Bible Studies

Group Bible Study

In our busy society, few people have tolerance for anything they perceive to be a waste of their time. The Scriptures do teach us to make the most of our time (Ephesians 5:16), so we should strive to do this in all things. When it comes to our periods of Bible study, how can we be sure our time is spent profitably? This will depend on actions and attitudes.

Let us notice some factors that will help determine the profitability of our Bible studies.
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January 1, 2012

"God Saw That It Was Good" (1/1)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Genesis 1-3.

“God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10).

Six times, the record of Creation tells us that God saw His work as good. These came after God created or ordered something – the creation of light (v. 3-4), separation of the dry land from the seas (v. 9-10), creation and growth of plants (v. 11-12), ordering of the sun, moon, and stars (v. 14-18), creation of sea life and birds (v. 20-21), and the creation of land animals (v. 24-25). At each point, the text indicates that God saw His progress and that it was good.
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December 28, 2011

Thoughts on the New Year

Happy New Year

As the beginning of another year rapidly approaches, Christians can use this time in three ways: as a reminder, as an opportunity, and as a warning.
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October 17, 2011

The Honest and Good Heart

Wheat

In the previous article we looked at the parable of the sower, noting the four different soils which represented four different types of hearts. Each one responded differently to the word when it was sown among them. Despite these differences, we saw that the message (the seed, the word of God) was not changed. Rather than trying to change the message, we should strive to develop the “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15) that Jesus said would be receptive to His saving gospel.

Jesus explained the illustration of the good soil: “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance” (Luke 8:15). Let us be reminded of what the honest and good heart will do and how we can develop this type of heart.
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