Remember the Fallen

The Stoning of Stephen

In the United States, Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died while serving in the armed forces. It is certainly appropriate for us to appreciate the sacrifices that have helped make it possible for us to live “a tranquil and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2).

In a similar way, it is good for us to remember those who died not for a country, but for the kingdom of Christ. The New Testament provides us with a record of a few such individuals. In this article we will remember these martyrs* and consider some lessons from their deaths.
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Three Thousand Souls

Crowd

The Lord’s church was established on the day of Pentecost following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ (Acts 2). The Scriptures indicate that three thousand individuals responded to the preaching of the apostles on that day by obeying the gospel (Acts 2:41). As a result, God added them to the church (Acts 2:47).

There were many others in Jerusalem on this day than just the three thousand who obeyed the gospel – including many who would have heard but did not respond to the preaching done by Peter and the other apostles. What can we know about these “three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41) that contributed to their reception of the gospel? Let us consider six things we know about these individuals from the text:
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The Importance of Faith (Part 2): Justification

The Importance of Faith (Part 2): Justification

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
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The Evils of Alcohol

Alcoholic

Many have questions about the use of alcohol – whether or not a Christian can or should drink and whether we should condone (or even advocate for) the practice. While many might have different opinions about this, we need to know what the Bible says about it. So in this article, we are going to consider what the Bible says about the evils of alcohol.
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Called As Saints

Man at Sunset

To all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7).

One of the terms used in the New Testament to refer to the people of God is saints. This was the term Paul used to address the Christians in Rome (Romans 1:7). It is important that we understand this term and why it was used.
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The Psalm of the Word (Part 22): Praise

The Psalm of the Word

Let my cry come before You, O Lord;
Give me understanding according to Your word.

Let my supplication come before You;
Deliver me according to Your word.

Let my lips utter praise,
For You teach me Your statutes.

Let my tongue sing of Your word,
For all Your commandments are righteousness.

Let Your hand be ready to help me,
For I have chosen Your precepts.

I long for Your salvation, O Lord,
And Your law is my delight.

Let my soul live that it may praise You,
And let Your ordinances help me.

I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant,
For I do not forget Your commandments.

(Psalm 119:169-176)

This final stanza focuses on the need to praise God because of His word. We noticed this point a little bit in the previous lesson. The thoughts expressed in these verses are a fitting conclusion to the psalm and our study of it. Given all that we have learned about God’s word, we should praise Him.
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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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