Our Entertainment Culture

Our society is saturated with entertainment in various forms – movies, television, music, the internet, video games, sporting events, etc. Even during economic hardship, Americans are paying billions of dollars a year for movie tickets alone. While occasional entertainment may be fine, our consumption of it must be regulated by the Scriptures. In evaluating our […]

Blessed Are the Dead Who Die in the Lord

Text: Revelation 14:13 When a faithful child of God passes away, this verse is often used to comfort those who are grieving. But it is important to understand why these individuals are blessed. They Are Blessed Because They Have Died in the Lord In one sense, we might say that all who have died are […]

The Example of Epaphroditus

Text: Philippians 2:25 Paul told the brethren in Philippi that men like Epaphroditus were to be held in high regard (Philippians 2:29). Why? This passage gives five reasons. He Was a Brother Brother refers here to a fellow Christian As fellow Christians, we have a common Father (1 John 3:1) We are different from the […]

Did God Put Barack Obama in the White House?

Text: Daniel 4:17 Many Christians are disappointed in the outcome of the Presidential election. But many have concluded that it must have been God’s will for the President to be reelected. Daniel 4:17 is often cited on this point. However, these are different times. There were specific purposes and prophecies for nations in the Bible; […]

God Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Text: 2 Chronicles 32:1-8 We sometimes hear the phrase: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ This phrase is not in the Bible, but the principle exists. In order to take full advantage of what God offers, we must do what we are able to do. Example: Hezekiah Defending Jerusalem Against the Assyrians (2 Chronicles 32:1-8) […]

Each Wore His Sword As He Built

Text: Nehemiah 4:16-23 When Nehemiah returned to rebuild Jerusalem, the workers were mocked & threatened (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 7-8). The threats were addressed without the rebuilding project being neglected. There are some applications to be made here to our ongoing spiritual conflict. A Constant Threat Sanballat & his allies conspired together (4:8) – enemies look for […]

Conduct Yourselves in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel

Text: Philippians 1:27-30 Not Dependent Upon the Approval of Others Whether Paul came or remained absent, he wanted them to be faithful (cf. Philippians 2:12) Christians certainly provide a benefit to one another – encouragement (Hebrews 3:12-13), accountability (James 5:16.19-20) But we must be of the mind that we will serve God, even if no […]