EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Jeff Asher | Nachogdoches, Texas
In John four, Jesus converses with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. His objective is to prepare her intellectually and spiritually so that He may introduce Himself to her as the Messiah. He used the circumstances of their meeting and their mutual need for the well to initiate the conversation. Jesus asked her to favor Him by drawing water from the well for a drink. Read More
CHURCH ARTICLE | Osamagbe Lesley Egharevba | Lagos, Nigeria
Background
The establishment of the Lord’s church in the city of Thessalonica is found in Acts 17:1-10. During Paul’s second missionary journey, which begins in Acts 16, Paul heard the “Macedonia call” to send out the light (God’s Word). Specifically, he saw in a vision a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “come over to Macedonia and help us” (Acts 16:9). After seeing the vision, Paul and the men with him concluded that the Lord had called them to preach the gospel in that region. They traveled to Philippi (a Roman colony and the foremost city of that part of Macedonia). After they had preached and converted souls in Philippi, they moved to Thessalonica (another prominent city in Macedonia). They continued their preaching (Acts 17:1-10). Read More
WORSHIP ARTICLE | Jeremy Woodman | Kingston, Ontario
The Book of Psalms concludes with a series of psalms that praise the Lord. Some of our most popular hymns, such as “Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah”, based on Psalm 148, are directly from this section of scripture. Although there are commonalities between these psalms, each also have a unique focus on various attributes, actions, or characteristics of God that are worthy of praise. For example, in Psalm 145, David focuses on the mighty works of God, the goodness of God, and the kingdom of God. Read More
APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas
Introduction
We all, as Christians, have the responsibility to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Paul writes about being a shining example in Galatians 5:22-25, with the “fruit of the Spirit.” We are blessed to live in a divinely designed way and directed to help all others see, seek, and find it too.
Let’s consider the life of love, joy, and peace being complemented by “longsuffering, kindness, and goodness” so we can discover the value of these blessings and shine them brightly for all others to see. Read More
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | William Stewart & Sean Cavender
via Ben White | Unsplash.com
Before ascending to heaven, our Lord instructed the apostles to be busy preaching the gospel. Mark’s account of the great commission begins, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). However, this mission was not exclusive to the apostles. In Matthew’s record of the mandate, Jesus told the apostles to “…make disciples of all the nations … teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). In this, Jesus instituted a perpetual continuation of teaching the gospel to lost souls. We see the apostle Paul applying this in 2 Timothy 2:2, “…the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Read More
via Pexels | Pixabay.com
BEYOND THE BASICS | Sonia Rainwater (deceased), edited by Tom Rainwater
[Note: Below is a lesson that Sonia presented to a group of girls at the Northeast Florida College Camp in 2013. After this, her cancer afflicted her for five more years before she passed from this life. She faced that burden with strength and hope. Her example continues to encourage all who witnessed her faith. For that, I’m certain, she would give God all the glory. – Tom Rainwater]
Three years ago, I was diagnosed with colon cancer, which had spread to my liver. Since then, I’ve had major surgery on my colon and two surgeries on my liver. I’ve had lots of chemo treatments during that time. I’ve seen doctors constantly. I’m still fighting a battle against cancer. But thanks to our wonderful God, I’m here today and doing well, and so happy to be speaking to you. My message is: no matter what happens to you, you can still be strong for the Lord. Read More