EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Chad Brewer | Huntsville, Alabama
Much head-scratching, and possibly some bald spots, have resulted from the last few names mentioned in Hebrews 11. How much we wish that time had not failed the Hebrew writer so that he could have more fully explained their inclusion in this list! The names can be jarring and seemingly out of place, including some men that we would have
never placed on the list of those of faith. Read More
CHURCH ARTICLE | Osamagbe Lesley Egharevba | Lagos, Nigeria
modified, via Alfonso Cerezo | Pixabay
In the book of Revelation chapter 1, we read of the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia. John said,
“I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” (Revelation 1:10–11)
WORSHIP ARTICLE | Shawn Chancellor | Amarillo, Texas
via Zadok Artifex | Pixabay
Fear and helplessness. This must have been what the average Israelite felt by the ninth plague. Nine times, Jehovah had struck the gods of Egypt. The intensity of the plagues had increased from annoying frogs and flies to decimated herds and crops. The people had been struck with boils, and hail had destroyed the fields. Despite the devastation, Pharaoh refused to submit, and he did not let the children of Israel go. However, God had one more plague in store, and this time, Pharaoh would relent.
The tenth and final plague was the death of the firstborn. In Exodus 11, Moses warned Pharaoh about this plague. Read More
APPLICATION ARTICLE | Don McClain | Bryant, Arkansas
www.LumoProject.com
Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience off Christ. (2 Thessalonians 3:5, NKJV)
“Patience Paw Paw, patience!” These words came from the backseat of our Buick Enclave not too long ago. My granddaughter gave me one of those real life, “out of the mouth of babes” experiences. Yes, I have been known to complain about how others drive. Why are so many people compelled to drive like sloths when I am in a hurry? And what is so complicated about blinkers (or directionals, according to some)? They are installed on vehicles for a reason – please use them properly. Please note, this is coming from a person who has to be told repeatedly, “Honey, your blinker is still on,” five or six miles down the road from when I turned it on (Ecclesiastes 7:21–22). Read More
EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Jim Mickells | Sellersburg, Indiana
There is no doubt the Lord expects His people to do their very best to share the gospel with as many people as possible. Someone well said, “We are saved to save.” Meaning, we are saved by the grace of God to share this message of grace with a lost and dying world so they too can be saved. It seems to me this is an area of the Christian life which is often neglected. Certainly I believe most all could make some improvement in this area, I know I could. Read More
BEYOND THE BASICS | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario
via Henryk Niestrój | Pixabay
The apostle Paul mentioned the brethren at Laodicea multiple times in his epistle to the Colossians. He had never seen them face to face, but he was concerned for the faith of the Christians in both cities (Colossians 2:1-10). At the close of the Colossian letter, Paul forwarded greetings from Epaphras, his fellow prisoner and a native of Colosse (Colossians 4:12; Philemon 1:23). The apostle was moved by this man’s zeal for his brethren in Colosse, as well as neighbouring Laodicea and Hierapolis (Colossians 4:13). Paul extended his own greetings to the Christians in Laodicea through the Colossian church (Colossians 4:15).
His final reference to the Laodiceans is in Colossians 4:16. It reads:
Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Jeff Smith | Manassas, Virginia
This is the eighth article in the Hall of Faith series and considers Gideon, the fifth judge of Israel. Thus far the series has considered twelve of those mentioned in Hebrews chapter eleven. Gideon is the first in the list of faithful that the author didn’t take the time to describe in detail (Hebrews 11:32). That list includes five judges, King David, and all the prophets. Truly it would take many words to highlight all their individual acts of faith. The Hebrew writer only gave Gideon an “honorable mention.” Let us dive into the heroic acts of this valiant warrior, as the angel of the Lord referred to him (Judges 6:12). Read More
CHURCH ARTICLE | Brian Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario
floyd99 | Pixabay
The final words on the cross were “It is finished” (John 19:30). Indeed, very little remained for Jesus to accomplish on earth before His return to heaven. After the three days in the tomb (see Luke 24:21), He came forth a victor over death and the grave (Actts 2:27, 30-33; Revelation 1:18); was seen by witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:1-8); spent 40 days with the apostles further schooling them concerning the kingdom (Acts 1:1-3); before ascending on high (Acts 1:9-11) on His return to heaven. Jesus returned to heaven to be given “dominion and glory and a kingdom” (Daniel 7:13-14). Read More
WORSHIP ARTICLE | Keith Sharp | Mountain Home, Arkansas
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).
I remember an old couple from over forty years ago. Neither could read a note of music. They sat about halfway back on the far left side in a congregation of over 200 members. He sang like a bull frog and as loud as one and added a unique little lift at the end of a note. She was shrill. A music teacher would shudder. I miss them. They were a godly, dedicated old couple who could teach and praise in song. I hope we can sing together in heaven. Read More
APPLICATION ARTICLE | Lee Elkins | Jacksonville, Arkansas
Without ever realizing it, most people would condemn Jesus because of what he believed and practiced. This is a serious charge here. How can I make such a statement about what others believe? It is a logical conclusion to the things that they believe and say, that’s how. In our article, we are going to be considering the realities of Jesus and His obedience. Not only would most people condemn Jesus, but many would verbally assault Him with “that is works-based salvation!” or “You are not teaching grace!” Allow me to state the obvious now. We cannot separate the realities of faith from obedience. Faith consists of belief, trust, and obedience (Hebrews 11:6). Read More