Author Archives: kgnprchr@gmail.com

08 Oct

Psalm 61 – A Prayer : Returning to God’s Shelter

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Tim McPherson | Bountiful, Utah

Psalm 61 is a prayer we all need to pray. When do we say we need God the most? We need God in times of despair, in times of great sorrow or trouble, when we are possibly feeling distant or separated from God. Yes, many times in life we feel helpless. Who can we turn to? I turn to God. We so desperately express our need for a greater strength beyond mortal wisdom or human counsel. We look longingly for that time of Almighty God’s care. The enemy is trying to tug us away from God. Although the enemy seems to have pulled us away and we may feel in despair, we truly can draw nearer to God. Read More →

08 Oct

Fruit of the Spirit : Shining Love, Joy, and Peace

APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction
As Christians, we are responsible to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). This is an interesting directive which is clarified by Paul’s next inspired statement. In Philippians 2:16a, Paul says, “holding fast the word of life.” This is where we are instructed in proper “shining.” We learn from this that God provides the instructions for shining as we should.

A life transformed by obedience to the will of God will be noticed in this world of darkness. Others will take note of the true changes and the intensity of those changes when we let them shine. Galatians 5:22-25 speaks of the wonderful results found in submitting to God, denying the flesh, and focusing on what is best for your soul. In this first lesson, we will focus on the life of “love, joy, and peace.” We will consider how these blessings brighten our walk and the quality of our shine on those around us. Read More →

08 Oct

Sharing the Gospel of King Jesus

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Sean Cavender | Wichita, Kansas

Introduction
After His resurrection, Jesus told His apostles that “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus soon ascended into heaven and was exalted to sit on David’s throne, reigning as king over His kingdom (Acts 2:33; Philippians 2:9-11). Following this claim to kingly authority, Jesus then told His apostles to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I command you…” (Matthew 28:19-20). Throughout the book of Acts, we see the apostles work in fulfilling Jesus’ words. As the church grew and more and more people were converted to Christ, all disciples began to share the word of God with those who were not disciples of KIng Jesus (Acts 8:4). Read More →

08 Oct

Not Peace But A Sword

BEYOND THE BASICS | Jeffrey Smith | Gainesville, Virginia

Peace on Earth?
The angel who announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds led a chorus of angels in saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)

So, the promise of peace on earth is intimately connected with our Lord and Savior. That is why we are taken aback when Jesus later said he did not come to bring peace.

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.” (Matthew 10:34-36, ESV)

Which is it? Peace, or no peace? War, or peace? Or both?

To better understand Jesus’ attitude and actions toward peace it helps to develop a robust definition of peace and the areas to which it applies. Read More →

05 Jul

The Church in Corinth: Congregational Profile

CHURCH ARTICLE | John Hines | Haynesville, Louisiana

“There’s no such thing as a perfect church.” This idea can be espoused as nothing more than an excuse for sin and the overlooking of sin. While all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), one cannot help but notice something about various local congregations mentioned in scripture. In Revelation, for example, some of the churches are rebuked. Others are not, with the Lord recognizing their faithfulness (Revelation 3:7-13). Does this mean they never had problems? No, but apparently, they had dealt with any issues they faced in a scriptural manner. And now? The Lord does not tell them they need to repent. Instead, they conduct themselves in a way that Jesus commends. Read More →

05 Jul

Psalm 136 – Give Thanks To The Lord

WORSHIP ARTICLE | Marshall McDaniel | Athens, Alabama

Ingratitude is a symptom of idolatry. Those who reject the Lord do not give thanks: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened” (Romans 1:21, NASB; see 2 Timothy 3:2). It is sad when people fail to acknowledge the divine source of their blessings! Yet, the people of God know better (or at least, they should). They have experienced the goodness of God and hopefully respond with grace. The short admonition at the end of Colossians 3:15 says it all: “be thankful.” So, what instills within us a sense of authentic gratitude and motivates us to express our thanks to God? An ancient Hebrew song supplies the answer. Read More →

05 Jul

Put On The Whole Armor Of God

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Jim Mickells | Lewisburg, Tennessee

In Ephesians 6:10-20, we find the instructions given by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus for them to put on the whole armor of God. What a great section of Scripture for us to consider especially with a mind to how it applies to us. It is not enough to just know what these verses say but we need to apply the things revealed here to our lives so we can be strong and faithful in services to our Lord. Through the years I have seen many fall prey to the devices of Satan, being overcome in sin and rendered useless in the kingdom of God. If only they would have clothed themselves with this armor, the results would have been totally different. Read More →

05 Jul

“I Was Afraid” – Facing Our Fears of Rejection

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Michael Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

In Matthew 25, Jesus compared the Kingdom to a man who entrusted his wealth to his three servants. Two of those servants worked for their master. One of the servants made the situation about himself. This “Parable of the Talents” tells us how the master gave varying amounts to each servant and then left for a long time. Upon his return, the man settled accounts with each servant. The first two servants put their funds to work and doubled their master’s money. Even though their starting amounts were different (5 and 2), and their final amounts were much different (10 and 4), the first two men in the Lord’s illustration were equally praised. Matthew 25:21 and 23 read the same. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'” Read More →

05 Jul

I Saw Satan Fall Like Lightning From Heaven

BEYOND THE BASICS | William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario

“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven!” Imagine how exciting it must have been to hear Jesus make such a declaration. The assertion was made to the seventy persons whom Jesus had appointed and sent to go before Him among the people (Luke 10:1). As He had given instructions to the apostles before sending them out (Matthew 10:5-15), our Lord also gave directions to this much larger contingent of disciples for their journey (Luke 10:2-16). They were sent to “heal the sick” and to proclaim “The kingdom of God has come near to you” (Luke 10:9). We do not know how long they were gone, but Luke reported the excitement of their return. Filled with joy they announced, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17). Jesus’ statement about Satan falling from heaven was in response to their remark. Read More →