Author Archives: kgnprchr@gmail.com

08 Oct

Jesus: The Man and Perfect Example (A Portrait of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke)

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Reagan McClenny | Lufkin, Texas

What was Jesus like as a child? I’ve often thought about this question and once posed a similar question to a group of 5th-grade boys in a Bible study. I asked them, “What would Jesus be like if He was here and your age?” While the exercise was helpful, their answers revealed an (understandable) naivety and lack of understanding of who Jesus really was on earth. Their answers were a caricature of cliches about Jesus more than how He would have really behaved. They suggested, “He would only study his Bible all the time,” and “He might skip school to pray.” “Would He play games?” I asked. “Oh no!” they replied, “He wouldn’t have time for that!” It was difficult for them to imagine Jesus living a physical life as a man on earth.

Would our answers of who Jesus was on earth be any closer to reality? Read More →

08 Oct

Fellowship and Brotherly Love in the Early Jerusalem Church : Congregational Profile

CHURCH ARTICLE | Chadwick Brewer | Richmond, Virginia

Fellowship

When, in our modern vernacular, we use the term fellowship, we often talk about doing activities with others who share our faith and the ability to get along with one another. Our modern term for fellowship is usually based on shared interests, commonalities, and a personal like of those you have fellowship with. However, this is not how this term is used in the New Testament. Read More →

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

via Timothy Eberly | Unsplash.com

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

via J.S. Clingman | Pixabay.com

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

via Fotorech | Pixabay.com

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 →