Baptism is an undeniable part of Christianity. However, depending on which denomination someone ascribes to, the purpose can vary greatly. Is baptism for the remission of sins? Is baptism just an outward showing of inner faith? Or is baptism simply a good thing to do? The answer must be found in the scriptures. It cannot be God’s will that we should be…

Jamie Owens-Collins penned some very meaningful hymn lyrics—meaningful to worshipers of all ages.  It is a favorite song of many children, and the words ought to be a favorite of every adult.  The beginning of the third verse comes to mind when reading about King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. Jehoshaphat was king of the southern kingdom of Judah for 25 years…

The sovereignty of God empowered Him to chosen individuals, groups or nations to accomplish His plan. When the Jews left Egypt, God said to them, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth”…

When we pray for God to build a hedge around our families, does the Bible tell us anything about God’s activity in that regard?  Jesus told a parable about a “certain landowner” (representing God) who “planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it” (Matt. 21:33) for protection.  God protects His people like a hedge (cf. Job 1:10)—which is the point at…

When Paul was discussing the resurrection, he used a contrast he between the first Adam and the second Adam, Jesus (1 Cor. 15:45-46). As Moses was departing, he said, “The Lord your God will raise up for you like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him shall you hear” (Deut. 18:15). The Jews understood this as a Messianic prophecy and were…

What is Paul worried about in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5? In this passage, Paul explains that he sent Timothy to strengthen the church in Thessalonica and encourage them concerning their faith. Paul had warned them that they would be facing tribulations brought on by Satan. So, Paul explains, “I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you,…

We conclude this series of looking at the seven churches of Asia, which were presented using a phrase from a movie several years ago. This phrase, “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” seems to fit most of these churches. However, when we come to the church in Laodicea, we changed the title and created new “words” to describe it. There was…

One of our elders often includes in his prayers a request to God to “build a hedge around our families.”  What a great, heart-felt petition to make of our God on behalf of our precious families!  Do our families need the protective hand of God around them today?  Perhaps more than ever!  Does the God of heaven love our families enough to…