There is a difference between using the Bible to “prove” a point yourself and using the Bible to be a-“prove”-d (approved) by God. It is possible to take Bible verses and “prove” whatever a person might want to “prove.” One person takes Bible verses to “prove” baptism is essential for salvation; another person takes Bible verses to “prove” baptism is not essential…

“Change” is a word that sparks a variety of reactions in the church — it no matter what, some are fearful of it, some are eager for it, some want it just for thesake of “change,” some are reserved and yet willing to evaluate, etc., etc. The word “church” (from the Greek ekklesia) means “the called out ones” — “a holy nation”…

How would you finish this sentence, “God is…”? As food for thought, consider how the Bible finishes this sentence. (The two words are used together almost 200 times in Scripture.) “God is with you in all you do” (Gen. 21:22). “God is giving you” (Ex. 20:12). “God is a merciful God” (Deut. 4:31). “God is a jealous God” (Deut. 6:15). “God is…

While only mentioned sparingly in Scripture, Apollos was a key figure in the early church. When first introduced in Acts 18, he was “an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures” (18:24). Not only that, “this man had been instructed in the way of the Lord” (18:25). Notice that he was “mighty” (dunatos: able, competent, powerful) in the Scriptures, and he had…

At an auction for some very rare and precious collectibles, two bidders were “going at it.” The older bidder, unknown to everyone else in the room, had snatched one of the most valuable pieces in the auction, which really irked a young “opponent.” Determined to “stick it to” the old man, the young hot  head ran up the bid on the final…

As the Lord lives, America is doomed! His Word, which cannot fail, warned that “the city…is overthrown by …the wicked” (Prov. 11:11) and “the house of the wicked will be overthrown” (Prov. 14:11). Because “sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34), “the righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness” (Prov. 21:12). When…

With very few exceptions, every one of us is surrounded on a daily basis by individuals whose souls are lost in sin and separated from God! Take a moment to look around you right now — the next person you see is lost! It’s not only true that he was lost and that he will be lost, but the truth is that…

The apostle Paul was forced to leave the infant church of Thessalonica before he was confident about the state of their faith. When he “could no longer endure it,” he sent Timothy “to know [their] faith” (1 Thess. 3:1, 5). When Timothy returned with “good news of [their] faith and love” (3:6), Paul was “comforted” (3:7) and said that he could now…