Many years ago now, a sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. When the pastor of Temple Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Russell H. Conwell, asked her why she was crying, she replied that they could not let her into the Sunday School because there was no more room. He said that he would take her in, and he did so, telling her that one day they should have a room big enough … Continue Reading ››
The Faith Promise Offering for missions is a method of giving with a biblical basis. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 of 2 Corinthians is where we find the scriptural concepts upon which we base this practice. In a nutshell, the Faith Promise Offering for missions is the amount each church member promises to give by faith above his or her tithe during the coming year.
It's been said that the Gospel is like water stored deep in the ground. It's free, but it takes money to … Continue Reading ››
In the book of Luke, there is an interesting passage of Scripture telling us about a master who went away and what he expected of his servants in his absence.
He [Jesus] said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. (Luke 19:12-13).
"Occupy" is a word we use a little differently today from the way it was … Continue Reading ››
"I thank my God...For your fellowship [partnership] in the gospel from the first day until now" (Philippians 1:3a, 5).
William Carey, the great missionary to India, said to a body of people, "I will go down if you will hold the ropes." It's a great thought. It's a great mental picture. "I will go into the places where you will never go, but you must hold the ropes. I'll go down into the caves if you'll hold on. I'll go as long as you're here holding … Continue Reading ››
The call of God is not a call to serve Him in any particular way. My contact with the nature of God will shape my understanding of His call and will help me realize what I truly desire to do for Him. The call of God is an expression of His nature; the service which results in my life is suited to me and is an expression of my nature. … Continue Reading ››
I don’t know of a more important verse in the New Testament for the Christian than Ephesians 5:18—honest, no exaggeration. This verse tells the believer how to live an authentic, empowered life: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.”
It begins with a negative … Continue Reading ››
We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord.II Corinthians 4:5
Make Jesus Christ your theme! I have seen preachers espouse causes and champion movements, and when the cause died and the movement collapsed, the preacher vanished too. But the man who glories in Christ never grows stale. Jesus Christ is perennial and he who makes his boast in Him stays forever fresh. He shall bring forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
How long it … Continue Reading ››
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah recorded a most outstanding Christmas greeting. "A child is born" refers to the Messiah's humanity; "a son is given" refers to His deity. Notice that the Son wasn't born, … Continue Reading ››
The identity of the Magi, or "wise men," is another of the wonders that surround the first Christmas. The account of their visit is recorded in Matthew 2:1-12.
What we think we know about them is based largely on the misinformation that is perpetuated in our carols and on our Christmas cards. We imagine them as wearing crowns and regal robes and traveling on camels. Because they brought three gifts - gold, frankincense, and myrrh - some have concluded that there were three of them (We … Continue Reading ››
While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, an angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he for mighty dread had seized their troubled mind, "glad tidings of great joy I bring to you and all mankind."
—While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, Nahum Tate (1700)
Above are the first two stanzas of the familiar Christmas carol, "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks." Adopted by virtually all hymnals since the time of its writing, … Continue Reading ››
An independent, fundamental, Bible-believing Baptist Church with a heart for people
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6, KJV).