"Look at the people around you: the shoppers walking the malls, hunting for last-minute Christmas gifts, the enthusiastic fans at football and basketball games, fellow employees in the workplace. Do you think they've found happiness? As people rush through life -- hurrying from paycheck to payment and from job to home and then doing it all over again -- many of them feel empty inside.
"They long for something to make their existence more meaningful and fulfilling. Unlike Simeon, … 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 ››
Praise ye the Lord. Oh, give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good. ~ Psalm 106:1
Years ago a believer with an unusual spirit of gratitude regularly attended the services of a mission in Chicago. Being a black man, he was often the victim of discrimination by the world; yet he radiated Christian joy. One day entering the mission with a bandage on his thumb, he explained that he had smashed it with a hammer. Then he added, "But praise the Lord. I have my … Continue Reading ››
Aesop once told a fable about the importance of kindness that went like this:
Once a lion was asleep when a little mouse began running up and down upon him. This soon wakened the lion, who placed his huge paw upon him and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little mouse. "Forgive me this time, and I shall never forget it. Who knows but what I may be able to do you a good turn one of these days." The … Continue Reading ››
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matthew 28:18-20).
The command of our Lord is to go to all the nations and to preach … Continue Reading ››
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. ~ Hebrews 10:25
Why is attending a local church so important? Can't a Christian just worship God in the comfort of his own home, out in the woods, or on the lake? Why is it important for a Christian to assemble with other believers for regular times of worship?
"As we draw close to our nation's national elections on November 3, it seems prudent to me for Christians to get on their faces before God in prayer. Specifically, we need to pray for our national leaders and for the process of selecting them.
"Leadership is a major factor in everything at all levels of our society. Success or failure is not incidental or accidental. If there is success, someone can always be credited. If there is failure, you can … Continue Reading ››
"If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3)
America is unique in her Christian origin and way of life ever since the Mayflower landed in 1620. The very purpose of the Pilgrims was to establish a government based on the Bible. The New England Charter, signed by King James I, confirmed this goal: "...to advance the enlargement of the Christian religion, to the glory of God Almighty..."
Daniel Webster wrote, "Lastly, our ancestors established their system of government on morality and religious sentiment. … Continue Reading ››
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (II Timothy 3:16).
While visiting in the hospital recently, a dear lady remarked to me, "I've been reading my Bible, and it's amazing to me how it answers the questions of life." Most people who get around to reading the Bible for themselves are amazed to discover how many questions it answers. Someone has said, "The B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth." Beyond … Continue Reading ››
A Bible-believing, Independent Baptist Church with a heart for people! Located in Fruitland Park in close proximity to the Villages, Lady Lake, Wildwood and the Tri-County Area!
"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).