This week's lesson is on the biggest word in the English language. It is preached by me.

Introduction I wrote this article about 4 years ago (for my writer’s blog) in response to something that happened to me at work. It’s one of those things that usually happens when you’re divorced and co-workers want to meddle and fix you up with someone. The title may seem unusually to you but I hope by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding. Looking for a girlfriend Shortly after I moved out to Arizona, I desired to have a girlfriend. Since I was starting my life over, so to speak, I thought having a girlfriend would be the icing on the cake. I joined a video dating service and, before I knew it, got locked into contract which I couldn’t escape. I regretted it almost immediately, but attempted to try it out anyway. Then I met Pam. She was a friend of some people whom I met through the message boards on computer. This was before the internet became all the rage. Pam seemed like the perfect girl: smart, outgoing, and very attractive. However, sinc

Introduction Some people who identify themselves as Christians talk about having a personal relationship with God. Some to the point of them referring to Him as “My God”. This is fine until someone gets too personal and changes things in scripture to suit themselves. In Genesis 1:26-27 it reads, Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God created us but the way some people talk, they act as if they are the ones who created God. Social Drinking “My God won’t mind if I have a glass of wine with dinner.” These people understand the scriptures that say drunkenness is a sin (Rom. 13:13; Gal. 5:21). Therefore, a drink here and there is fine. The author of

This is the final lesson in David Baker's sermon series on Suffering.

Introduction There are times when we believe in something because it’s been instilled in us since we are children. For example, we are told about the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and The Tooth Fairy. We believe in them because our parents tell us it’s fine. And although it’s adorable when we are kids, as we get older, it changes us. Sometimes kids are too smart and eventually figure it out, other times when they are finally told it could devastate them. Some children can’t handle the truth and want to reject it, or blame their parents for years of lying. However, when it comes to spiritual matters, when the truth is shown them, they’d rather believe what they were taught then to change. And that lack of change might cost them their soul. Guess I’m going to Hell We talked last week about my discussion on social media in regards to musical instruments being using in the assembly. I only hope the people involved took the time to read both articles. One of the f

Acts of Worship, Pt. 6 Introduction In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus said, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This plea is given by God to all individuals of the world; regardless of ethnicity, social status, or tax bracket. It is the call to sinners to repentance (Mk. 2:17) and an opportunity to become a Christian. The Sermon’s Conclusion As the sermon draws to a close, the preacher will extend what is called The Invitation; a chance for those who haven’t obeyed the gospel to come forward and respond, while those who are Christians are given a chance to repent of their sins; especially if it’s public knowledge. The plan of salvation is given for those who haven’t obeyed and are told what they must do to become a Christian. I’m sure you’v

A Father’s Day Memorial Me and Dad from 2017 Introduction On February 9, 2019 my father passed away at age 83; Mom died in January, 2015. I made the trip home to Ohio both times to attend funerals. For my father’s funeral, though, I took the opportunity to preach a short sermon in the hopes that everyone present might appreciate the gravity of the situation. I’ve tried a few times to get my parents to listen to me preach; even sent home tracts and articles, but to no avail. I used my father’s funeral as an appeal to those present to do what I was unable to do for my parents. Below is the sermon that I preached that morning. Funeral Sermon for Richard D. Mentzer I want to share with you some things I’ve studied in the bible over the last ten years or so; on the subject of death, and perhaps get you to understand the importance of why we are here today. In Eccl. 7:1-4, King Solomon had this to say… A good name is better than precious ointment, A

This week's lesson is the second in the series on Suffering. The preacher is David Baker.

Unnecessary Deaths, Pt. 3 Introduction As we stated in the previous two articles, in Jeremiah 1:4-5, Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." If God knows us and created us, then there is a reason for us to live. Does the scripture discuss the subject of euthanasia? It most certainly does; even if it doesn’t call it by name. The apostle Peter writes in 2 Peter 1:3, “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” Even if a subject seems new to you, God has something to say about it in His Holy Word. Definition Euthanasia — the painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an irreversible coma. The practice is illegal in most countries. Synonyms: Mercy killing, assisted Suic

Introduction When I first began the series on the Worship service, I discussed “singing” as the first subject. I also made mention that no mechanical instruments were being used nor choirs. Since then, comments have been made to me (on social media) in regards to both subjects. I will handle both of these today in separate articles. This is the second article that was sparked from discussion on social media. A Comment from Social Media As part of the discussion about the use of mechanical instruments, on social media, I made mention that choirs were also not a part of the worship service. This comment came to me about that subject… If it is sing only, why are choirs, etc. eliminated? Is there somewhere in the Bible that says you can’t sing together? Even if you eliminate the instruments, why eliminate the groups? My simple response to this was: Everyone means everyone as far a singing goes. I’ll go into more detail in this article. First, let’s return

Introduction When I first began the series on the Worship service, I discussed “singing” as the first subject. I also made mention that no mechanical instruments were being used nor choirs. Since then, comments have been made to me (on social media) in regards to both subjects. I will handle both of these today in separate articles. What about Psalm 150? In discussing the use of mechanical instruments during the worship service, I asked for scripture to support this. The response given to me, on social media, was Ps. 150:1-6. So, let’s take a look at that… Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty firmament! Praise Him for His mighty acts; Praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with clashing cymbals! Let everythin

This week's lesson comes from David Baker. It is the first lesson in a series on Suffering.

Unnecessary Deaths, Pt. 2 Introduction Before I start this article, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or self-harm, please call this number immediately 1-800-273-8255. There are a lot of troubled people in the world today who think their life isn’t worth much. But God shows the importance of life in Isaiah 42:5, Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it. As we stated in the article on Abortion, in Jeremiah 1:4-5, Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." If God knows us and created us, then there is a reason for us to live.   Definitions of Suicide The definition of suicide, according to Webster’s Dictionary is, the intentional taking of on

Acts of Worship, Pt. 5 Introduction The fifth act of worship we will look at is preaching the gospel. Now you might look at the title and wonder how is this studying? Don’t you study the bible in bible classes? The answer is yes, but you also study in the worship assembly. If you disagree, then it’s most likely you’re either doing it wrong or you’re in the wrong congregation.   Definition of Preaching From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, here are some definitions of the word, ‘Preaching’… "to bring or tell good tidings"         Psalms 40:9, I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness In the great assembly; Indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O LORD, You Yourself know. Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bo