Introduction As December comes to a close, we always reminisce about the previous 12 months and look ahead to the dawning of a brand-new year! In addition, this time around, we look to a new decade beginning (technically it would start in 2021, but you can’t convince anyone of it). New Years mean a new beginning and an opportunity to change something about who you are or, maybe, what you are. Resolutions and Other Lies Every year we make the same resolutions: I’m going on a diet, I’m going to travel more, I will be more outgoing. And yet, just a few days later, we come to the realization that we were rash in our decisions and immediately fall back into routine. The diet is ruined by that extra piece of pie, traveling is out because of a dwindling bank account, being outgoing means having to go outside where *gasp* other people are. Instead of changing the physical aspect of your person, why not try the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspect?...

This week's sermon is by Jay Borg looking at the silence of the scriptures

Introduction Last week we discussed how Christians provide lip service to God by living their life the way they want to and yet professing holiness to God, our Father. This week we’ll look at a similar lip service as performed by preachers. Some will say, “How is this possible?” They see preachers as God’s messengers. And they are as such; that is, they are supposed to be. But we learn differently in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” When man no longer wants to hear the truth, there will be those who will give them what they want not what they need. Old Testament Prophets During the time of the prophets, God sent His representatives to His people with the basic message of ‘Repent of your sins and turn back to Me....

This week a couple of videos by Jerry Fite of Pasadena, Texas What Must I Know to be a Christian ? God Working His Plan in a Sinful World

Introduction In Matthew 15, the scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus and challenged him concerning the traditions of the elders. Jesus replied to them in verses 7-9, "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'" Last time we discussed how people give up the commandments of God to follow the traditions of Men in the discussion of celebrating Christmas as a religious holiday. Most can’t let go of this tradition as it has been seared in their minds for decades by family and, for centuries, by men. This week we look at how much more people prefer the commandments of men over God’s law. Just One Drink never hurt anyone The use of alcoholic beverages with a meal or during a celebration continues to be an issue with Christians. They see it as a liber...

Introduction As the month of December unfolds, the season of Christmas comes right along. This is one of my least favorite holidays, not because of the music and festivities, but because of that fact that I don’t like the religious trappings that go along with it. People scratch their heads when I tell them that I’m a Christian but I don’t celebrate this holiday religiously. As I’ve stated in previous articles, this holiday was manufactured by man to downplay the pagan season of Solstice. But, in doing so, they have paganized Christmas as well. Just Like the Jews Several years ago, I happened across a woman’s website who touted the birth of Jesus on December 25 th . I emailed her and asked where does the bible say that. She responded that it wasn’t in the bible, but that she was going to do it anyway as she felt that it was important to her to do it. That reminds me of the Jews during the time of The Kings. In latter years, around the time of Ahaz, the...

(Current events in the light of Scripture) Long lines. Heavy traffic. Winter weather. All these (and more) can combine to bring a feeling of frantic frenzy as the holiday season approaches. They can also contribute to Christians having less than godly attitudes, charitable words, and kind actions. Here are a few reminders we believe will help us navigate the season with grace and a godly influence. (And, they are also valid qualities to have as we navigate life in view of eternity.) Plan ahead . Waiting until the last minute to buy groceries, shop for a gift, or do a good deed for others usually brings its own set of challenges. Don’t wait until the last minute is good advice, not only for the holidays, but also for getting ready for the Lord’s return. Being unprepared, the foolish virgins were unable to enter the wedding feast (Matt. 25:1-13). Thinking we will can take care of our spiritual lives at the last minute ...