Introduction      A few years ago, I was returning home from dinner when I passed by a denominational church. The sign out front gave the service times and next to the evening service it said, “Come as You Are”. I thought to myself, “Does this include pajamas and a bathrobe? Or what about swimming trunks and a beach towel?” Some people take a laid-back attitude toward attire in the assembly. We know that there isn’t a dress code for worship but let’s look at some things in regards to proper attire.   Does it Really Matter?   I’ve heard people say in regard to certain clothes: “God doesn’t care what you wear. We’re there to worship him.”  “I want to feel comfortable when I’m sitting in church.”  “This is Arizona, it’s gets too hot for a coat and tie.”  I’m not suggesting to anyone that you should wear a coat and tie. However, it’s our mindset that should help us decide what to wear and not...

    Introduction You may have heard at one time or another someone say, “God has a plan for you!”. Of course, what they mean is that God has something special in mind for your life that He doesn’t have for another person’s life. But that’s okay because God has a plan for all kinds of people; a unique plan just for them. Unfortunately, this is contrary to scripture. In Acts 10:34, the apostle Peter states, “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality .” The apostle Paul confirms this in Galatians 2:6, But from those who seemed to be something--whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man --for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. The good news, however, is that God indeed has a plan and it’s for everyone! As it is written in 1 Timothy 2:4, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   God’s Plan for Saving Man Even before Genesis 1:1, God had a plan ready for a...

    Introduction The following story is most likely an Urban Legend…   This upstate New York man was rich in almost every way. His estate was worth millions. He owned houses, land, antiques and cattle. But though on the outside he had it all, he was very unhappy on the inside. His wife was growing old, and the couple was childless. He had always wanted a little boy to carry on the family legacy.  Miraculously, his wife became pregnant, and gave birth to a little boy. The boy was severely handicapped, but the man loved him with his whole heart. When the boy was 5, his mom died. The dad grew closer to his special son. At the age of 13, the boy's birth defects cost him his life, and the father died soon after, of a broken heart. The estate was to be auctioned before hundreds of bidders. The first item offered was a painting of the boy. No one bid. They waited like vultures for the riches. Finally, the poor housemaid, who had helped raise the boy, bid $5 for th...

    Introduction When you hear or see the word, ‘addiction’, your mind immediately goes to substance abuse like: tobacco, alcohol, or drugs; or other devices like: gambling, pornography, or sexual intercourse. But anything in a person’s life, even if legal, can be an addiction and thus lead a person down the path to sin. Nowadays, it’s chocolate, caffeine, video games, social media, and anything associated with the internet. Most seem harmless, but when you become obsessed with it, it’s an addiction.   Definitions Habit: a settled tendency or usual manner of behavior Addiction: a strong inclination to do, use, or indulge in something repeatedly. Obsession: a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling . For example, if you drink coffee in the morning every day because you enjoy it, and it gets you going, that’s a habit. If you drink coffee every morning because you know you can’t function without it, that’s an addiction...

  Joe R. Price Malachi said God “hates divorce” because it “covers one’s garment with violence” (Mal. 2:16). It destroys what God joins together. We should not be surprised that more and more people love divorce and hate marriage. They call evil good and good evil by promoting divorce and minimizing marriage (Mal. 2:17; Isa. 5:20-21). Men have historically hardened their hearts against God’s marriage design (Matt. 19:4-6, 7-8). Marriage is a unique relationship between a man and a woman that completes, secures and supports them on their journey through life toward eternity (Gen. 2:18-24). Jesus exalts the honor of marriage and prohibits mankind from sundering what God joins together (Matt. 19:6). We sin and will answer to God when we fail to honor the moral purity and integrity of marriage as God arranged it (Heb. 13:4). Why and how do people hate marriage? 1. Many do not believe marriage is from God.  They believe marriage is man’s idea – the product of social evolution ...

    Introduction          One of the more noted horror authors is Stephen King. Having written dozens of books and short stories, he is one of the tops in his business. One of the literary devices he has used in a couple of his stories is that of mysterious writings on a wall. Two phrases come to mind; “Red Rum” in his story The Shining (“murder” spelled backwards) and the more enigmatic phrase, “Give me what I want and I’ll go away”, from Storm of The Century. The scriptures tell of a similar occurrence that took place during Daniel’s time.           The Writing’s on The Wall      In Daniel 5:1-5, Belshazzar, descendant of Nebuchadnezzar, and last of the Kings of Babylon, was throwing a party when a bizarre event took place:     " Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. While he tasted the w...

  Introduction        People throughout the ages were and are fascinated with speaking to a loved one from beyond the grave. Many will pay a hefty sum of money to have a Medium conduct a séance to contact people from the “other side.” Magician Harry Houdini spent the latter half of his career debunking the spiritualists who prey on innocent people. And, according to scripture, speaking to the dead is impossible.   In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31), the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus back to his brothers to speak to him of their fate. Abraham refused saying that if they won’t hear Moses and the Prophets; they surely won’t listen to a ghost.   Even Mediums in the Old Testament were frauds. However, in the scenario to follow, God makes one of the Mediums the real thing for a short time.   Burning Bridges        There’s an old saying, “Don’t burn your bridges behind you.” This is especiall...

  That’s in the Bible? Part 3   Introduction To grow up as an only child can be rough as the child has no one to relate to for brothers and sisters. Sometimes parents will over-compensate this singleness by showering the child with more material gifts than is necessary. Children grow up with friends and extended family; but to have siblings, who live in the same house as you, are a priceless treasure. Jesus had brothers and sisters that he grew up with in his household contrary to what certain religious beliefs say on the subject.   Born of a Virgin It’s no secret that Jesus was born of a virgin woman. Both OT and NT confirm this. In Isaiah 7:14, Then he said, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” Some, incorrectly, interpret ‘virgin’ as ‘young girl’. There is no proof that Mary was a young girl so we have to conclude that it means, ‘she didn’t know a man’; know...