Introduction When molten lava covered the old city of Pompeii, four prisoners with their feet fast in stocks were overtaken by the flood. They could hear the roar of the lava. Nearer and nearer the wave of death came until it spread to the door of the cell. In his fright the jailor fled, deaf to the cries of the men he had been appointed to guard. There was the door of escape, which the jailor had left open, and on the threshold of the doorway lay the key which the jailor had dropped in his flight. The key would unlock the stocks which held their feet so fast. If only they could reach the key! But it was ever just beyond their reach. It was mockery to their hopes. They fought and shrieked and tore their flesh in madness until the fumes from the distant volcano filled the cell and put an end to it all. And there lay the key just beyond their reach. How like that old prison cell of Pompeii is sin. Fast in the stocks of evil, men are bound by the devil. They see the fat...

  Little Things, Part 2   Introduction We’re all familiar with the crucifixion scene; Jesus was crucified between two thieves. We also know that from Luke 23:42-43, one of the thieves said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” In general, this passage gets a lot of criticism because people use it to state that baptism isn’t essential. But we’re not looking at that subject in this article. Instead, I want to point out the little thing that gets unnoticed in this particular scene.   The Two Thieves The crucifixion scene is shown in three of the four gospels: Mt. 27:44; Mk. 15:32; Lk. 23:39-43. We’ve already looked a little at Luke’s account, let’s now turn to the other two. In Matthew 27:44, it says, Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. And in Mark 15:32 it says, "Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from ...

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...

This week's sermon is What is True Repentance? Our speaker is Tom Thornhill, Jr. of Bellflower, Calif.

Introduction         Too many people in the world today think that there is no work involved as far as salvation goes. They say, “All you have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” But if you ask them about repentance from sin, they’ll say it is necessary. And, if you ask them about verbally confessing Jesus name, they agree with that too.         If you point out that they don’t really in believe in ‘Faith Only’, they most likely will disagree with you; especially if subject of baptism comes up, and that’s where they draw the line. Baptism isn’t Necessary!         When the subject of baptism comes up that’s when people rankle in regards to salvation. Some believe that baptism is only “an outward sign of an inward grace”. In other words, you are saved when you believe in Jesus and then later you can “show it” by being baptized.   ...

(To the Non-Christian) Introduction         The following is a 200-word story I wrote from the inspiration title of “Clean Slate”: New Year, New You December 31, 2014 Harry Sorenson said goodbye to his family. “Goodbye Rachel, you’ve been good to me all year. Take care of little Mikey and tell him all about me when I’m gone.”             “I wish it didn’t have to end this way,” said Rachel as she wiped away a tear.             “It’s what Dr. Martinson wants; I have to abide by it.”             “Goodbye then,” she said. December 31, 2015             “Goodbye Grace, I know we didn’t get along well this year but I’m glad to have known you.”        ...