The beloved physician, Luke, records in Acts 9:1-2 that Saul of Tarsus went to the leaders of the Jews and received permission to go to Damascus and bring followers of Jesus bound to Jerusalem. Luke says that Saul was ‘breathing threats and murder’ (Acts 9:1). Saul himself would say later, “I also received letters to the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring in chains even those who were there to Jerusalem to be punished” (Acts 22:5). In another setting he said, “I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted ..read more

In November 2019, Paul Raynard, an engineer from Great Britan went to Ireland for vacation. He had always been an enthusiast for metal detecting and a friend of his asked him to bring his detector and help him look for his lost wedding ring in a field. He never found the wedding ring, but his detector alerted him to something under the ground. They started digging and found 84 gold coins dating back to the 1500’s. In all, they were awarded $125,000 by a museum in Belfast; it is known as the largest find of coins ever in Ireland. Can you imagine the excitement of finding something so valuable ..read more

The lives that we are living are full of God’s blessings. Daily we see His benefits and as our Father, we see His tender care and compassion. We must live our lives with an understanding that His desire is for us to live forever in His home. Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you and if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself so that where I am you can be also,” (John 14:1-3). God’s desire is for us to be saved, but we must take the proper steps. 1. Step out of self What does this mean? You must first deny self ..read more

The familiar hymn with the above title was written in 1831 by a religious man in Great Britan, William Bathurst. As we prepare to move from one year into the next, perhaps it would be a great time to reflect and to plan. How is your faith now as compared to this time last year? Do you find your love and trust in God to be greater? To ask, “Is my knowledge of God and His precious word deeper and more complete than a year ago?” And to consider the year ahead, if the Lord wills, “How can I grow closer to Jesus in the coming year?” Or, “What can I do to have greater faith and to help my family to ..read more

There is not a subject in all of Scripture that will do more to cause us to love and live for God than a study of His glory. We either live to our own glory, or to the glory of another – or to the glory of God. To do the will of God to the glory of God by the grace of God is what life is all about! (cf 1 Corinthians 10:31). We’ve been studying this theme recently in Bible class, and thinking about it caused me to appreciate how many of our songs of praise stress God’s glory and encourage us to pursue His glory to a greater degree. Here’s just a few to think about. To God Be the Glory – Fanny J ..read more

In Luke 5:1-11, the account is given of Jesus teaching multitudes of people on the shores of Galilee. At one point, He stepped into a boat belonging to Peter and continued His teaching. When finished, the Lord turned to Peter and said, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter’s response to Jesus was, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” These men were highly trained and very capable fisherman; after all, their livelihood depended on it. However, amazing things happened that night when Jesus was wit ..read more

The devil will use temptations and troubles to worry and weaken us, but God can use them to strengthen us (see 1 Peter 5:10-12). When problems cause us to worry, the prescription is prayer. 1 Peter chapter 5 speaks of God as the Mighty Warrior-King and as Merciful Lord and Shepherd. As Warrior-King, we are to think of His mighty hand and know He will lift us up (5:6). He will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us (vs. 10). Our Warrior-King has power and dominion forever (vs. 10). This Mighty Warrior King also is Merciful Lord and Shepherd. He cares for us (5:7), gives us unbelievable g ..read more

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name,” (Psalm 100:4). Twice in this one verse, the Psalmist connects the thoughts of thanksgiving and praise. Enter with thanksgiving and praise; be thankful to Him and bless His name. As a country, we find that at this time of year ‘Thanksgiving’ or ‘the giving of thanks’ is on our minds as we prepare to celebrate a holiday. However, as Christians, everyday must be filled with the giving of thanks and praise. For what are you most thankful for this year? Allow me to offer a few reminder ..read more

That the Son of God marveled is in itself a marvel! The Lord’s work in creation, salvation, and providence ought to cause all humanity to marvel and be awe-struck! (Psalm 8; 19:1; Acts 14:17; Revelation 5:8- 14). In a world that’s too easily “amazed” in some ways and not enough in others, there’s a place for restoring the biblical doctrine of amazement. The people of God must not suffer from blindness and “awe amnesia” when it comes to contemplating the wonders of God’s character and works (cf. 2 Peter 1:3-11). Twice in the New Testament it is said that Jesus “marveled.” The same Greek word is ..read more

The Gospel is God’s power to save – Romans 1:16. The power to save is in the message, not in the messenger. We have an opportunity to invite friends, neighbors, and loved ones to hear the message of God’s word every week when we gather to worship. However, a special opportunity to hear the word of God proclaimed this coming Sunday with our special sermon series on the topic of “Living Godly In A Godless World.” It is a message that the world needs to hear. Who will you invite? Our responsibility is not to convert souls to Jesus, but allow them the opportunity to be converted to Jesus through s ..read more