Posts from 2020 (Page 4)
1 Thessalonians 3: Paul’s Love for the Brethren
Chapter 3 opens with a moving statement from Paul to the Thessalonian brethren. Upon hearing of the Thessalonians’ willingness to suffer persecution for the faith (2:14), Paul said he ‘couldn’t stand not knowing’ and, being willing to be left in Athens alone, he sent Timothy to inquire of their situation and encourage them concerning the faith (3:1-2). Paul was relieved to receive Timothy’s good report of the church’s faith and love. He also reciprocated their great desire to see him,…
1 Thessalonians 2: Evangelists as Fathers and Not Shepherds
Several years ago, I had a conversation with a sweet lady who lamented concerning her “pastor,” “He’s a fine preacher, but not a very good pastor.” I don’t know how the present one-man pastor system started, but it certainly didn’t do the world or gospel preachers any favors. It can’t be found in principle or practice anywhere in the New Testament. One boast among members of the churches of Christ is the claim of “scriptural church organization.” That is, the…
Colossians 4: Let Your Speech be Always with Grace
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me.” While we may appreciate this children’s rhyme and its intent, we all know it is patently untrue. Who has never been hurt by the words of another? Husbands and wives destroy their marriages with thoughtless and hurtful words. Children are verbally beaten into the dust by a parent who is never satisfied with the child’s work or effort. Entire congregations of God’s people leave their assemblies week…
Colossians 3: The Purpose and Power of a Resurrected Life
Colossians 3 opens with the following charges to those who were raised with Christ: “seek those things which are above,” and “set your mind on things, not on things on the earth.” These charges are given with the following reason, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” There are two points of import that must not be overlooked. First, who are these ones who have been “raised with Christ”? Looking back to chapter 2, we…
Colossians 2: Vain and Dangerous Philosophies
Contrary to the thinking of many, the fundamental doctrine and faith of Christ are easily taught and understood. When I read the catechism of Roman Catholicism with its many nebulous and often contradictory statements, I understand why their hierarchy desires to keep the Bible out of the hands of its people. The same goes for the mental gymnastics and contortions marking the false philosophy of Calvinism. Purveyors of such look down their collective noses and smugly declare, “You just don’t…
Philippians 4: Keys to Joy
A common error is to mistake happiness for joy. Happiness is fickle, being dependent on external situations. On the other hand, joy is a state of being that is not tossed to and fro by every wind of circumstance. Paul penned Philippians in the chains of imprisonment, yet we see no dampening or diminishment of his joy. As we close our examination of this encouraging epistle, let us note some simple lessons on how we attain and maintain true joy.…
Philippians 3: This one thing I do
Twenty years ago, I was blessed to get to know C.W. Bradley, a great gospel preacher and absolute prince of a man. (My kids were infatuated with brother Bradley because I had told them that he preached Elvis Presley’s funeral!) In his gospel meetings, he would often preach from Philippians 3 and the keys to spiritual growth. I always loved his emphasis on Philippians 3:12-14 and the phrase “this one thing I do.” Truth be told, there are several components…
Philippians 2: The Cost of the Cross
Philippians 2 admonishes us to have the mind of Christ, who “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (v 8). In my experience, most believers only consider the cost of the cross in terms of the physical death and emotional distress of our Lord. But the necessity and reality of the cross cost Jesus far more than just those things. Consider: The cross cost Jesus His equality with God. Speaking of…
Philippians 1: The Furtherance of the Gospel
Though Christ was always the focus of Paul’s preaching and writing, joy and rejoicing are the theme of this encouraging epistle. These words appear some fifteen times in four brief chapters. In my view, Philippians is Paul’s most personal epistle written to a church. His love for those good brethren is evident from start to finish. In the more than one hundred verses, there is only one of mild admonishment or rebuke (4:2). Should I ever be separated from my…
Ephesians 6: Honor Your Father and Mother
I have a vested interest in public education. My wife, son, daughter, and son in law are all public school teachers. In recent years, the amount and degree of disrespect and disobedience has increased exponentially. Every day, my wife deals with pre-teen children telling her what she can and cannot do or make them do. Refusing to accept or respect authority is the order of the day every day. Had I done any of the things that I hear of…