“Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.” (Proverbs 14:9) Several years ago I went on a golf outing with three close friends to Myrtle Beach, SC. We got a special deal which included lodging and allowed us to play as much golf as we desired. The weather was outstanding and the fellowship was great,...

What motivates society’s interest in the celebration of Christmas? We live in a day of profuse materialism characterized by incessant ads telling us of great gifting options for loved ones or friends.  Are we to assume that those selling these “gifts” have as their primary concern a desire to give? Our society is driven by greed, and it is especially evident during the holiday shopping season. The frenzy...

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;” Ephesians 5:19-20 One spring day many years ago someone decided to do an experiment in New York City’s Central Park. They...

In the south almost everyone claims to be a Christian. Churches abound. Someone once stated that in the town where he lived you could hold your breath from one Baptist church to another. As I drive from my house to the church – approximately 6 ½ miles – I pass four other Baptist churches.  A Google search for Baptist Churches...

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (II Corinthians 12:9). I was visiting one of our elderly ladies recently who has spent many more days in the hospital than...

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) The Christian life is a minefield, littered with...

Scripture is filled with accounts of believers who have done remarkable things. Noah built an ark, preserving life on earth. Moses confronted Pharaoh and led the children of Israel out of Egypt. David slew the Philistine giant Goliath, delivering Israel from certain slavery. Elijah called down fire from heaven, demonstrating the power and majesty of the true God, and exposing...

Robert Robinson was an 18th century Baptist preacher, author and hymn writer. He was converted at the age of 20, three years after he and several of his friends attended an evangelistic meeting where George Whitfield delivered a powerful message on the wrath of God. At the age of 23, in 1758, Robinson penned the words to one of our...

According to Webster “apostasy” is “the renunciation of a religious faith” or “the abandonment of a previous loyalty.”  The word “denunciation” is offered as a suitable synonym.  The Greek word from which we get the word “apostasy” is the word “apostasia” which is found only twice in the New Testament – Acts 20:21, where it is translated “forsake,” and II...

Are you ever confused by what God allows to happen?  Events often seem to occur without plan or purpose. They catch us by surprise, take the wind out of our sails, and leave us wondering what just happened. The situation is magnified by the apparent inequity involved. Bad things too often happen to good people, and there are times when...