Paul gave the title to this article in Ephesians 6:10. With so many God-given principles and Divine precepts under attack in our liberated, tolerate-anything culture, Christians need to equip themselves with Paul’s prescribed spiritual armor, developing the right disposition to deal with “the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:10-19). Charles Spur... read all »

There is a time when we must firmly choose the course we will follow, or the deceptive drift of events will make the decision for us. A delayed decision before God is dangerous, and it may launch us into eternal disaster! I recently read of Archias, the magistrate of Thebes, who was sitting with many mighty men, drinking wine. “A messenger came in bringing him a letter, informing him of a conspiracy against his life and warning him to flee. Archias took t... read all »

How are you handling the financial fears, the declarations of pending depression, or the worry about work? Christ’s attitude, as given in Hebrews 12:3, is astounding and so heartening: “Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross.” What a paradox! The greatest love entwined with joy at the same moment of the greatest loss amidst agonizing affliction! “Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his frien... read all »

In Carl Menninger’s book, Whatever became of Sin? (chapter 3 entitled, “The Disappearance of Sin: An Eyewitness Account”), are some sobering comments about the trend to eliminate from our vocabulary those deeds which the Holy Spirit stated all people do, and whose wages are death (Romans 3:23;6:23)! Paul further specified some such deeds, affirming that one who practiced such “shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9,10). Since... read all »

Numerous biblical references relate to good deeds done by varied individuals in Christ’ s covenant. Think of how many good deeds Jesus did that have been noted and re-noted for the past 2000 years (Mark 2:1-10; John 2:1-11; 6:1-14 etc.). Think of the giving by brethren at Antioch for the needy souls in Judea (Acts 11:27-30). Paul noted how that brethren at Philippi had sent support to him from “the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5; 4:14-20). Paul ... read all »

We have just concluded the most advertised and publicized political process in our nation’s history. All who read these words were surely affected in some way at the local and/or national level. What can be beneficially gleaned from it? One lesson to be learned from the advertising must not be ignored. It was amazing how many candidates used their paid TV time, not to discuss themselves or their attributes, but devoted the time to castigate and criticize th... read all »

Recently Cal Thomas had a thought provoking article entitled, “Pulpit Rebellion Misses Mark” (The Oklahoman, September 30, 2008, 10A). This related to a reaction by some to the “government’s restriction on political pronouncements from the pulpit.” Alan E. Sears, President of the Alliance Defense Fund, had promoted a plan for September 28th as Pulpit Freedom Sunday, urging preachers and pastors to “reclaim their constitutional rig... read all »

Through the prophet Malachi, God reminded Israel that He knew what they had been saying! How sobering it must have been as God reminded them that they said to Him: “How have we despised Thy name?” (1:6); also, “You say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised...My, how tiresome it is!’” (1:12f). When God promised judgment on the sorcerers, adulterers, those who swear falsely, and those ... read all »

What does it mean to a lost world, bewildered, bothered, and bickering brethren, sick and struggling souls, dedicated disciples-to You personally-that Jesus Christ is “Head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 1:22f)? First, it means that whoever you are, and wherever you are, Jesus, Who is Savior and sufficient for all (I Pet.2:24; Acts 4:12; Heb. 5:8f) is near you- “at hand” (Phil. 4:4f). As Jesus said “Lo! ... read all »

The Oklahoman (Saturday, June 28, 2008,2E) gave the following findings from “The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey of the beliefs and practices of U.S. adults”: “*92 percent believe in God” (See Matt. 15:7-9) “*79 percent believe in miracles” (See Matt. 24:23-26) “*68 percent believe in angels and demons” “*58 percent pray daily (outside of religious services)” (See Isaiah 1:15) “*39 percent medita... read all »

There is a Dutch Proverb which states: “Never was hood so holy but the Devil could get his head in it.”* As a church member, has the Devil ever gotten in you (John 8:43f)? When one fails to assemble for worship services and Bible classes (see Hebrews 10:25-31), does the absentee need to ask, “Has the Devil got-a-hold of me? Even church going is no guarantee for pure living (see Tit.1:15f). Our assemblies repeatedly include some who are not &ldqu... read all »

Under the title, “Bible 101,” The Oklahoman (May 7, 2008, 6E) gave some facts concerning a survey related to the U.S. and eight European countries. Portions of the data gleaned from the survey were encouraging. “More than 90 percent of American households have at least read one copy of the Bible.” Also, three out of four Americans had read at least one Scripture over the previous year, which compared to only one out of four Spaniards who had ... read all »

Paul concluded his great chapter on the Resurrection with the climactic charge: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58-emphasis mine-dk). If every member of the church, because he or she believes in the ultimate victory of the resurrection, would heed Paul’s charge, how many good and glorious deeds would be done each ... read all »

It surely seems hard for some to get to the Promised Land! At least 603,550 Israelites died in the wilderness (Ex. 38:26; Numb. 1:46; Deut. 1:29-38). However, more of us might relate to the ones who had just conquered Jericho and headed out for Ai! When God gave Israel mighty Jericho, without the loss of a man, they quite confidently laid out plans to take the small city of Ai (Joshua 7:1-3). They did not bother to consult with God! They did not bother to see if the... read all »

It is now openly affirmed. On Sunday, January 27th, 2008, the Quail Springs Church of Christ began the use of instrumental music in their Lord’s Day worship services. Such is the news release in an article by Carla Hinton (The Oklahoman, “Instruments of Change,” January 26, 2008, pp.1 & 2E). My article is not written with any anticipation of altering that intent. This article is too late and surely will not change the thinking of those who, by ... read all »