Do you like it when somebody else tells you what to do? How do you respond when others tell you that you are wrong? I don’t think any of us like a steady diet of directions and objections. But in reality, that’s exactly what we need. I remember years ago working with a church that had a group of elders who would do a yearly evaluation of the ministers. One of the things those elders told us prior to the meetings was that some of the things they were going to say to us were not going to be very easy for us to hear. I also recall from time…

I am an orderly person. (Well, except for my office, but that’s a different story.) I like schedules and plans. I like to know how long something is going to take. I’m the kind of person who, when I’m in charge of a meeting, promises the length of the meeting…and sticks to it! But I am also one who tries to be faithful to the life that God requires as a Christian. As a disciple of His, I am in ministry. No, I’m not talking about my “job” as a preacher. Every Christian is a minister, since that work basically just means “servant.” Knowing that, I have to understand that…

Back in December of 2003, I wrote an article with the above title. I actually wrote two articles back to back with this title. They originated from a lecture I heard given by my good friend William Woodson. He had made reference to an article written by David Lipscomb back in 1897. In the article, Lipscomb was responding to a question regarding the possible withdrawal or disfellowship from Christians (individuals or groups) who were not in keeping with New Testament doctrine. In summation, his thoughts were that we should be patient and bear with any Christian who is trying to do the will of God. The breaking point for Lipscomb…

That’s what the commercial on television said — remission is possible. It was touting the benefits of a medication that gives hope to people with a serious medical condition. Fortunately, I do not have the condition that is supposed to be helped by this medication, but I believe I know how I would feel if I did have this condition. I believe that I would find this information to be very interesting. In fact, I believe that I would be excited about the prospect of overcoming the chronic condition it is supposed to help with.   I can easily see myself thoroughly investigating the claims. I have no trouble believing that, if the claims…

One of the great moments in Old Testament history occurred when Moses scaled Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. A brief overview of Exodus chapters 19 and 20 will inform the reader concerning some of the circumstances surrounding this event. The people had to consecrate themselves in order to be ready for the Law. Moses went up Sinai as it was covered with smoke. There were thunderings and lightning flashes and the sounds of a trumpet. The mountain shook and the people were not even allowed to come near its base. If they so much as touched the mountain they were to be put to death. Mostly what we…

To say that our daughter-in-law has a passion for the education program of a local congregation of the Lord’s people would be a classic understatement. She is especially interested in providing the very best possible education and training for the youth of whatever congregation she works with, but her interest extends far beyond the boundaries of that church.   Some might think that she is so passionate about this because she and our son have two children. Those of us who know her also know that this is not the case. Both she and her husband (our son) want every person who “grows up in the church” to know the Bible and how…

For nearly anyone, worship can become a bit rote at times. Though we know it is invaluable, we are human; thus, we struggle at times to stay truly engaged and thoughtful throughout the time. But some seem to think that it would take some major thing to get out of the rut, or to make worship more meaningful. Tragically, some stop coming. Just as tragically, some think they have to change God’s pattern (or worship where that pattern is not obeyed) and have bands, light shows, and more just to “up” the experience. But there are far simpler steps that each person can make to improve worship for themselves, while…