Denominations have their forms of government. Some have a governing body of bishops. Others have a single pastor of a congregation. One is called Episcopalian government. The other is called congregational government. Certain denominations emphasize what they call the priesthood of the individual believer. By this they mean each one can plead his or her […]
In my younger days, we used to debate the question, “Which is better, anticipation or realization?” It was a stupid question, I suppose, and debating it was useless, but we did it anyway. Anticipation holds the future in view, always exciting for its uncertainty. Realization takes the edge off excitement. The look is either now […]
We learn by comparisons or relationships. Definitions are often made by comparison. For example, synonyms for the word dark are dim, dusky, dusk, darkly, obscure, murky, opaque, gloomy. Then the dictionary gives this definition: “lack or deficiency of light, or illumination of whatever kind.” You see what I mean? We learn by comparisons. This was […]
Our right of choice lays upon us moments of serious consequences. Often it is impossible to retrieve the outcomes of the choices we make. They are cast, as it were, in irretrievable molds. For that reason, we must weigh carefully every decision we make. Every decision we make has moral consequences. We cannot operate in […]
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming 24 Then [cometh] the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. “Christ the firstfruits.” No one […]
Since we have no physical proof of the resurrection of Christ except the empty tomb, our affirmation must rest on belief or faith. But what is faith? For some faith is ignoring the supposed facts or the absence of facts. For others faith is credulity, by which they mean simple-mindedness, not being able to think […]
Mountain climbers scale cliffs that turn back the average hiker. They do it by training and practice. In the field of industry, researchers defy what some say is impossible. Over a hundred years ago, it was suggested that the patent office be closed since all the inventions had already been made. How wrong they were! […]
The second proposition is 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. 7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the […]
From the very beginning, skeptics ridiculed the resurrection of Christ. I use the designation Christ because that is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Messiah, meaning “The Anointed One.” He had a special mission when He came. By the term Messiah, I assume that Jesus of Nazareth was He whom God anointed as the […]
One person supposedly made this statement why he was not a member of a church. He said, “I have never found a perfect church; therefore I am not a Christian.” To which his friend replied, “When you find that perfect church, don’t join it.” Do you see the point? If he did join, it would […]
