On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court ruled that laws prohibiting the union of same-sex couples were un-Constitutional. Justice Anthony Kennedy, the author of the majority opinion in the case of Obergerfell v. Hodges, tucked this caveat into the ruling, “Many who deem same-sex marriage to be wrong reach that conclusion based on…
Because the values of societies either differ one from another or change over time, it seems that some parts of the Bible carry more relevance to some generations. For example, Ecclesiastes is particularly well suited to identify the consequences of humanistic or atheistic thought in a post-modern world. John’s gospel account bears greater weight in…
Editor’s Note: In the May issue of this publication, your editor announced the appointment of two men to the office of deacon by an evangelist. Your editor received the following inquiry from one of our subscribers: “Why does it say the evangelist ‘appointed’ deacons? Please explain to me using Bible verses why that could happen….
When we reach the summit of Hebrews, the author’s proof of the New Covenant’s superiority dismisses all potential debate with his moving conclusion, “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem” (12:22). In this soaring language, we see the magnificent position to which Christians have…
I have many fond memories of working with my fellow-laborer, our brother Tom Woody. He had already been in the work a few years when I started, and he was a great benefit for me as I began my work. Over the next several years I was privileged to work with Tom under varying circumstances….
The parable of the unjust steward is among the most thought provoking of all the parables of Jesus. The steward, who was soon to lose his position due to either incompetence or negligence or both, negotiates with his master’s debtors, settling with them for pennies on the dollar. He does so to win favor for…
The letters to the seven churches of Asia provide a full picture of the church. Though each of these congregations face unique circumstances and challenges in comparison with one another, they are not unique in comparison to other churches down through the centuries. There have been churches like Pergamos or Smyrna or Laodicea since the…
Ephesians was written during Paul’s initial imprisonment in Rome. It was written at the same time as Colossians and was delivered to the respective congregations by the same man, Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7). Of the 155 verses in Ephesians, 78 are repeated in identical or similar language in Colossians. While Paul spends much of…
Solomon began his reign well. When God granted him any request, Solomon asked for wisdom and was given riches, peace, and length of days to boot. He realized his father’s vision by building God’s house in Jerusalem. He expanded Israel’s territory to its farthest extent and accumulated great wealth for God’s people. However, the many…
Salvation in Jesus Christ While God is pleased with human obedience, no amount of good deeds can overcome sin. In order to forgive our sins, God requires a sacrifice. No ordinary sacrifice will suffice. Blood must be shed, and only the blood of Jesus forgives sins. “For all have sinned and fall short of the…