At that point in time when its first martyr Stephen was murdered and the outset of the horrible period of persecution of the early church at the hands of the zealous Pharisee named Saul, the church was confronted with a troublesome question. Would the new converts to Christianity be silenced by their enemies? Or, would […]
The prophets of old were men who reacted to Israel’s wrongdoing in a very straightforward manner. They did not mince words in dealing with their people’s transgressions against the law of the Lord. Whatever else may be said of them, and there is very much that might be said, they were men who called “a […]
When the Apostle Paul stood before Agrippa to make his case regarding his innocence from the charges leveled against him by his Jewish enemies at Jerusalem, he told once more the story of those signal events surrounding his conversion to Christ. It is a remarkable account, told briefly in his own words, with many fresh […]
It is difficult for me to imagine how Paul must have felt the day he was forced to confront the Apostle Peter over his inconsistency in dealing with Gentiles in the church. He held Cephas (his Jewish name) in the highest esteem. Like others, he saw him as somewhat of a spiritual hero. He had […]
Perhaps you have read recently in the various news outlets about the fellow who decided that he was going to kiss a cottonmouth snake. His name is Austin Hatfield of Wimauma, FL. As the report stated, “Friends said that Hatfield had captured the snake from his girlfriend’s yard several days before and was keeping it […]
This is a question that is frequently asked of us, and it is one that we are only too happy to answer. The simple response to it is, “Yes.” And the reason for this particular reply has nothing at all to do with what a “Church of Christ creed” (which does not exist) might be […]
One of the most famous quotes connected with American history is the one that is associated with the fiery orator Patrick Henry: “Give me liberty or give me death!” It is reported that these were among his words at the Virginia Convention held at St. John’s church in Richmond, Virginia in 1775. It is said […]
Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul remarked that, “Jews ask for signs and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, unto Jews a stumbling block, and unto Gentiles foolishness…” (1 Cor. 1:22f.). The point that he is attempting to make in his comments about these two groups of prospects for the gospel, […]
It is tough sometimes to hold it together when things are not looking very hopeful. Apparently that was the case at Thessalonica when Paul wrote his second letter to the church there. We often think that the apostolic era was atypical and somehow better than our own, that those people lived in an almost ideal […]
The writer James encouraged his reading audience to have some patience in their wait for the coming of Jesus and of God’s judgment upon the wicked. He said: “Be patient therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it […]