Preacher’s Study for Christian Bible Study

Toleration Run Amok

by Bryant Evans on January 25, 2012

We are still being assaulted by the tolerance police. You know them. They are the ones that think we should be squishy tolerant and accepting of anything and everything. Of course the TP are not tolerant of our beliefs, thoughts and ways.

My Good friend Scott McCown reflects on A New Tolerance Policy at the Morning Drive. Please read it. Scott writes a fine blog.

I wrote an article too a couple of months ago. I called it Has Tolerance Gone too Far? I hope you will read it also and leave a comment.

Romans – Know the Book

Romans is the most profound book in the Bible. Written by Paul it plumbs the depths of theology and offers magnificent pearls for every reader. It is a book that raises praises to the Almighty God and centers the readers thoughts upon Jesus his inestimable Son. Tragically, many errant doctrines are taught based upon misunderstandings [...]

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The Best BFF

(Note to the unknowing; “BFF” means “best friend forever” in texting-speak). The youth have updated an old saying. We once spoke of our best friend. But they have taken it to a higher level and added and element of timelessness. I remember the guys from my childhood who would both fit into that BFF designation. [...]

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Why I’m Done With Finebaum – And A Lot of Other Stuff

Paul Finebaum is probably the top expert on Southeastern Conference football. He’s been deeply involved in the sports since the 1980′s when he worked for the Birmingham Post Herald newspaper. Now he has a very sucessful, top rated radio call in show heard around the nation every weekday. He takes calls from throughout the nation and [...]

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What Christians Can Learn from Football

Football fans are teaching us a lesson about faith. These early days of January are a football fan’s favorite time. This weekend saw NFL teams fighting it out in the playoffs and tomorrow night Alabama and LSU will face off in the biggest game in recent memory. Fans are beside themselves. Their eyes are red [...]

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Tolerance

Tolerance is an important buzz-word in American culture. We are taught, encouraged and cajoled into being tolerant of every odd idea that appears. There is no greater complement among some than to be thought a tolerant person. Tolerance has become the holy grail of our godless society. The idea of “live and let live” has [...]

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Ready for the Alarm?

5:00 AM comes early at the Evans house. The alarm sounds and we soon rise to begin the day. Both of us head to work and the children must be readied for school. Getting out of bed later than 5:00 always causes trouble. I awoke one day this week four short minutes before the alarm [...]

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Worship: Spectator or Participant?

Should our presence in worship be that of a spectator or a participant? It’s a good question and one that is discussed at the Sharefaith blog. I am uncertain as to the religious background of the author but he makes some fine points. He is right on target in suggesting problems with worship in both [...]

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The Ups and Downs of the Christian Life

The Ups and Downs of the Christian Life Wouldn’t it be great if our growth and development as a Christian were a straight line of progress? What if we could grow in such a way that we never made a mistake, never stumbled, never tired of doing the Lord’s will and always lived in the [...]

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Preacher’s Study Blog Statistics

Preacher’s Study Blog is meeting an important niche in the world of online publishing. Each month we serve almost 4,000 pages to people looking for serious Christian Bible study. Most of our U.S. visitors come from Texas, followed by California, Florida, Alabama and Georgia for the top 5. We have had visitors from all 50 states [...]

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Why Gossip Works

Gossip is an insidious cancer that invades and destroys relationships daily. Even when no harm is intended gossip hurts. People universally agree that gossip is bad yet it never seems to go away. Why is it so powerful? What fuels the need to gossip? There are several answers I’m sure but here are a couple [...]

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God and Orion

There is nothing like the crispness of an early Fall morning. When the skies are clear and the only sound in the neighborhood is an occasional, distant, bark of a dog, I can enjoy the few sweet moments of solitude before the day gets going. At this time of the year, the great constellation Orion [...]

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Just Leave It To God

I’m sitting in the middle of nowhere right now. I’m in the woods and a long way from the busy world. I’m sitting under an old water oak and just noticing God. A few minutes ago a single orange butterfly came by. Soon it was joined by two more. Now the three are happily frolicking [...]

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Immigration and the Christian

The media is full of immigration stories. Here in Baldwin County, Alabama the media is reporting on a gathering of Hispanic ministers who are concerned about a new immigration enforcement law. Many people of Hispanic background fear they will be targeted for deportation because of the law. The Hispanic ministers feel trapped between their love [...]

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Leave the Unrighteous Out of It!

The church of my Lord is perfect. Its government, doctrine, purpose and mission are without error. Obviously those who are part of the church, the members, are not perfect. But the church itself, as given by Jesus is perfect. The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:23) and must be given the proper glory [...]

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Who Is Theophilus?

The identity of Theophilus is a mystery to Bible students. The name appears only two times in Scripture and both times in the writings of Luke (Luke 1:3, Acts 1:1). It is uncertain what role in the early church he played but he is noteworthy in the thinking of Luke for he directs both the [...]

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5 Tips for Christian Goals

Setting goals is critical to success. While great things sometimes happen unexpectedly most success in life comes from the pursuit of solid, realistic goals. A student sets a goal of graduating from college with a 4.0 grade point average or a salesman a goal of exceeding his [...]

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Militant Atheism

Militant atheists are in the news again. This subset of the larger God-denying population is not content to live in disbelief themselves. They need to attack those who do believe in God and in the concept of a higher being. In California a militant group is publicly tearing pages from a Bible on a public [...]

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Compassion

Compassion is so needed today. It is one of the important characteristics of the Christian life. Compassion has the power to change lives by altering the relationship between people and even whole communities. Our Lord is a fine example of compassion that we should emulate as his followers. Jesus’ encounter with the sinful woman in [...]

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The Church and Poverty

Jesus confronted poverty and instructed his people to care for the poor (Matthew 19:21). The present economy highlights the need to help the less fortunate. More and more people are needing help and the church is positioned to help many meet physical needs while teaching them of deep and abiding spiritual needs. I guess there [...]

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Fear

Today is Patriot Day in the USA. It is a day of memorial for those who died in the terror attacks of 2001. That attack was designed to frighten – terrorize – Americans and remove us from the national stage. It didn’t work. Fear is one of Satan’s most powerful tools against the Christian. Fear [...]

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5 People Targeted by Satan

Everyone is a target of Satan. But among all the billions of people he pursued, only 5 were targeted specifically and personally by the old devil himself. I thought a quick review would be interesting. Adam & Eve Were Targeted By Satan It’s not surprising that Satan would appear after creation. At the end of [...]

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Boast in the Lord

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, [...]

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Does God Hate Homosexuals?

Homosexuality is a divisive subject. Many cannot talk about it without becoming enraged. Often the discussion turns personal and anger grows. Even though it is a difficult subject, Christians should not be silent if the Bible addresses the topic. The obvious answer here: God does not hate homosexuals nor does he hate anyone. It was [...]

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United Church of Christ and the Churches of Christ

An article in Saturday’s Mobile Press- Register announced the formation of a new church in Mobile. Although it does not go by the name it is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Because this is the first UCC church in Mobile and because of the similarity of the name, I thought we should take [...]

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The Doctrine of Christ

In 2 John 9, the King James translation says, “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” Other mainline translations replace doctrine with teaching which is acceptable. But notice the importance of having [...]

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Doctrine

The “D” word has fallen out of favor in some places. Some suggest that it cannot be preached and should only be discussed at the most arcane level. Instead we preach about love and acceptance, grace mercy, favor and the like. Doctrine is out of favor. In some places, doctrine is seen as that which [...]

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But I Said I’m Sorry!

Bob and Carol had an awful fight. After yelling at each other for almost 2 hours the house settled into a chilling silence. Finally, a full day after the battle Bob came and sat beside his wife. “Carol, look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said what I did and I was wrong. Please forgive me.” [...]

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Conversion

Conversion is a process of change. Water placed into a freezer is converted into ice. That same water, placed over a fire, will change or convert into steam. Spiritually, we are changed from death into life: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not [...]

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Being A Christian

Being a Christian is a unique and joyful experience when we properly fill the role. While the unrighteous may heap scorn upon the child of God he has nothing comparable to the strength, power and happiness that fills the Christian. Because of the special place the faithful disciple enjoys, his life should be full of [...]

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The Primacy of Jesus

Jesus is first. There is no salvation without Jesus. There is no approach to God apart from Jesus. Culture warns us to be tolerant of other beliefs and other faiths. That’s fine as long as we never take Jesus down from his position as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:14; Revelation [...]

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Aspiration

“A strong desire, longing or aim; ambition; a goal or objective desired.” How do men become fathers? Men become fathers through the biological process of sex. But how does one become a daddy? That has nothing at all to do with sex. One becomes a dad by observing other men already in the role. Hopefully [...]

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Praising Teens

Teens are often criticized. Their lifestyle, way of thinking, priorities and such are often assailed. While their behavior may be different than an adult’s it is not necessarily wrong. Minority teens and teens from inner city neighborhoods are especially subject to criticism. But here’s a story about two teen girls from inner city Jersey City, [...]

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The Teacher

The Gospels present the life of Jesus. Acts gives us a history of the earliest church. The letters offer us insight into the early church problems and challenges. Revelation gives hope for the future. But what about the Old Testament? If you look carefully at the pages of your favorite Bible you may find the [...]

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When Elders Make Mistakes

The appointment of elders was a pressing need in the opening days of the church. Paul told Titus to “appoint elders in every city” (Titus 1:5). The character, maturity and reputation of elders were all important considerations according to the apostle (1 Timothy 3:2-7; Titus 1:5-9). Jesus entrusted the spiritual safety of the church to [...]

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Ruth – Know the Book

The book of Ruth is perhaps the sweetest story of love and devotion found in the Old Testament. The story is first centered on Naomi, a tragic character facing a desperate life following the death of her husband and both of her sons. Left in a distant land with only two young daughters-in-law it seems [...]

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Anthony Weiner Proves Samson Is Alive and Well

New York Congressman Anthony Weiner is the latest VIP to fall victim to his own temptations and sins. Weiner’s rising star among democrats began to fall last week when the Congressman’s Twitter account posted a picture of Weiner’s groin clothed in underwear. He first claimed that his account had been hacked but later admitted that [...]

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Judges – Know the Book

Judges is the fifth book of the English Bible and the second of the inspired historical books. It finds itself after Joshua because it is a near seamless continuation of the story of the Israelites. Picking up where Joshua left off, Judges records the day-to-day lives of the Israelites in the promised land. It is [...]

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Is That in the Bible?

Have you ever popped out a quick proverb, credited it to Scripture and then discovered that it’s not really from the Bible? Apparently a lot of people have. Some sayings and quick quips just sound Biblical but may actually be phantom verses. Many times the idea is Scriptural but the actual words are not. An [...]

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Monday Memo – Shecaniah

Shecaniah is not a household name but it was common in ancient Israel. At least a half dozen people are named Shecaniah in the Old Testament. This unknown Bible leader teaches deep and abiding lessons that every Christian can learn from. You want to know this man.

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From the Savannah

10 new preachers will soon been working throughout Guyana. The graduation at Guyana Christian University is next month but the students completed the last of their coursework Friday morning in Lethem. It was my privilege to teach these students on three occasions. John Langham knows the students from many campaigns and from classes he taught [...]

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Marriages Are Lasting Longer

There is good news on the marriage front. A new U.S. Census report shows that the number of long lasting marriages is up. People are staying together longer. The Washington Post studied the census report and offered some analysis. “Three in four couples who married after 1990 celebrated a 10-year anniversary, according to census statistics [...]

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Rapture Failure

Hello? Is anyone here? Well, if you are reading this it must mean that you either missed the “rapture” or Harold Camping was dead wrong again with his date setting hysteria. Camping is the 89 year old radio preacher from California who says the rapture was to come yesterday and the actual end of time [...]

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A Comment About Comments

We aim for vigorous debate and study. However the Preacher’s Study Blog has never allowed personal attacks or name calling. Recently, some commentors have begun name calling. We won’t allow that. Because of the actions of a few we have had to moderate all comments. That means that you may not see your comment appear [...]

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Joshua – Know the Book

Joshua was the great Israelite leader after Moses. Moses has passed this life but the task of bringing the children of Israel into the promised land is unfinished. It will fall to Joshua to bring them over the Jordan River and into the land they had heard of for 40 years. The book of Joshua [...]

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Book Review: Radical by David Platt

Radical proves that dynamite comes in small packages. David Platt’s little book is but 240 pages but packs a wallop when it comes to living the Christian life. I don’t recall how it was I came across Radical but it was a breath of fresh air. There is no complicated theology to wade through. You [...]

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Deuteronomy – Know the Book

Deuteronomy is the final book of the Pentateuch and the fifth book of the Bible. The Hebrew name suggests a “second law” or more specifically a retelling of the Law given at Sinai. Deuteronomy is also a summary of the Hebrew journeys and travails from Sinai until and including the death of Moses and the [...]

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Wake Up, Man Up – Romans 13:11-14

While studying for another article I came across this paragraph in Romans. I think because I have been reading David Platt’s Radical the passage grabbed my attention. Paul is essentially saying get ready, man-up, its time to get serious about our faith. Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you [...]

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Numbers – Know The Book

Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible. It is a continuation of Exodus and describes the ongoing work of God among the Israelite people. In that sense Leviticus becomes almost a parenthetical statement concerning the lives of the priests and detailing the various religious ordinances that would govern the people. We should not draw [...]

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Holy Week

Today is the beginning of Holy Week and it marks the final week of Lent. According to the Catholic calendar today is Palm Sunday which celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday which is the time Catholics say the Lord instituted the Mass and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Good Friday which [...]

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Was Jesus A Muslim?

“Was Jesus A Muslim?” is the topic of a discussion sponsored by the Muslim Student Association at the University of South Alabama in Mobile. The meeting is set for tonight at 6:30. The quick answer would seem to be “no.” But I suspect the Islamic group will instead focus not on Islam but on the [...]

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Leviticus – Know the Book

Leviticus, the third book of the Bible, Old Testament and Pentateuch is a mystery to many people. Following the exciting stories of Genesis and Exodus Leviticus seems to bog down in arcane rules and regulations for Israelite worship. Indeed, Leviticus is the bane of those who try to read through the entire Bible. It can [...]

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What’s The Point of a Sermon?

It’s Sunday morning, the Lord’s Day (Revelation 1:10), and people are preparing for worship. They expect to enjoy beautiful singing, powerful prayers and the fellowship of the Lord’s Supper. They will reach into wallets and purses and give back to God for the support of the church. But along the way they will hear a [...]

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Exodus – Know the Book

Exodus is the second book of the Bible, the Old Testament and the Pentateuch. It begins with the same general story as Genesis ends with but over 400 years later. The initial tenor of the narrative is set in Exodus 1:8 “Now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Joseph.” This [...]

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Genesis – Know the Book

Genesis is the first book of the Bible, the first book of the Pentateuch and the first book of the Old Testament. It covers a longer period of time than any other book in the Bible. Genesis stretches from “the beginning” (Genesis 1:1) until the entrance of Jacob’s family into Egypt and the death of [...]

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Know The Book Series

We begin a lengthy series today called Know the Book. Over the coming year we will publish a couple of articles each week focusing on one book of the Bible. I’ve decided to move chronologically from Genesis to Revelation. The ultimate goal is to have an available resource for our readers. The introduction will include [...]

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On Modesty

Summer is just around the corner. Warm days, beautiful skies and blooming flowers all point toward the changing of the seasons. It’s a marvelous time of year. I know few people who don’t yearn for the coming of summer. But with the turning of the calendar pages comes a decrease in clothing. It’s wise to [...]

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Money and the Bible

Money and the Bible go together. The Christian, like others, is concerned about money and how the Bible instructs us to use money. Jesus used money as did all of his disciples. It’s not surprising that the Lord left us with sound instructions on the use of money. We have written recently on the subject [...]

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The Borrower is the Slave of the Lender

We wrote yesterday about the need to make good choices. I thought to complement that article today by delving a little deeper into the financial choices we make, many of which aren’t very good. The wisdom of Solomon is clear: The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. [...]

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Making Good Choices

You have already made dozens of choices today, right? The decisions began as soon as the alarm clock sounded. Get up or snooze 10 minutes. From that point on the choices just keep coming. Most are fairly unimportant, like, should I eat oatmeal or Total cereal for breakfast. The answer really doesn’t matter that much. [...]

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Is Religion Becoming Extinct?

No it is not. Religion, at least the true faith of the Bible, is here to stay. However the BBC is reporting on a group of mathematicians and statisticians who have declared that religion may soon be extinct. They use complex mathematical formula to analyze declining religious affiliation in various countries. But they miss one [...]

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5 Church Lessons from the Gym

I’m in the gym again. It’s another shot at better health and an improved quality of life. It’s also about being a good steward of my health which is one of the greatest gifts God has given me. But while there I have noticed a few lessons that help me understand the worship better. I [...]

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Church Gossip

Church gossip is especially bad. It’s not funny and shouldn’t be taken lightly. Gossip is dangerous no matter where it is found but when it’s in God’s family it seems much more hurtful. After all, you expect the best from your brothers and sisters. If someone in the workplace or in class talks behind your [...]

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Rome Is Burning and I’m Not Worried

Our world is in trouble. Chaos reigns from the shores of Tripoli to the halls of state legislatures. Gasoline prices are at the highest point in almost two years, are rising quickly and show no sign of slowing. Prices at the pump are directly affecting prices at the grocery checkout. Crime is rising; no one [...]

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Has God Surrendered?

It’s over. The battle has been fought. We lost. It’s true, science has finally beaten the Bible. New Age spiritualist Deepak Chopra, a friend of Michael Jackson, Oprah Winfrey and an author of many self-help books has offered two pronouncements: Science has won over Genesis and organized religion is unnecessary. The Indian born American educated [...]

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Freed-Hardeman Lectures 2011: Day Three

The snow won the day at Freed-Hardeman. The threat of snow evidently frightened many away as the numbers were probably halved by Open Forum time. Cold weather and snow are to be expected at the lectureship but perhaps some thought better of staying around. Dr. James Gardner continued his discussion of God’s judgments in the [...]

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Freed-Hardeman Lectures 2011: Day Two

The Freed-Hardeman Lectures entered their first full day Tuesday with sessions beginning as early as 7:30 AM. Attendance appeared roughly equal to that of past years although there may be some slight decrease because of weather concerns. A new lectureship track is offered this year on writing for religious publications. Three sessions were offered at [...]

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Clark Sims Blog

Clark has finally taken the plunge! My dear friend is writing for the Cottondale Converter, a blog he and Charles Steiner are beginning. It’s brand new so there’s not a lot yet but it will grow. Anything these two write will be sound and useful! Check it out now.

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Freed-Hardeman Lectures, 2011: Day Two, James Gardner

I just listened to James Gardner offer what I think is the best lecture so far at the Freed-Hardeman Lectureships. James Gardner, an associate professor of Philosophy and Bible and Freed-Hardeman, address the question, Do Current Calamities Indicate the Judgment of God?” The text comes from Haggai 2:6-7. Gardner’s presentation was well balanced and centered [...]

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Freed-Hardeman Lectures, 2011 – Day One

Freed-Hardeman seemed like home as the snow began to fall on the first day of the 75th annual Bible Lectureship. The first lesson in the main series track was from Justin Rogers. His topic was “The Minor Prophets: The Messengers.” It was a fine introduction to the Minor Prophets. It was followed by David Pharr’s [...]

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Freed-Hardeman Lectures Begin Today

The annual Bible Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University begins today. As we have done in the past we will be blogging daily on the lessons and events on campus. Open Forum is typically the most curious event on campus. Dr. Ralph Gilmore will be at the podium again this year. The lectureship focus this year will [...]

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I Support Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is a national, successful fast food restaurant that supports Christian values. Privately held by the Cathy family the stores seek to promote an atmosphere of solid family values. Unlike many restaurant chains Chick-fil-A has not crumpled under the assault of secular groups demanding tolerance for their views while blasting away at the core values [...]

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Not So Minor Prophets

The Minor Prophets are one of five subsets of the Old Testament. The other four being the Pentateuch, History, Wisdom Literature and the Major Prophets. The grouping includes the books of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Far from being a collection of obscure prophecies from people with [...]

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Preeminent Greek Scholar Donates Library to Heritage Christian

Preeminent Greek scholar Dr. William Frederick Danker has donated much of his personal library to Heritage Christian University in Florence, Alabama. Dr. Danker is perhaps the top scholar of New Testament Greek in the world today. He has authored many books himself and edited many others. The full article can be read at Christian Chronicle.

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Why Attend Church Services?

Attendance when the church assembles together has been a challenge for many. My friend Scott McCown wonders why we attend church services at his blog, The Morning Drive. I appreciate his thoughts and think you will enjoy reading his post.

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Maybe You Are Not Listening

God hears prayers. Do we hear God? When God speaks He speaks loudly. But sometimes He seems so far away. We have real and immediate problems and we pray for his guidance yet it never seems to come. If God really cares then he shouldn’t seem so far away. God loves us deeply and cares [...]

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Spirit of Desperation

Life moves along nicely most of the time. As a Christian, when troubles does come, we know that we can call upon God for deliverance. Jesus promises to be close and to hear our prayers. The Lord is like the proverbial ace up our sleeve. We keep Him in there, hidden, until just the right [...]

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Robert Bentley and Brotherhood

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley discovered quickly that the secular community neither understands nor seeks to understand Christian thought. In comments to a denominational gathering just after being sworn inaugurated into office Bentley declared that there was no brotherhood with people who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ. The remarks were sharp and to the point. A [...]

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“to serve…not to be served”

Service is a hallmark of our faith. The founder of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) said of his own life that he came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). His life was a daily reminder that he surrendered the glories of heaven to come here and serve mankind. He did not seek his [...]

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Should We Apologize for Jesus?

There is nothing like a good cathartic rant to take us into the weekend but I just need to say a few things. I am a Christian. I stand with Jesus. I will reject everything else for him. I will not be tolerant of anything or anyone if it means discounting or disrespecting my Lord [...]

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Truth Haters

A couple of verses for your consideration without comment from me. You are encouraged to offer your thoughts in the comments section. “They hate him who reproves in the gate and they abhor him who speaks truth” (Amos 5:10). And from the New Testament: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all [...]

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Rejection

It can be painful to reach out to someone caught up in sin. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, they reject us and our plea for Christ. It’s doubly hurtful when that person is a dear family member; maybe a son or daughter who has gone astray draws even further away after our pleadings. Their rejection [...]

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God the Remodeler

Have you ever remodeled a home or office? It’s a mess. We’re doing some remodeling at the Eastern Shore church at the moment. Before anything new can be built the old stuff has to be torn away. Old ceiling, cabinets, walls, flooring; it all has to be torn down before the new materials can be [...]

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The “Smoothing” of the Old Rugged Cross

Crucifixion was a horrible way to die. The Romans intended it that way. A criminal might languish for hours and hours as his life slowly drained away. The very public death was also intended to be humiliating. The near naked man was displayed for all to see and to berate with every conceivable insult. There [...]

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In the Beginning God…

The first verse of the Bible says a lot. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” God marks the beginning and ending of all we know. He was present at the first sunrise and will be the one to bring everything to an end. It’s hard to think about but God came [...]

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Monday Memo: Righteous Abel

Abel is a pivotal character in Scripture. Ironically, little is revealed about the son of Adam and Eve but his life marks an important point in history. Abel is first mentioned in Genesis 4:2 as the second of two children born to the first couple. His name appears in only 13 verses in the Bible [...]

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Preacher’s Study Year In Review – 2010

It’s always fun to look back at the year and see what the most popular posts were. It’s often surprising and not really what I would think. Here are the top 10 posts of 2010 based on the number of readers. 5 Ways to Stop Gossip Stop Gossip in the Church Church of Christ Music: [...]

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Jonah and the Whale Could Not Have Happened!

One of the most memorable Biblical stories is that of Jonah and the great fish found in the Old Testament book of Jonah. Almost everyone knows the story. But now we learn that it didn’t happen. That’s right. Some “experts” who also claim to be Christians have decided that the science rules out the possibility [...]

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Second Chance Salvation & The Dangers of Dispensationalism

To some, the idea of the Rapture, Armageddon, the Antichrist and a 1,000 year earthly reign of Christ may seem harmless, although errant, variations on the end of time. But buried inside these teachings is a hideous idea that will condemn souls to eternal punishment. It teaches a second chance salvation which is not taught [...]

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Apocalyptic Literature

The Bible can be understood. God would never tease mankind by giving him a message only to make it incomprehensible. We can know the truth (John 8:32). But some sections of Scripture are more challenging than others. For example, “the abomination of desolation” from Mark 13:14 can be studied and comprehended but against “Thou shalt [...]

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The Rapture Package

There is much talk about the “Rapture” and the events associated with the return of Jesus in judgment. People like to talk about the “signs of the times” and speculate that the return of Jesus must be very soon because of unfolding world events. At the moment of this writing tensions are high on the [...]

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Bible Class and School

School attendance is important. It’s so important that it is legally mandatory in most states. For most of us we would never consider letting children miss school. We get them there, demand a thorough education and support the teachers by requiring homework to be completed and turned in. That’s good. We should. But some have [...]

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Thankful

In case it is slipping up on you please take note. Thursday is Thanksgiving. Life seems so busy. It’s a little embarrassing that we need a special day to be thankful but it does serve a purpose. As he ended his first letter to the Thessalonians Paul had these words, emphasis is min: “Rejoice always, [...]

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Century, Florida Gospel Meeting

I am deeply privileged to be asked to speak at the Century, Florida Church of Christ beginning today, November 7, 2010 through Wednesday. This is my second trip to Century and I look forward to their kind hospitality again. If you are in the area please drop by. Services are 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM and [...]

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Is That A Ghoul in my Front Yard?

We do not like to think about death – except at Halloween. This once a year fright night brings around all sorts of “undead” to haunt the neighborhood in search of goodies. As expected there is also the usual crowd of scary movies released just in time for the spookie holiday. I thought I would [...]

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Walk Away and Stop Gossip

In the past year we have written 6 articles trying to stop gossip. We recommend learning to walk away and stop gossiping by refusing to be a part of it. These articles continue to attract comments and questions. Gossip was our first article written a year ago. It’s a good broad introduction to the problem [...]

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The Need for Good

The business of being a good person is a worthy pursuit. We desire goodness in others especially when they are dealing with us. We should try to be good people ourselves and show that quality to others when we deal with them. Goodness speaks to the quality of our hearts. While one may be able [...]

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Update on Comments

It has always been my goal to encourage comments here on the blog.Anyone and everyone is asked to comment or ask any question. You do not have to be a preacher or even a religious person. Anyone may comment. We get quite a bit of spam but it is almost always caught by the software [...]

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The Confidence of David

David is one of the best known Bible characters. He was a young shepherd boy, a noble warrior and the King over God’s people. Today David is still honored by Christians and Jews alike. We forget that David was also a sinner. He was an adulterer, a murderer and the head of a horribly dysfunctional [...]

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