In Acts II: Scene 2 of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Polonius asks, “What do you read, my lord?” to which Hamlet replies, “Words, words, words.” Are words of any value? Back when telegraph companies charged per number of words, people had to be succinct and selective in their words. Today, we come across so many words from so many people, we can wonder if they do any good. Unlike ages past, the overwhelming majority of individuals can publish their own words across the world instantly. It is tempting to release whatever words feel good to us out into the universe without much discernment; however we must be reminded that, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” (Prov. 18:21).

Jesus said, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Mt. 12:37). Jesus charges us to consider our words carefully for they will factor into whether we are saved or lost. Words can heavily influence others; thus, the words we speak can also be a factor in the eternal destinies of others. Paul charged his preacher student, Timothy, saying, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16). The words of Jesus are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63). Those who continue in His word are set free from sin by the truth and are truly His disciples (Jn. 8:31-32).

            However, words can also lead individuals astray. If the Gospel contains words by which men are saved (Acts 11:14), then to vary from the words of eternal life spells condemnation. The curse of God is on anyone who teaches a different, perverted message from the true Gospel (Gal. 1:8-9). Those who love lies and practice falsehood are headed to hell (Rev. 21:8; 22:15). That we stay with the true words of God is of supreme importance, for, “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” (2 Jn. 9).

            Public teachers of God’s word shall receive a stricter judgment because of the amplified sway they exercise over others through their teaching (Jas. 3:1). Some false teachers teach out of mercenary interests, being more interested in fleecing the sheep than leading them to eternal life; however, God’s judgment is awaiting them for their deceptive words (2 Pet. 2:3). False teaching hinders people from obeying the truth (Gal. 5:7). Those led astray into false doctrine can fall from God’s grace (Gal. 5:4).

            Let us examine our words to discern whether they come from a heart thoroughly led by the Word of God. Our words should echo God’s words, as Peter says, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). What one says, whether in preaching, teaching, or in a personal conversation regarding the proper course to follow should be as God says it. Too often men are prone to push God’s word into the background in order to give their take on things. How dangerous! Are we so eager for the opinions of men that God cannot get a word in edgewise? Our determination should rather be, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20).

– Mark Day

What should be the basis of unity? Will just any unity suffice? Jesus prayed to God for unity of His followers by saying “that they all might be one” (John 17:21). How are we to be one? In His same prayer Jesus gives the basis for unity by saying “Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth” (John 17:17). Unity can only be based on God’s word of truth as found only in the Bible. The problem in today’s denominational world is men have added to and taken away from God’s word with their many differing creeds. Human opinion is made equal and superior to the word of God. We are warned in Revelation 22:18-19 if we add to or take away from God’s word, we will lose our souls. The denominational world with all of its disunity is exactly what Satan wants. The word denomination comes from a root word which means division. Denominationalism is a betrayal of Christ.

Paul tells us how to have Biblical unity. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). In order to have the same mind and same judgment we must have only the same beliefs and practices as found only in the New Testament. We must limit what we do to be saved and what we do in worship to only what God has authorized in scripture. This is the only way to have the unity for which Christ prayed and for which Paul pleaded. Throughout the Bible man’s worship and service to God was either accepted or rejected depending on man’s obedience to God’s commands (Genesis 4:4-5, Leviticus 10:1-2).

There can be no unity between those who follow human opinion and those who follow only the word of God as found in the Bible. We are commanded, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?…Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17). Here we are forbidden to have unity with those who follow the false doctrines of men.

How can the denominational world defend their many differing doctrines when they cannot justify them scripturally? They can’t. In trying to justify what one does he asks, “Is it a salvation issue?” In other words, “Does it really matter?” If one can shift the focus then there is no necessity in proving or defending one’s unscriptural practice. Anything that differs from God’s word is sin and sin is a salvation issue, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). In speaking of the doctrine of Christ, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11). Let’s not share in the evil deeds of the denominational world in joining with them or giving them any encouragement in their evil deeds. If we do, we will be spending eternity with them.

-Ron Boatwright

Article from http://www.netbiblestudy.net/bulletin/ which has links to many other resources for personal Bible study.

– Jerry D. Sturgill

Jeremiah was a prophet who experienced great hardship. If we had to undergo the trials Jeremiah faced, we would likely not hold up as well as he did. We would find it hard to be joyful. Even residents of his hometown, Anathoth, were plotting to murder him. When the prophet grew impatient and complained to God about his wicked persecutors, God promised He would punish them (Jer. 11:21-23). Yet, God also gave Jeremiah a challenge for greater faith, asking, “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if in the land of peace, in which you trusted, they wearied you, then how will you do in the floodplain of the Jordan?” (Jer. 12:5).

Jeremiah had become wearied or impatient with the footmen. False prophets who said Judah would never be destroyed contended with Jeremiah who preached the truth that God would use Babylon to punish Judah for her sins. God said of these false prophets, “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied” (Jer. 23:21). The false prophets who contended with Jeremiah gave him a good run and caused him to become weary. Yet, things were about to get worse.

Jeremiah was wearied when the land of Judah was still “a land of peace,” but soon Babylon would come with a flood of cavalry. The Hebrew word translated “contend” in Jeremiah 12:5 means to “become hot” or “angry;” it seems to refer to a heated race. Jeremiah had not seen anything yet. Soon, he would race horses.

Who can win a footrace with a horse? Oddly enough, there are annual races in our world that test this very question. Since 1980 an annual horse vs. man marathon has been held near Llanwrtyd Wells, a town in Wales. Only twice (2004 and 2007) has a human won—when weather conditions were particularly hot. In our own country, Prescott, AZ hosts an annual “Man Against Horse” race with distances up to 50 miles. Humans seem to have a better chance at winning the hotter the weather and the longer the distance.

Sometimes we must go through a “fiery trial” (1 Pet. 4:12). No matter how hard life gets, it could always be worse. God tested His people in ancient times in the “furnace of affliction” (Isa. 48:10). Today, we go through tests of our faith as well. Yet, we must not give up. We must remember that the Christian life is an endurance race (Heb. 12:1). We must not grow weary in doing good (Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). Keep fighting the good fight and keeping the faith until your race is finished and you receive the crown of righteousness at the last day (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

-Mark Day

            With the changes that have recently taken place in our lives, one that has stood above the rest is not seeing my brothers and sisters in Christ on a weekly basis. The truth is most of us have not appreciated the blessing of communing with our Lord regularly until now. What I miss most is what the Church has been doing since it was established (Acts 2:41-42). How we long to return to God and one another! Part of God’s plan for the Church was for us to encourage one another when we meet (1 Thess. 5:11-13). Though we are not meeting physically currently, we can still encourage one another in different ways. Take heart that we are not the first to be in this position. In fact, God’s people spent a majority of their time longing to return as well.

            While in Egypt, Israel longed for God like we could never understand. They were in bondage; unable to enjoy the freedoms we are blessed with (Ex. 2:23-25). They certainly were not allowed to worship God as He desired while in Egypt. Moses was sent to Pharaoh so that the Israelites could go into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 5:3). They were not allowed to worship God, but instead were given more work by Pharaoh (Ex. 5:8b-9). Later on, Pharaoh desired to compromise with Moses. Pharaoh would allow them to worship in Egypt, but would not allow them to go into the wilderness. This compromise was not acceptable to God and therefore was turned down; Israel was still unable to worship (Ex. 8:25-27). We long to open these doors once again, but could you imagine the longing these Israelites must have had for God? How blessed we are!

            The Psalms are full of writers who were longing for God (Ps. 42:1-2; 63:1; 73:25; 119:20; 119:81; 143:6-7). It is fair to say this is a continuous theme throughout. One Psalmist in particular highlighted his unrelenting desire to return to worship God with his people (Ps. 122). David sought to worship God (vs. 1-3) and to be with his people in Jerusalem (vs. 4-9). In the Old Covenant, the Jews were commanded to meet together only three times a year for festivals (Ex. 34:23; Deut. 16:16). The synagogues were not established till Israel was taken into captivity, meaning there were no weekly assemblies during the time of David. The three times a year that David went to the house of the Lord were special to him! Now that we are unable to worship God on a weekly basis, when things return to normal, will they be special to us?

            During Israel’s time in the promise land, they did not long for God as they ought to. They instead worshiped idols and false gods (Judg. 2:11-14; 2 Kgs. 17:10-23). All the way up to their exile and Jerusalem’s destruction, Israel forsook God (Jer. 44:1-22). Yet, when God allowed the Israelites to return from exile, they longed to serve Him (Ezra 6:19-22; 7:10; 8:21-23; 10:1-ff). When Nehemiah brought another wave of exiles back to Jerusalem, they showed a new dedication to keeping God’s Law that their forefathers never did (Neh. 8:1-12). They longed to keep God’s word, how about you?

            These are certainly unprecedented times we are currently in, but take heart that we are not the first to long for normalcy to return. The Israelites in Egypt, David, and the exiled Jews longed for God. They were unable to meet for a time but when the opportunity arose, they appreciated the time they had with God and each other even more. Will you have a new appreciation for God and His people when the Church gathers again? It is my prayer that this short time away from one another will magnify the importance of the Church coming together when we are able (Heb. 10:24-25).

–Brandon Foresha

When we are faced with a challenge in life, we need wisdom in order to navigate the situation. God has promised to help us to acquire true wisdom if we are willing to seek Him and ask for it, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). There is a wisdom of this world, but this is not what God gives. In the centuries leading up to the time of the New Testament, the Greeks were known for their philosophy— literally, love of wisdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:21-25, Paul wrote:

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Worldly wisdom does not necessarily bring one to a knowledge of God; in fact, it may be a hindrance to saving faith.

When James speaks of the wisdom God gives, he is referring to a spiritually upright walk that glorifies God, a wisdom that shines forth in the midst of trials. The world has always had its “wise men” who in their self-interest are motivated by envy and live morally bankrupt lives. However, God’s wisdom produces righteous motives that produce harmony with God and others. Consider how James elaborates on the difference in James 3:13-18:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Now more than ever we need this wisdom from above. While God promises to give it to those who ask in faith, that does not mean we do not have to work for it. We are taught to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt. 6:11); yet, even though the Lord provides sun, rain, and a multitude of blessings we could not provide on our own, we must still labor so that we may eat (2 Thess. 3:10). Likewise, we must apply effort to learn from God’s word and the experiences of life in order to gain true wisdom. Lord, give us your true wisdom from above, that we may become more like you through each challenge of life.

-Mark Day

The following question was sent to me to be answered during the March 2020, 5th Sunday evening Question & Answer lesson. Due to the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation that began before that time, this question was not answered so I have chosen to answer the question in this month’s article. Question: “Homosexuality. Looking through Facebook I read something saying it being a sin may not be true.  So, instead of just pulling up my pant legs and jumping in, I decided to look it up.  Is this correct? Thank you.”

The questioner when asking the question inserted a link to a Wikipedia article they had referenced regarding this topic. One must recognize that there are articles on Wikipedia that are often written by those who are seeking to further their own agenda and are not written objectively. The only true source of what God thinks on a topic is to consult the Bible because that is God’s standard. So, we answer the question, “Is Homosexuality Sin”?

In Leviticus 18:22, 24, 26 we read, “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination…Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you…Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations”. Leviticus 20:13 says, “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” Also, Sodom and Gomorrah clearly indicates God in the Old Testament did not approve of homosexuality and it was (is) sin.

In the New Testament we read in Romans 1:26-27, “For this cause God gave them up unto vile passions: for their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due.” (ASV) Paul is describing that homosexuality is contrary to the natural order (i.e. against nature) started at the Creation, one man and one woman. See Genesis 1:26.

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Paul told the Corinthian Christians “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators (a broad word for all sexual sin – JDS), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate (i.e. passive homosexual partner – JDS), nor abusers of themselves with mankind (i.e. active homosexual partner – JDS), nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” To not inherit the kingdom of God means to die lost. Notice though, that some of the Corinthians needed to make a change and did so (and such were some of you). They were not “born that way” regarding any of the sins listed in Paul’s “sample list”. When they obeyed the Gospel (i.e. wash, sanctified, justified) their sins were forgiven. See Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Peter 3:21.

The Lord has spoken, and He is clear that practicing homosexuality is sin, it is a choice. Nonetheless a person can choose to cease the practice of homosexuality (or any sin), obey the Gospel and be forgiven, and by remaining faithful, look forward to heaven someday, 2 Timothy 4:7-8. Turn from sinful lifestyles, turn to the Lord. We are praying for you.

-Jerry D. Sturgill

(An outstanding article on this topic can be found at Apologetics Press – http://apologeticspress.org, “An Investigation of the Biblical Evidence Against Homosexuality”)

When Joshua faced the daunting prospect of years of intense warfare in leading the children of Israel into the land of Canaan, God said to him:

Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:7-9).

God would be with Joshua through the entire process and would make him victorious if he would be willing to go with God.

Of key importance to Joshua’s faithfulness to God was the Book of the Law. Joshua was to meditate on it day and night so that his thoughts would be shaped by God’s thoughts. Psalm 1:2 says of the righteous man, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.” Instead of viewing Bible study as drudgery, the righteous person views it as a delight. As Joshua’s predecessor, Moses, reminded Israel, God gave the law for their good (Deut. 6:24; 10:13). Psalm 19:7-11 tells of the benefits of God’s law; it restores the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, and enlightens the eyes. The law of Moses is still beneficial to us today; it produces comfort and hope (Rom. 15:4). When we realized how beneficial God’s word is to our souls, it will produce a desire to spend time with it; thus, we echo these sentiments: “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Psa. 119:97).

The New Testament portion of God’s word benefits us as well. Jesus said His words are “spirit” and “life” to those that hear them (Jn. 6:63). Faith comes from hearing God’s word (Rom. 10:17; cf. Jn. 20:30-31). If we are to grow as children of God, we must desire the pure milk of God’s word (1 Pet. 2:2). As Paul had his final meeting in Miletus with the elders of the congregation of Ephesus, he said, “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Joshua was spiritually successful when he continued to meditate on God’s word, neither turning from it to the right or left. When faced with daunting prospects in our lives, we can be courageous and built up in faith knowing the Lord is always with us as we meditate daily upon His word: the Bible.

– Mark Day

How many times must God tell us something before we listen? When God states the same thing over and over again, it must be important information that we ought to focus our studies on! God, through His infinite wisdom and knowledge, knows that humans are forgetful. Most of us need reminded multiple times a day to take out the trash! As you study your Bibles, do you notice the reoccurring statements God has purposefully placed in His Book? They ought to stick out to us like a sore thumb, but the majority of us overlook them and fail to see the lessons God desires us to see.

God spoke through His prophets that the people of Israel during the time of Judges were doing evil in the sight of the Lord (Judg. 2:11; 3:7; 3:12; 4:1; 6:1). During the time of the kings, individual leaders were described as doing evil in the sight of the Lord as well (1 Kgs. 11:6; 15:26; 2 Kgs. 21:20; 23:32; 23:37). Notice first, God is aware of all things. Whether it is a nation, a small group of people, or individual persons; God knows what we do (Heb. 4:13). Though our deeds are not immediately punished on earth, they will be examined when we face the Judgment (2 Cor. 5:10). Make sure the evil you have committed is removed from your account by the blood of Christ! Secondly if there is an evil way of living, then there must be a right way. How can we know what is right in God’s sight? Read His word and obey it (Ps. 19:7-8)! Lastly, we must focus on teaching our youth about God. Once the generation who had served God with Joshua had died, a new generation arose who had no respect for the Lord (Judg. 2:10-11). If our children are to avoid doing what is evil in the sight of the Lord, then parents must educate them on what is right in God’s sight (Deut. 11:18-22).

How many times have you read in the Gospel of John, “His hour had not yet come”? It is written several times, but have you ever thought of what it is in reference to (John 7:6, 8, 30; 8:20)? Towards the end of Jesus’ life, His hour had come and it is made clear that this statement referred to His death and glorification on the cross. (John 12:23-33; 13:1; 17:1-5). Realize this; God had an ultimate plan and it was completed perfectly. God had set in motion the sacrifice of His Son for mankind before the world’s foundation (1 Pet. 1:18-20)! If God took such meticulous care of humanity since the beginning of time, why do we not trust that He will continue to take care of us today? Secondly, timing is everything. Jesus knew it was not yet time for His death. Even though He knew He must die, there were still many things He needed to accomplish! We all must face death and the Judgment to come (Heb. 9:27), but that does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities to God while we live! Live fully while on this earth, but make sure you live Godly; for that is all that matters in the end (Eccl. 3:1-8; 12:13-14). While one lives their life, God expects them to be working in His kingdom bringing other souls to Jesus (John 4:36-38; Matt. 28:19-20). Are you making use of the time God has given? Timing is everything; and if time is wasted God is not pleased (Eph. 5:15-17).

While studying the Bible, recognize that we should be digging deep into the Word. Would a gold miner simply scratch the surface and be successful? God’s Word is more precious and important than any gem or stone this world has to offer (1 Pet. 1:18-25). Notice the reoccurring statements found in the Bible, examine things with a microscope, apply the lessons learned to yourself, then take it to others. God speaks to us through His Son; what His Son said is recorded for us in the Bible (Heb. 1:1-2; John 12:47-50). Are you listening to what God has to say?

-Brandon Foresha