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The above quote came from a government employee who was ridiculing the birth of Jesus, His life and resurrection. He was explaining why he opposed the “Christmas displays” that foster a belief in what he called “fairy tales.” As we all know, that is happening a lot these days, and the Bible is receiving a lot of opposition, to the point that they are being banned in some communities. We know God never authorized a celebration of Jesus’ birthday as…

We use the word “legacy” to describe something left behind. It may be a house or sum of money, perhaps a lasting imprint on an organization or the lives of those closest to you. Regardless of kind or number, everyone leaves a legacy. The question is, “what will it be?”. The apostle Paul wrote of the Thessalonian Christians’ legacy in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4. When Paul thought of them, he remembered three characteristics. Your work of faith. A biblical faith is…

One of the most profound questions ever posed to Jesus by mortal man was asked by Pontius Pilate, “What is truth?” (Jn. 18:38). While this question was likely asked by Pilate with a sarcastic tone it is nevertheless a question that continues to reverberate. By definition, truth in a general sense is “what is true in any matter under consideration as opposed to what is false.” In reference to religion, the term denotes “what is true in things appertaining to…

Personal evangelism is a topic that should interest every Christian. The great commission is a fundamental bible doctrine that we learn from an early age. God wants, yea requires, His people to spread the good news throughout the world. From time to time, it is good for us to “sharpen our sword” in order to improve in the area of personal evangelism. Here are some practical suggestions that will help us to be the best personal evangelists we can be.…

There is no more interesting narration in all the Bible than the story of David and his Son Absalom. Nor are there any that portray more forcibly the prospects of “like father – like Son” disposition in some of Absalom’s conduct. David’s terrible sin of adultery with Uriah’s wife may have had much to do in fostering the pride and self-confidence in the character of his son. Absalom’s natural advantages were great and favorable. “There was none to be so…

[Many years ago Alan Highers, then minister for the Getwell church in Memphis, TN, recorded the following story. Brother Highers was selected to succeed Guy N. Woods as director of the Open Forum at the Annual Lectureship of then Freed­Hardeman College (now Freed-Hardeman University), he continues to serve as Editor of the Spiritual Sword magazine. Brother Highers is now a retired Tennessee State Court of Appeals Judge]. The following incident in the life of Brother J.W. McGarvey was told by…

The following article was published in 1981, but is remains fresh in 2023. Since Jehovah rules in the kingdoms of men (Daniel 4:25) and in His sight “the nations are as the drop of a bucket” (Isaiah 40:15), we must face up to our immediate responsibilities if we are to preserve America. In one of the most familiar statements regarding national concern, James Russell Lowell declared, “Once to every man and nation comes the moment to decide. In the strife…

How could the peerless apostle Paul be content in a cruel Roman prison? What could possibly have been his reason for rejoicing? Where did the “peace passing understanding” come from (Philippians 4:4-7)? The challenge of Hebrews 13 never ceases to amaze me…. “Let your life be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” Our modern society is so frenetic and violent. How can Christians ever find peace and contentment in the midst of such debauchery? Can the…

Suppose it were possible to bring a first-century Christian to the assemblies of the church today. Many physical things obviously would be different, but of greater concern would be those spiritual differences. Think for a moment about how different he might find the preaching today from the kind of preaching he heard in the infant church. The preaching in the first century can best be described as inspired prophecy. Because they had only the Old Testament, God gave the sermons…

Zacharias did not believe the words of Gabriel about the fact that he and Elizabeth were to be the parents of the forerunner of the Messiah. Instead of accepting the message from heaven, he thought what God had said just could not happen. How could two old people become parents? The answer from Gabriel gives us insight into the nature of prophecy. The angel said, “Behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things…

Fact: we will stand before Him accountable for our actions (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Revelation 20:12). Therefore, being a frequent, participating listener to the Apostles doctrine in the worship assembly and Bible classes, a Christian must be diligent. I do not mean to imply that we should be hyper-critical or nit-picky, however, in view of the fact that what is taught in our assemblies carries eternal consequence, we should be ever vigilant in filtering teachings through the Holy Writ. This failure is…

I once heard of a Christian having a Bible study with a friend about what one must do to be saved. He opened his Bible and urged the friend to read several passages which clearly revealed God’s plan of salvation. The friend’s reply was, “There are none of these verses in my Bible.” She went and got her Bible, and she was exactly right. She had literally cut out every one of the verses from her own Bible and thrown…