We recently received a thoughtful comment on YouTube regarding Brent’s sermon, Is the Church of Christ “Legalistic”: Mechanical Instruments Condemned, where is your example of congregational singing only in the New Testament? What “psalms” was Paul referring too? Please read Brent’s full reply below: I apologize in the delay in getting back to you in answering your questions. I was out of town conducting a gospel lectureship in the San Diego area. The reason we sing congregationally is based upon the apostle Paul’s instructions to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae: Ephesians 5.19: “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns […]

[Brent’s note: Several years ago I saw something very similar to this brief article, but I thought it was worth sharing in today’s bulletin.] Consider James’ insightful statement in James 4.14: “whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” The phrase “that appears for a little time” is represented by the “dash” between the dates of one’s birth and one’s death. Think about it. When people view your headstone what stories will people tell about you when they reflect […]

The apostle Paul exhorted the Philippian brethren, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4.6-7). Someone once said that worry is like a rocking chair – it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere. Still, most of us (perhaps all of us) must confess that we worry. Jesus said not to do that because God already knows what we need. If we will […]

Do you remember when Jesus encouraged His disciples to “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17.32; see Genesis 19)? The context of this statement is Jesus warning of His coming judgement. He had just answered the Pharisees’ question about the coming of the kingdom of God, because they were quite sure it would be physically manifested. Furthermore, they were extremely confused about the judgement of God. Jesus had much to correct! People will be busy about their own affairs, and some will even think they may have time to take their possessions with them. In the Genesis account that Jesus refers to, […]

The psalmist exhorted, “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psa 34.14). But this wasn’t the last time this was recorded in God’s word, for Peter quoted it in his first epistle: “Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3.11). The Christian must make every effort to live life and to use the abilities God has provided for godly purposes. What are we doing with our lives and the opportunities afforded us? It kind of reminds me of my computer keyboard that I use almost […]

The noted French naturalist, Jean Henri Fabré studied the pine processionary caterpillar in great detail. He observed that these caterpillars would follow a lead caterpillar in a single-file line. This behaviour is not only the reason why it was given its name, but it can also be a deadly characteristic. Consider an experiment that Fabré conducted with some processionary caterpillars. He took a flowerpot and placed a number of caterpillars in single-file around the circumference of the pot’s rim. Each caterpillar’s head touched the caterpillar in front of it. Fabré then placed the caterpillars’ favorite food in the middle of the circle created […]

Do you remember what Jesus said to His disciples, “And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive” (Matt. 21.22)? That takes faith! I have a preacher friend who backed his little red convertible out of the driveway and proceeded down the street. About a block from the house the engine died. Even with his admittedly limited knowledge in the field of mechanics, he managed to determine that he had a bad fuel pump. He removed the pump and proceeded to the nearest auto parts store. Bear in mind that this was a fourteen-year-old car that […]

In view of Solomon’s warning: to “fear God and keep His commandments” Eccl. 12.13), it seems prudent for us to consider the major responsibilities he has given man throughout the book. First, Solomon has instructed man to enjoy life. While many today have a “it’s all about me” and a “go for the gusto” philosophy, Solomon offers a legitimate reason to find joy in one’s life. There is much to enjoy: food, companionship, work – but all based upon a positive relationship with God. This theme occurs seven times in the book: Eccl. 2.24-26; 3.12-13, 22; 5.18-20; 8.15; 9.7-9; 11.8-9. Second, Solomon […]

Consider: “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’” (Matt. 14.31 – nasu). Doubt is not the absence of faith, but a lack of faith. Those of “little faith” doubt; those who have no faith have nothing to doubt – there is a difference, you know. Our problem is that we are not always honest with ourselves about our doubts. As Christians, we should be aware that doubt has the potential to overthrow our faith completely. Some doubt because of the overwhelming weight of life’s struggles. It […]

The author of the book of Hebrews defined “faith” with these words: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11.1 – nasu). The words “assurance” and “conviction” indicate absolute confidence! It was the late, C. S. Lewis, the renowned British defender of the faith, who astutely said, “I believe in Christianity as I believe the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Lewis was a great apologist (defender) of Christianity. His little book Mere Christianity is still a classic in its field […]