Author Archives: randylivingston

Men Ought Always to Pray and Not Faint

Every child of God has struggled at one time or another with “unanswered” prayer. I know in my own life there have been times when I’ve prayed and prayed with regard to some specific burden, but it seems as if my prayers have gone unheard. When this occurs discouragement begins to take hold, and weContinue reading “Men Ought Always to Pray and Not Faint”

Forgiving One Another

The failure to forgive one another lies at the heart of more ruined relationships than any other personal failure. I don’t have statistics to back that assertion, but I believe there would be a consensus as to its veracity. Both our experience and observation would find us regrettably nodding in agreement. Many a bitter soulContinue reading “Forgiving One Another”

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purpleContinue reading “The Rich Man and Lazarus”

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In the Gospel of Luke, our Lord tells of the death of a certain rich man and a beggar, Lazarus. In doing so he pulls back death’s curtain to reveal a brief yet compelling insight to that which awaits each of us. Christ begins, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purpleContinue reading “The Rich Man and Lazarus”

Joy in Heaven

Jesus was the Master Teacher who taught everywhere he went. He taught in the synagogues, in the countryside, in a boat, in private homes. Wherever and whenever the opportunity arose, he set forth the wonderful words of life,  condemning sin against the backdrop of forgiveness promised to those who repent. He made plain the commandmentsContinue reading “Joy in Heaven”

God’s Purpose for Me

What is my purpose in life? Why am I here? Oftentimes our lives are so consumed with making a living that we don’t take the time to address these larger, more important questions. The Holy Scriptures are faithful to guide us in these matters. The Apostle John informs us “Thou are worthy, O Lord, toContinue reading “God’s Purpose for Me”

God’s Command to Hear

The New Testament enjoins its readers, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear…” on fifteen occasions. (Three times in the Gospel of Matthew; three times in the Gospel of Mark; two times in the Gospel of Luke; and, eight times in the book of Revelation.) The urging amounts to an earnest invitation toContinue reading “God’s Command to Hear”

The High Cost of Discipleship

Jesus regularly attracted large crowds because of his authoritative teaching and miracles. Consequently, it was necessary to warn the crowds that being his disciple was not an easy thing to venture upon. He taught “if any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters,Continue reading “The High Cost of Discipleship”

Are There Few That Be Saved?

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Bible records that it came about that he “went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Luke 13:22-23). What did this inquirer have in mind when he posed this question to the Savior? To beContinue reading “Are There Few That Be Saved?”