Christians believe that we are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This simple truth differentiates Christianity from all other religions. All other religions ultimately require something or rather some work on the part of their practitioner. That is, those religions require you to do something to earn eternal life. Not soContinue reading “Faith Without Works”
Author Archives: randylivingston
The Comfort of Truth
The soul frets in the absence of truth. We have all been battered by the fears and doubts that roam freely in the corridors of our minds when truth does not stand guard. The Apostle Paul knew full well the importance of truth governing our mind’s interpretation of the events of our lives. In hisContinue reading “The Comfort of Truth”
Rich Toward God
As James begins to draw his epistle to a close, he takes a moment to admonish those that were rich. “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you” (James 5:1). The Scriptures never condemn riches or being rich. They do, however, readily condemn wrong attitudes towardContinue reading “Rich Toward God”
True Religion
Previously we had examined the Apostle James’ admonition to be “doers of the word”. He makes the point that those who hear the word, but do not do it or, rather, obey it, deceive their own selves. He compares that person to a man who looks at himself in the mirror then turns away andContinue reading “True Religion”
Delivered From This Present Evil World
Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia that Christ “hath delivered us from this present evil world” (Galatians 1:4). He was not speaking to them of a future salvation, a home in heaven though that awaits every believer. Rather, the emphasis is on a deliverance that is both here and now. How are we toContinue reading “Delivered From This Present Evil World”
Your Labor is Not in Vain
Paul declared the certainty of the resurrection to the believer and our gathering together unto the Lord when he returns in triumph over death (I Corinthians 15:51-57). In light of that he exhorts his readers, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye knowContinue reading “Your Labor is Not in Vain”
Making Truth a Commodity
Jesus was brought to Pilate for judgment by the chief priests and the people. The course and outcome of this assembly though foreordained by God nonetheless reveals the willingness of men to sell the truth for gain. The chief priests wanted Jesus dead, so they lied about his teaching or doctrine. They asserted to PilateContinue reading “Making Truth a Commodity”
Silence Does Not Mean We Are Alone
Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament written about 435 B.C. It would be over 400 years before God would speak again from heaven by sending his Son, Jesus, to be born of the virgin, Mary. It is not insignificant that the Old Testament closes with the word “curse.” Malachi writes, “Behold, IContinue reading “Silence Does Not Mean We Are Alone”
Four Features of Conversion
The Apostle Paul and his co-workers planted the church at Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-2). In his first epistle written to those believers from Corinth, he reminded them of their conversion to Christ. “For our gospel came not unto in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, andContinue reading “Four Features of Conversion”
What It Means to Follow Christ
Following Christ is a joyful life, but it is not an easy life. It requires personal discipline to study his word, learn his ways, and walk in them. The Lord challenged his audience on one occasion, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and followContinue reading “What It Means to Follow Christ”
From the Chaplain 