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”
Author Archives: randylivingston
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”
One That Mocked
J. M. Boice said, “Many who have resisted a Christian’s logic have been won by his tears.” I can’t help but wonder if believers in today’s church are mired in a “tearless” Christianity. Without question our responses have been blunted to the open and unashamed sin that permeates our nation. Sexual immorality, unbridled violence, deceitContinue reading “One That Mocked”
In the Image of God
Much of our conduct one toward another in society today is characterized by unkindness, harsh words, blatant disrespect, and even outright hatred. Civility and common courtesy are simply behaviors we now read about in old novels. Our speech one toward another is often filled with outright contempt to the point that we even celebrate andContinue reading “In the Image of God”
Watch and Learn!
Periodically, I have the privilege of playing golf with my twelve-year old grandson. Often, he stands in the tee box and looks back over his shoulder as he remarks to me, “Grandpa, watch and learn!” I laugh every time he says it, whether he hits it well or poorly. I admire his boldness. His challengeContinue reading “Watch and Learn!”
From the Chaplain 