What a frustrating and disappointing life most Americans live and, sad to say, many believers as well. We are constantly seeking and pursuing ease, comfort, and convenience only to find that such a “quality of life” is fleeting and elusive at best. We deceive ourselves about the enduring nature of these longings. They prove timeContinue reading “Grace for Living”
Author Archives: randylivingston
Saving Our Souls
James teaches us in his epistle that God uses His word to impart spiritual life. We read that “of his [God’s] own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). James goes on to say to these born-again ones that this same word “is able to save your souls” (James 1:21), i.e.Continue reading “Saving Our Souls”
Avoiding Sexual Sin
After reminding the Corinthian believers of their deliverance from the sins that previously characterized their lives and the lives of those among whom they now lived, Paul gave a stern warning to depart from sexual sin. He wrote to them, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he thatContinue reading “Avoiding Sexual Sin”
A Prayer That Avails Much
James closes his epistle with a simple declarative statement followed by a supporting illustration. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth by the space ofContinue reading “A Prayer That Avails Much”
Be Dependable
It has been conjectured “The greatest ability is depend-ability.” Over the years I’ve come to agree with that simple maxim. We are often tempted to think that what we do is not that important and, therefore, does not matter. We begin to question its significance altogether. Eventually, we see our daily duties become drudgery andContinue reading “Be Dependable”
No Respecter of Persons
James, the Apostle and the Lord’s half-brother, makes this simple yet binding command to his fellow believers. “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). This seems straightforward enough – as a Christian we are not to show favoritism and, consequently, treatContinue reading “No Respecter of Persons”
Walk as Dear Children
In James’ epistle he relates that God caused us to be born again according to his own will by the word of God. He includes in that revelation the purpose of the new birth, i.e. that those born-again ones “should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). What does James meanContinue reading “Walk as Dear Children”
The Gospel
The Apostle Paul writes to the church at Corinth “I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand” (I Corinthians 15:1; emphasis added). The word “gospel” is mentioned 101 times in the New Testament. Yet for all its repetition and teaching, it has comeContinue reading “The Gospel”
The Day of Death
Solomon wrote “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). What an odd pairing it might seem at first glance of these two statements. Yet the author has a clear truth he intends on communicating if we take the time to reflectContinue reading “The Day of Death”
We Assemble to Worship
The Bible has much to say about the local assembly of believers. In fact, the word “church” or “churches” occurs 93 times in the New Testament. The word “church” comes from a Greek word that means “a calling out”, i.e. an “assembly.” In professing Christianity, the importance of gathering together on a regular basis forContinue reading “We Assemble to Worship”
From the Chaplain 