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”
Author Archives: randylivingston
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”
Peace in Our Times!
We live in uncertain times. But if we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that uncertainty has characterized all of our times. What then makes these times seem different even to the point of fostering fear and anxiety? Current events cast an ominous shadow and threaten the stability of our daily lives. World peaceContinue reading “Peace in Our Times!”
A Life That Becomes the Gospel of Christ
While in prison Paul wrote to the church in Philippi, “only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). The word “conversation” means far more than mere speech in this context. At the time our English Bible was translated, this word embraced one’s entire manner of life, i.e. one’s conductContinue reading “A Life That Becomes the Gospel of Christ”
A God That Judges
Has there ever been such a time as this when doing wrong came so easy and doing right was resisted so vehemently? We are tempted to question whether God is watching or whether there even be a God. Yet times such as ours are not unique. David in his generation made similar observations. However, heContinue reading “A God That Judges”
From the Chaplain 