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!”
Author Archives: randylivingston
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”
It is Impossible for God to Lie!
Police officers deal with many unsavory characters. No one can disagree with that. Perhaps, the most pervasive challenge is knowing when they can trust someone. To put it bluntly, police officers are lied to profusely and this feature of their profession makes it increasingly difficult for them to trust anyone. Even unwittingly they begin toContinue reading “It is Impossible for God to Lie!”
The Inevitability of Death
In his teaching on the resurrection to the Corinthian believers, Paul makes two statements that give insight to the origin and universality of death. “For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (IContinue reading “The Inevitability of Death”
Not Giving Way to a Spirit of Fear
Solomon wrote “Boast not thyself of tomorrow for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1, emphasis added). These words have never been truer than they are today. The expectation of a “routine” day has been shattered. Even a simple trip to the grocery store has the promise of anything but certainty. Continue reading “Not Giving Way to a Spirit of Fear”
They Were First Called Christians
Luke records for us, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). The word “Christian” simply means “little Christ.” It is not rocket science to understand the significance of people referring to Jesus’ disciples as Christians – they behaved like him in word and deed. That is at the heart of whatContinue reading “They Were First Called Christians”
God is For Me!
We read in the Scriptures that Jesus Christ “is the propitiation for our sins and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world” (I John 2:2). Propitiation is a theological term that describes God’s response to the sacrifice of his Son on our behalf. It is the only word among thoseContinue reading “God is For Me!”
Former Things
I would think that most Christians, i.e. true believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, are familiar with the promise of God found at the end of the book of Revelation. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there beContinue reading “Former Things”
Have You Considered This?
This past week we celebrated Christmas. I imagine that most, if not all, have some concept of what is the true meaning of Christmas. But have we really stopped to consider the truth of the matter? Every year it seems our senses to its wonder dull just a little bit more. The decorations, the sales,Continue reading “Have You Considered This?”
From the Chaplain 