I've done a courtesy search for the term Are the New Testament Scriptures Alone a Sufficient Guide to Heaven.htm for you. See if you can find what you're looking for in the list below:

• Are the New Testament Scriptures Alone a Sufficient Guide to Heaven?

  ster WongMixxMySpaceNetvouzNewsvineoneviewOnlyWirePlugIMPropellerRedditSegnaloShoutwireSimpySlashdotSurphaceSphinnSpurlSquidooStumbleUponTechnoratiThisNextTwitterWebrideWindows LiveYahoo!Email This to a Friend  Link HTML:  Permalink:  If you like this then please subscribe to the RSS Feed.Powered by Bookmarkify™ More »Sometimes we take it for granted that everyone who calls themselves a Chri…

• Abuse of the Old Testament

  ever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:  for sin is the transgression of the law.”  In our day the law that is transgressed bringing sin is the law of Christ, not the Law of Moses. Hear God the Father speak from heaven on the Mount of Transfiguration when Peter wanted to make 3 tabernacles, one each for Moses, Elijah, and Christ.  “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.  Hear Him!” (Matt. 17:5 NKJV)  Christ w…

• The Silence of the Scriptures

  will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.  All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” (John 16:12-15 NKJV) If one wishes to say there are harps in heaven I have no problem with that.  That is another age and another time.   The secular history of the church is such that it can be proven instrumental music was not used in the New Testament church for several hundreds of…

• What Is Baptism (the Sprinkling Hoax)

  It may well be that there is no Bible subject that has caused more confusion among men than the subject of baptism.  What is baptism?  What is its purpose?  Who should be baptized?  Why?  I would like to take a look at all of these questions and deal with all of them over time but for the present, for the purposes of this article, I will confine myself to the question what is baptism.  I doubt that very many people know what I am about to say.  …

• Finding Truth in Divided Christendom

  5-47 NKJV)  In his prayer in John 17 he says, “I have given to them the words which You have given Me.” (John 17:8 NKJV)  That which Jesus spoke and taught came from God the Father. When Jesus had ascended back to heaven the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles and prophets but the Spirit himself did not initiate new teaching but merely took of what was Jesus’ and gave it to man.  This is clearly taught in John 16:12-15 where w…

• Does God Really Care?

  y shall call his name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” (Matt. 1:23 NKJV) I think we relate to Jesus who lived among us, suffered himself, and died from persecution, easier than to God in heaven although they are one.  Jesus suffered ridicule, hatred, continual persecution from his enemies in so far as they were able to do it, was continually judged to be evil, and finally was betrayed, beaten, and murdered w…

• Can one be Just a Christian in Christ’s Church without being in a Denomination?

  that right?  It is if the church Christ built is not sufficient by itself.  But, most denominationalists would say it is not essential to be a member of their denomination to be saved.  Then please tell me of what earthly or heavenly good the denomination serves other than to be a divider of men?  If it is not essential to the salvation of men get rid of the thing that causes all the strife and division. The truth is the church Jesus built does …

• Christian Wars–A Misnomer

  tholic Church either today or in days gone by. I remind the reader it was the Catholic Church who sought to have the Bibles burned and kept out of the hands of the average man and woman.  Now I ask you do you think the God of heaven looked with favor on that and was behind it? The Catholic hierarchy reminds one much of the scribes and Pharisees of New Testament times.  The desire is to be seen as special.  “But all their works they do to be…

• A New Creation in Christ

  r men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.   I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who hu…

• The Kingdom of God and the New Birth–A Matter of Timing

  d to the coming kingdom over which he would become king.  It was yet in the future but it had been prophesied from days of old.  Daniel spoke of it when he said, in interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed … and it shall stand forever.” (Dan 2:44) Israel and Judah of the Old Testament were ruled by kings but both nations ended up in captivity and the kingdoms we…

• Instrumental Music in Christian Worship–Is it God’s Will?

  by the chief priests and elders who wanted to know by what authority he was doing the things he was doing?  He told them he would answer when they answered his question which was “The baptism of John, where was it from?  From heaven or from men?” (Matt. 21:25 NKJV)  Thus we need to ask the question of the instrument in Christian worship, where was it from, from heaven or from man?  To ask is to answer if for no other reason than the date of its i…

• If Miracles Have Ceased–the Implications

  Have miracles ceased?  They have if we are talking about the kind of miracles performed by Jesus, the apostles, and those possessed of spiritual gifts in New Testament times.  The purpose of those miracles was to confirm that the word spoken was from God himself.  Such confirmation was needed.  Put yourself in the shoes of those living back then.  Here one comes into your midst claiming to speak for God.  Is he delusional, a mad man?  Is he a ch…

• Who Gets to Decide–God or the Church?

  sense? But, who gets to make the rules about Christianity and the Christian life?  Is it the church, the denomination, or is it God?  When we get this right denominationalism will cease. Jesus, just before he ascended back to heaven said to his apostles, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18 NAS)  If words mean anything the word “all” still means the entire thing.  It is a little hard to…

• Why Do Men Run From God?

  lying down,  And are acquainted with all my ways.   For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether…Where can I go from Your Spirit?   Or where can I flee from Your presence?  If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.   If I take the wings of the morning,  And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,  Even there Your hand shall lead me,  And Your right hand shall hold…

• Are Paul’s Writings as Authoritative as Jesus’ Words?

  48-50 NKJV)  He says again, “The word which you hear is not mine but the Father’s who sent me.” (John 14:24 NKJV)  One could add to these references but the point has been made. Before Jesus ascended back to heaven he promised to send the Holy Spirit to his apostles.  “But the helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to…

• The Church Christ Built–Marks of Identification

  s as the Christ, the Son of God, in Matt. 16:16, Jesus’ responded by saying, “on this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18 NKJV) but then in the very next verse he tells Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 16:19 NKJV)  Jesus thus uses the terms the church and the kingdom interchangeably making them one and the same. The kingdom of God is not something that in our own time is yet down the road in the future.  Je…

• Who Governs the Church if We Follow the Bible?

  and whatever is done in the church or anywhere else is to be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17 NKJV), meaning by his authority.  Jesus has all authority, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18 NKJV)  We cannot step outside the authority of Christ found in his word and set up a way of governing the church to suit ourselves.  Well, let me revise that a little–we can but…

• Faith in the New Testament–Different Meanings

  The word “faith” is a word that has different meanings in different places where it is found throughout the New Testament.  It can be a little disconcerting when one first learns this but at the same time we benefit from knowing it. In preparation for this article I looked up the word “faith” in a little paperback Merriam Webster Dictionary that I have being curious as to what I would find.  I found 4 meanings listed as f…

• The Conscience as a Witness

  A man can run from many things but one thing he cannot run from is his own conscience.  Wherever a man goes his conscience follows him just as much as his shadow and is a constant companion.  It is a man’s witness to himself and to God of his character as it relates to his willingness or unwillingness to abide in what he considers to be that which is right and good. The conscience cannot be a man’s perfect guide for it like man’…

• Christianity and Multiculturalism

  How does Christianity relate to the concept of multiculturalism?  The answer to that depends in large part on one’s definition of multiculturalism and there are many definitions of it given as you see when you begin researching the topic.  For the purpose of this article I will define it as the idea that all cultures are of equal value, none to be judged as superior to another, that society should be oriented around groups versus a common …

• Jesus the Foundation of and the Builder of the Church

  of the church they are in. Yet, we have blinders on our eyes and cannot see it.  We have hundreds and hundreds of denominations all teaching and practicing different doctrines and yet we say it is fine.  Everybody is going to heaven.  Yes, they teach differently over there than what we do here but you know it just doesn’t matter they will still be saved in the end.  Do we realize what we are saying?  It doesn’t matter!  Truth doesn…

• Whatcha Gonna Do When They Come For You?

  not death. The burden of this article is to declare preparation for life eternal and not dwell on death but without facing up to facts we will never prepare for that which we must prepare if we are to have it–a life in heaven.  In the book of Matthew, chapter 25, verses one through thirteen we have an account of ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom after the manner of the customs of those days when Jesus lived.  None knew exactl…

• The Faithfulness of Jesus to God the Father

  Hebrews 3:1-2 reads as follows:  “Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the apostle and high priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to him who appointed him, as Moses also was faithful in all his house.” (NKJV) Reading this passage and its surrounding context awhile back got me to thinking about the faithfulness of Jesus.  We seldom think about Jesus being “faithful,” that…

• What Does The Phrase “Born Of Water And The Spirit” Mean? (The New Birth)

  Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:3, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (NASU) and then a couple of verses later clarifies his statement when he says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5 NASU) This passage has greatly troubled people over the years to the extent that many have just c…

• Christ the Savior of the Body but Which One–the Matter of Timing?

  teach the same doctrines nor practice the same things.  It is a little hard to see how Baptists who have trouble with Pentecostalism which in turn wants nothing to do with the Episcopalians are all going to be saved and go to heaven.  Their doctrines are as far apart as east is from west.  To get everybody to heaven who just believes in Jesus, as men view belief, means there is no such thing as truth.  In the denominational world one man’s truth …

• Canaan and Heaven–How God Gives

  ment.  We sometimes jump to conclusions rather than crawl to them the latter being the much safer route as it involves thought and process, study and meditation, rather than the fire of emotionalism. While salvation (and thus heaven itself–our promised land) is said to be a free gift from God it is no more said to be a free gift than was the promised land to the children of Israel in the Old Testament beginning with the original promise to …

• Authority

  Are the New Testament Scriptures Alone a Sufficient Guide to Heaven? Are Paul’s Writings as Authoritative as Jesus’ Words? The Silence of the Scriptures Religious Titles Forbidden in Christianity Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) False Standards of Authority       …

• Salvation (Becoming a Christian)

  e Thief on the Cross Bible Contradictions on Salvation How Was Noah Saved Through Water? How Does One Get Into the Church Christ Built? Saved by Jesus Outside the Church Are Works Essential for Christian Salvation? Canaan and Heaven–How God Gives Are the New Testament Scriptures Alone a Sufficient Guide to Heaven? Three Attitudes That Destroy the Hope of Salvation Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) What Must I Do To Be Saved?  (Part I) What …

• The Mysterious Eloquent Evangelist

  John and of Jesus concerning Jesus and the need for repentance and cleansing of their sins.  When they were baptized by John or one of his disciples they were cleansed for Jesus himself said that John’s baptism was from heaven.  Listen to the scriptures. Jesus speaking, Matt. 21:25 (NAS), “‘The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?’  And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, ‘If we s…

• Which Denomination Did Jesus Build?

  Years ago I had a lady tell me it was impossible to be just a Christian without being in a denomination.  Did Jesus build a denomination?  Which denomination did Jesus build?  I fear the lady I spoke of above was in grave error those many years ago but she was in a bind.  What do I mean?  Those who are in denominational churches generally all agree that those in other denominations can and will be saved the same as they will be.  Which means wha…

• What is it a Man Must Believe in Order to be Saved?

  him.  “But without faith it is impossible to please him, for he who comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.” (Heb. 11:6 NKJV)  There will be no atheists in heaven.  There will be no one there who displeases God.  If you are an atheist you are not pleasing to God and have no hope of mercy in the Day of Judgment.  One must believe that God is. But this passage also teaches it is …

• Peter’s Preaching and the Apostle’s Preaching

  spel which is the very thing scripture denies. One can “pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:7 NKJV) but you cannot make two gospels out of one.  Paul says, by inspiration, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8 NKJV)  One gospel was preached by inspiration. Jesus commanded the apostles, “But when they arrest you and…

• Unhappy With the Church of Christ?

  There are many misconceptions about the church of Christ and about its membership and what they think.  It is often said that the membership of the church of Christ are the people who think they are the only ones who are going to be saved.  One wonders if people who make statements like that have ever read their Bible. The Bible clearly teaches one must be a member of the church of Christ (the church either belongs to Christ or it doesn’t—…

• Regrets

  commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.” (1 Kings 15:4b ESV)  He also is listed in faith’s hall of fame in Hebrews 11 verse 32.  Certainly, we all expect to see David in heaven. Yet, David had occasion for regret in his life.  Yes, the most obvious was committing adultery with Bathsheba and having Uriah her husband murdered.  No doubt he looked back on that occasion many times in his life wi…

• Christian Circumcision

  little explanation. One must obey God.  Disobedience is sin and will condemn a man.  The question is not whether or not a man ought to obey for he must.  Many see an emphasis on obedience as being the same as trying to obtain heaven by works.  That is a misguided view of the matter.  The real key to the matter is within the heart of man with the question being “why am I obeying?”  Is it because I think I can keep the commandments of G…

• The Joy and the Danger of a Clean Conscience

  again live with a clear conscience?  What do you believe the Bible teaches?  What do you believe God did with David?  Did he forgive him and restore within him a clean heart as David had asked?  Do you think David will be in heaven? What does God require of us when we have violated our conscience and sinned as did David?  David says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise.…

• The Cleansing of the Church at Ephesus

  uld come up with:  (1) every spiritual blessing–Eph. 1:3, (2) grace–Eph. 1:6, (3) redemption–Eph. 1:7, (4) an inheritance–Eph. 1:10-11, (5) sealed with the Holy Spirit–Eph. 1:13, (6) seated us in heavenly places–Eph. 2:6, (7) kindness toward us–Eph. 2:7, (8) his workmanship–Eph. 2:10, (9) brought near by the blood of Christ–Eph. 2:13, (10) partakers of the promise–Eph. 3:6.  But one must…

• Must the Christian Keep the Sabbath?

  ord your God.  In it you shall do no work:  you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.  Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.” (Ex. 20:8-11 NKJV) In Ex. 31:13-17, while still on Mt. Sinai with God b…

• Saved by Jesus Outside the Church?

  It is not uncommon to hear people express their opinion that organized religion (the church) has nothing to do with salvation.  All that matters it is said is whether or not one has a personal relationship with Jesus. I do not know where this “personal relationship with Jesus” language came from for if you type in the phrase in any online Bible concordance you will not get a single return for the phrase is manmade and not found in sc…

• The Grace of God in Baptism

  y works apart from God’s grace please forward the passage to me. The fact God gives you something to do to be saved does not mean that by complying with that act you no longer need God for you have worked (earned) your way to heaven. Paul says in Titus that we are saved “not by works of righteousness which we have done” (Titus 3:5 NKJV) and yet in the very same verse says it is “by the washing of regeneration …” (Titus 3:5…

• Word of God

  Are Paul’s Writings as Authoritative as Jesus’ Words? Are the New Testament Scriptures Alone a Sufficient Guide to Heaven? Finding Truth in Divided Christendom Walk in Truth The Need to Preach on Sin I Can Do All Things Through Christ If Miracles Have Ceased–the Implications Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) What a Preacher Must Preach The Power of the Word of God to Change Lives False Standards of Authority What the Word of God…

• Religious Titles Forbidden in Christianity

  acher, the Christ, and you are all brethren” (NKJV) to no avail.  He is not alone for you could point a Catholic priest to Matt. 23:9, “do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven,” (NKJV) and it would have no effect upon him either. Not only are men accepting religious titles, contrary to Jesus’ teaching, but the general public is just as guilty in granting these titles.  I have ne…

• Paul’s Conversion (Justified by Faith)

  us ever being converted but the question of interest to us in this article is when in Paul’s conversion was he justified by faith.  Certainly, there is no doubt that this miraculous wonder Paul experienced, a light from heaven (Acts 9:3, 22:6) brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13) surrounding him and his party and a voice out of heaven telling him it was Jesus speaking to him (Acts 9:5, 22:8, 26:15) totally destroyed unbelief in Paul’s l…

• Ashamed of Jesus and His Words

  other statement found in Matt. 10:32-33 that I believe ties in with the Luke 9 passage just quoted above.  He says, “Everyone therefore who shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my father who is in heaven.  But whoever shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my father who is in heaven.” (NAS)  It is easy to say to ourselves I am not ashamed of Jesus and mean it but as the American idiom goes “…

• The Kind of Faith in God That Destroys

  ?’” And then (Mark 10:21-23 NAS), “And looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him, and said to him, ‘One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.’ But at these words his face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property.  And Jesus, looking around, said to His disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those …

• Walk in Truth—the Joy of John the Apostle

  ndment of God for in the New Testament while at the same time omitting things God said to do by way of commandment.  Do they “walk in truth?”  How in honesty can it be said that they do? Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18).  That leaves no authority for anyone else.  He gets to make all the decisions (give commandments).  That he has already done and left a record of them in your New Testament.  My job and you…

• One Church—A Thing Hard to Accept

  nterviewed, for what reason I no longer recall, made the comment that if she had seen O. J. commit the murder with her owns eyes she would not believe it.  I guess her idea was that she could not trust herself, she would have to be hallucinating, her mind would have to playing tricks on her.  Clearly, her mind was made up and any truth brought to bear upon it contrary to what she wanted to believe would bounce off it like a rubber ball dropped on…

• The Church as the Body of Christ–Which Means What?

  t is what God would have it to be is egalitarian.  Too often the church is divided into cliques based on social/economic status or perceived superiority.   This is nothing less than shameful and disgusting.  It stinks to high heaven.  If such behavior cannot be hidden from men how can it be hidden from God? But the reader should not make more of what I have said than what I stated for I do not mean to imply this is a common practice but if it is …

• Christ and Baptism in Colossians

  c.  Christ is the head of the church, “He is also head of the body, the church.” (Col. 1:18 NAS)  “He is the head over all rule and authority.” (Col. 2:10 NAS)  He says himself directly, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.” (Matt. 28:18 NAS)  Paul teaches in the book of Colossians that all we need is Christ, him and him alone, him and nothing else.  Christ is found in his word and not outside it in someone else’s ideas, th…

• Disobedience to Jesus

  elieve and obey them, live by them–all of them. Again, Jesus said, “If anyone keeps my word he shall never see death.” (John 8:51 NAS)  Keep means obey which is just the opposite of disobey.  Can a man go to heaven by just sitting on his couch saying I believe in Jesus and God’s grace? Can a person go to heaven without loving Jesus?  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 NAS) …

• When did Obedience Become Legalism?

  ve for God.  God’s grace will cover a life of sin just so a man believes in God in some abstract sense.  I might add if you doubt this just attend a few funerals and see if you can learn of any deceased who are not already in heaven based on the conversations you hear and the preaching and that no matter what kind of life the man lived. People talk about love for God all the time.  It is in their heart (their emotions).  Yet, quote a passage to t…

• Without Natural Affection and Covenant Breakers

  dad, son, or daughter into prison and possibly seeing them put to death depending on the case.  Even so he became a changed man. The apostle John reached a point where he no longer had any desire to have fire called down from heaven to consume those who rejected them (Luke 9:54) but given a lifetime came to be known to us today as the apostle of love. Those 3,000 converted on the day of Pentecost who yelled for the Son of God to be put to death h…

• Confirmation Sunday–No Bibles Required

  Our local paper has an article in it this week by the woman pastor/preacher (call her whatever you want–she calls herself Rev.) from one of the nearby denominations entitled, “What is Confirmation?” which she wanted to explain since they have a confirmation Sunday planned.  Needless to say since I have never read of such a thing in the Bible and have known many people in this particular denomination over the years I ended up re…

• Three Attitudes That Destroy the Hope of Salvation

  Most everyone is willing to concede they desire to go to heaven after this life is over and live there with God eternally versus dying and going to hell “where ‘their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’” (Mark 9:48 NKJV)  That is the way we ought to feel and God certainly approves of our desire along that line.  Unfortunately, our desire for heaven and our attitudes while living here on earth are often in con…

• Bible Contradictions on Salvation?

  s James saying it was by works.  In an online article entitled, “Martin Luther’s View of the Epistle of James” by Daniel Petty he says, “Once Luther remarked that he would give his doctor’s beret to anyone who could reconcile James and Paul (Bainton 259).”  (Petty’s source:  Bainton, Roland H., Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, New York: New American Library, 1950; 1978.) Martin Luther’s doctri…

• Ways into Christ–How Many Ways Are There?

  It is only human nature to want the way to heaven to be as broad and all-inclusive as possible thus the more ways into Christ that can be found the better from our earthly point of view.  We have people we want to see saved and yet we are pretty sure they are not due to either the way they are living or to the beliefs they hold thus a broad gate and a wide way to heaven would suit us just fine.  But it goes without saying that our love for one w…

• How Does One Get Into the Church Christ Built?

  Not a single denominational church was built by Christ for he built his church, one and only, in the first century hundreds of years before any denominations came into existence.  The New Testament scriptures after the gospels and Acts chapter 2 all refer to the church as a then existing institution.  Paul wrote to various churches in some of his epistles.  Jesus in the book of Revelation instructs John to write concerning the 7 churches of Asia…

• Spiritual Mirages

  217;s prophesy by saying: “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you!  But we will certainly do whatever has gone out of our own mouth, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and pour out drink offerings to her, as we have done, we and our fathers, our kings and our princes, in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of food, were well-off, and saw no tr…

• Behold the Judge is Standing at the Door

  is true, and I say that it is without a doubt in my mind, then every person who has ever lived, or will live in the future, or who lives now, will someday be found on their knees at the feet of God (Jesus) the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that is.  I cannot imagine the terror of one who is forced into that situation knowing that he or she had lived a life of rebellion against God.  Terror is too mild a word for that experience. C…

• The Fragrance of Christ

  st choose either the fragrance of life or the fragrance of death.  We get to choose which it will be.  Moses, in speaking to the children of Israel in Deut. 30:19, spoke words that are applicable to us today as well.  “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (NKJV)  Why not choose Christ?   &nb…

• God’s Willingness to Forgive–King Manasseh

  drove out before the people of Israel.  For he rebuilt the high places that Hezekiah his father had destroyed, and he erected altars for Baal and made an Asherah, as Ahab king of Israel had done, and worshiped all the host of heaven and served them.  And he built altars in the house of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, ‘In Jerusalem will I put my name.’  And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the LORD…

• The Christian, Politics, and the Government

  eaction to ungodly laws that are passed is one of hatred, anger, bitterness, railing, and reviling against the lawmakers then we have done two things–(1) we have allowed politics to destroy our own soul and our hope for heaven and (2) we have ended any hope that those responsible can be converted due to our unchristian attitude and reaction toward them. Do not misunderstand, the unjust are not going to heaven, which includes lawmakers who h…

• The Hardening of the Human Heart

  e. In Heb. 6 the Bible speaks of Christians who have gotten themselves into a situation where it is impossible to renew them to repentance: “For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they…

• Faith, Works, and Baptism

  the point? The point is while it is true Paul has specific reference to the Law of Moses because that is the law his audience has in mind he phrases his statement in such a way as to include all law.  No one will ever get to heaven by perfect keeping of works of law.  Paul says the same thing in Rom. 3:28 where again the word “the” has been added by translators and is not in the original.  It thus should read as follows:  “Ther…

• The Pleasures of Sin

  Is there pleasure in sin?  The Bible teaches that sometimes there is–that is for a time.  You are probably familiar with the passage in the Bible found in Heb. 11:24-25 that speaks of the “pleasures of sin for a season” (KJV) or “the passing pleasures of sin” as the New King James puts it.  “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God…

• Why Men Today Cannot Be Saved Like The Thief On The Cross?

  mself a sacrifice for the sins of man). Hear Jesus in Matt. 5:17-18, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” (ESV)  When Jesus drew his last breath on the cross the Law and the Prophets were fulfilled. The law of Christ beca…

• Work Out Your Own Salvation

  acle of the Lord according to the Psalmist. To say that a man is to work righteousness, which means only that he is to obey God’s commands, is a vast cry from saying that man is saved by works or that he is working his way to heaven or trying to get there by works apart from grace.  Man has his choice.  He can either work righteousness or he can work unrighteousness and he will do one or the other as there is no third option.  A man is either goi…

• Is Holy Spirit Baptism The Baptism That Saves?

  nd those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.”  (Mark 1:5 NKJV)  We know Jesus when baptized “came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”  (Matt. 3:16 NKJV)  So our very first introduction to the subject of baptism relates it to water, not the Holy Sp…

• Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God–the Implications

  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17 NKJV)  On its surface this proclamation by Paul is very simple and easy to understand and yet the failure to grasp its implications has brought much division and strife among those who believe Jesus is the Son of God.  Faith and opinion are mixed and it seems no one is able to separate the two.  It appears to the casual observer that one man’s faith is another man’s op…

• Everlasting Life–The Believer of John 3:16

  equired for salvation or not.  The same holds true if he phrases it some other way–for instance uses the term “eternal life,” or the phrase “is saved,” or the words “will see the kingdom of heaven.”  Whatever Jesus states as necessary to salvation under any and all such descriptive terms is required of man, man’s thoughts to the contrary notwithstanding.  To fail to believe Jesus (fail to believe wh…

• Is Denominational Baptism Scriptural?

  There are many different baptisms being performed today by religious people–different methods and for different purposes.  However, the only baptism that I as an individual facing eternity ought to be concerned with is the baptism that Jesus spoke of when he said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16 NKJV) This is the baptism of the Great Commission when Jesus told the apostles, “Go therefore and make disciples of a…

• A Good and Pure Conscience

  clear conscience in your life.  Don’t you think David knew what he was doing in the matter of Bathsheba and her husband Uriah was wrong while he was doing it?  I think we all expect to see a forgiven Peter and David in heaven.  If they could be forgiven of such grave sins in violation of conscience surely we can be forgiven also of our sins in violation of conscience. The exact phrase “good conscience” is found 6 times in the N…

• Fear God

  her example of a man who feared God.  When he was about to bring the knife down on his son Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice to God because God had told him to do this the Bible says, “The Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, ‘Abraham, Abraham!’  So he said, ‘Here I am.’  And He said, ‘Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, fro…

• Saved by Faith or Saved by Holy Spirit Baptism–Which Is It?

  Is a man saved by faith or saved by Holy Spirit baptism?  I personally do not believe either but there are many advocates of one or the other.  (Yes, I believe faith is essential but just not that it is the final step to salvation.) There are a number of people in what is commonly called the Christian community who are thoroughly convinced that one is saved by Holy Spirit baptism.  I do not believe they are in the majority but they are out ther…

• Repent–How Hard It Is To Do

  Woe to you, Chorazin!  Woe to you, Bethsaida!  For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. … And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.’” (Matt. 11:20-23 NKJV) How hard is it to repent?  We learn from this passa…

• God’s Hardening of the Human Heart

  Does God ever harden people’s hearts?  No doubt about it.  Every Bible student is aware of God’s hardening the heart of Pharaoh back in the book of Exodus.  This was God’s plan before Moses arrived in Egypt.  “And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.”…

• Repentance–How Can I Be Sure?

  The words repent and repentance are Bible words, words hardly ever used outside of a religious context.  In reading one’s New Testament, beginning with the gospel accounts, the first preaching that is recorded is that of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 3:2 NKJV)  In Matt. 4:17 we see Jesus preaching the exact same message.  The call to men from inspiration from the very …

• How Was Noah Saved Through Water?

  h is exactly where Noah would have ended up without the works. There is a difference between a work of obedience to God’s command and a work that merits salvation.  The Bible condemns the latter.  You cannot merit your way to heaven by works.  Don’t you think Noah was well aware that the God who caused the flood was just as capable of capsizing the ark Noah had built if he chose to do so?  Do you really believe that people who believe the Bible t…

• The Great Commission and Cornelius

    Meaning what?  For that part we have to go back to the Great Commission Jesus gave himself in Matt. 28:18-20.  Let me quote that: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, …

• What Does the Phrase “My Name” Mean in the Bible?

  Sometimes we run across phrases in the Bible that we really do not understand yet we think we can kind of guess at the meaning and come close enough thus we never bother to study them out to get at the truth.  The phrases trouble us a little but not enough for us to do any extra work to find out the meanings.  The phrase “my name” as found in the Bible is just such a phrase. The exact phrase “my name” is found 118 times i…

• Praying to God to Bless the Bread–Really?

  “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 NKJV) Whose job is it to bless the bread and bless the fruit of the vine when the Lord’s Supper is being  observed in the communion service?  One hears continually prayers or petitions to God to “bless the bread” and to “bless the fruit of the vine.”  Why?  I have no idea other than it has been done so long it has…

• Indifference – The Great Destroyer

  list of most important things to me in my life, if he gets that high, then realistically what kind of hope do I have of salvation? To be indifferent is to not care. If you do not care about God, about his will, about going to heaven, if you are disinterested in living a faithful Christian life what joy do you bring to God? Grief and sorrow yes but joy no. A lot has been made of the fact that salvation from sin is a free gift from God. This while …

• Bible Authority, Foot Washing, the Holy Kiss, and Head Coverings?

  Does Bible authority matter or is man free to do as he sees fit in the Christian religion?  Most have come to the conclusion today that it does not matter.  The result is that there are more unheard of things going on in Christian worship today than ever before.  You name it and it is being done somewhere.  Every type of special service the mind can imagine (and many that you cannot) is being held.  The idea is that anything we do in worship wit…

• Resource Sites

  Here are some links to what I consider to be some great sites I highly recommend. Christian Courier  (This site is owned and run by Wayne Jackson who does the writing found on it.  I don’t know where you would go to find more scholarly Christian articles on the web.  The man does his homework which means he does extensive research before he starts writing.  All of this will be readily evident to you once you read an article or two of his. …

• He Went Away Grieved

  aving told Jesus that he had kept all the commandments from his youth up Jesus told him there was one thing lacking.  He was to sell all that he had and give it to the poor and come follow him.  He would then have treasure in heaven.  The one thing lacking that Jesus saw that man could not see was the idol in the heart–the love of money over the love for God.  Luke says that upon hearing this from Jesus the young man “became very sorrowful”…

• Though He Slay Me

  as was pointed out earlier in reference to Job’s suffering. We may have to suffer much in life but if we will remain steadfast through it as Christians then we will receive our reward, an inheritance eternally with Christ in heaven–life everlasting. No, we do not understand.  We know why Jesus had to die and what God’s purpose was behind that but why did Stephen have to die so soon after the preaching of the gospel and the establishment of…

• Are Works Essential for Christian Salvation?

  istian salvation.  The only problem with that is that it is the wrong answer. There is a vast difference between saying we are not saved by works (which is true as stated in the passage quoted–one cannot earn his way to heaven) and saying works are not essential to salvation (saying one can sit back in his easy chair, sip tea, never raise a finger of obedience, and be saved).  On the surface the statements seem to be in complete conformity …

• What Must a Man Believe to be Saved by the Gospel?

  That the gospel of Christ must be believed (as well as obeyed) in order to receive Christian salvation is made abundantly clear by the apostle Paul in one of the best known passages found in the Bible–Rom. 1:16:  “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16 NAS)  It thus becomes essential that we learn what it is that …

• Three Benefits of Being a Christian in This Life – Hope, Love, Peace

  One thing that is often overlooked is the value of being a Christian and living the Christian life in the here and now, not just for the benefit of the afterlife to come.  There is nothing as important as where you are going to live in eternity but there are enormous benefits to living the Christian life aside from those benefits to come when this life has ended.  I list but three of those benefits here. (1)  Hope When one takes hope away from a…

• The Heart of Man from a Biblical Perspective

  lving the will of man.  It is hard to separate the will from thought but I think there is this much difference in it–the will provides man with the determination to carry through with his thinking.  Daniel was told in a heavenly vision, “From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard.” (Dan. 10:12 NKJV)  Daniel willed or determined to understand and to humble himself. …

• Misunderstanding the Grace of God

  d praise you for your grace towards me despite the fact I will have to put forth a little effort to get the benefit of them. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21 NKJV)  When Peter said, “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38 KJV)…

• Christianity–Who Rules Reason or Emotions?

  A man is either led in life by his reason or his emotions and which makes all the difference in the world.  A life ruled by emotions is a life destined for disaster, a life where reason is always found in the back seat where it cannot be heard over the roar of the engine of emotion as it propels an individual down the road of life. When emotions rule your life everything is done on the basis of feelings with minimal thought being given to truth …

• God’s Plea–On Christ’s Behalf be Reconciled to God

  e against whom he is alienated.  All are losers, none winners. We ought to be reconciled to our fellowman if alienated.  We are to forgive one another that we might be forgiven.  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matt. 6:14 NKJV)  We ought to grow tired of fussing and fighting, of anger, and hatred, and bitterness. You know if we were to ask the question of why heaven is going to be such a gra…

• Demas Has Forsaken Me

  nd that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6)  It has often been said that Peter walked on the water as long as he looked at Jesus rather than the water and that is true.  We can figuratively walk to heaven if we continue to look to Jesus rather than at the trials and troubles and temptations we are here faced with.  Do you believe?  You have to believe.  Way, way down deep within your heart you have to believe. We can b…

• King Saul–As Long as It Glorifies God

  Paul said, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 NKJV)  The NIV translates the first part of that verse as follows, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us.” Paul had reference primarily to the writings found in the Old Testament when he made that statement.  As we read the Old Testament we need t…

• Jesus and the Furnace of Fire

  hamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15 KJV)  Other versions read a little differently but the exact same idea is in them all.  Their indifference to the word of God is great but they are still going to heaven according to the general consensus of the public. I write this article today because I am scared.  I am scared for people I know and love.  I am scared for the many who are likeable, kind, and caring people–we w…

• Old Testament Studies

  Abuse of the Old Testament The Book of Ecclesiastes King Saul–As Long as it Glorifies God Canaan and Heaven–How God Gives Must the Christian Keep the Sabbath? Spiritual Mirages  (a lesson from Jeremiah) Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) Moses–The Fork in the Road When Your Walking Stick Comes Home The Valley of Dry Bones The Weaver’s Shuttle Remove Not the Ancient Landmarks On to Canaan But He Lingered The Day of Decision …

• If Baptism is Not Essential for Salvation

  Baptism is not essential for salvation according to most denominations.  The thought came to me recently if baptism is not essential for salvation what then?  What are the necessary implications of such a doctrine?  (1)  If baptism is not essential for salvation then Jesus taught error when he said, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5 NKJV) for you can enter the kingdom of God without water …

• Lessons for the Church from Isaiah (Chapter 1)

  Paul says, in Rom. 15:4, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning” (NKJV) as he writes to the saints (Christians) in Rome (Rom. 1:7 NKJV).  The prophetic book of Isaiah written hundreds of years before Christ can teach us much about God–what pleases him, what displeases him, his nature, who he is, what or how he feels, his thoughts, his sense of justice, etc.  I think most of us would like to know God better a…

• Denominationalism’s Sin Against Peter

  in Christ as the Son of God.  Today, however, men who claim Christianity pretty much just ignore his sermon that day for they do not like what he said and they no longer believe it. Peter was given the keys of the kingdom of heaven by Jesus himself in Matt. 16:19, “And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (…

• Deeper Spiritual Understanding–How do I Acquire It?

  A person who is a sincere Christian, a true believer from the depths of his/her heart, is a person who hungers and thirsts for righteousness (Matt. 5:6) desiring deeper spiritual understanding.  There is always a desire to know more and understand better.  There is an inner longing to draw nearer to God and feel closer to him and so the way is sought to do so. But the question is how do I do this or accomplish this which I so desire?  If I just …

• Who is the Believer in John 3:16?

  and thus made to mean what men desire it to mean versus what it teaches when taken in context. Who is this person who will have everlasting life?  Who is this believer?  Is it not the same person that will see the kingdom of heaven if he is “born again” in verse 3 and who will enter the kingdom of God if he is “born of water and the Spirit” in verse 5?  Most certainly!  It is all the same conversation directed at the same…

• The Need to Sing in Worship

  or take an active role in other parts of the worship service but if you are one that was able and you sat through the song service in silence you ought to think about that as you lead prayer, hadn’t you?  Can one go to heaven without singing?  Do you want to try?  Think about that, do you want to try in light of what God’s word says?       …

• Sin in the Desert–Testing God at Massah and Meribah

  to be and would he continue to care for them? The Red Sea had been parted for them, they had been provided with water once before in what seemed at the time to them a desperate situation, and they had been fed with manna from heaven and quail was sent their way also, and every day they saw a pillar of cloud leading the way before them and a pillar of fire by night indicating God’s continual presence with them.  “They (the nations̵…

• How Does the Blood of Jesus and Baptism Tie Together

  I know of no one who claims to be a Christian but what believes we are saved by the blood of Jesus.  All believe that for the Bible clearly teaches it stating it plainly, “We have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Eph 1:7 NKJV)  There are very few, however, who realize where God has placed that blood spiritually speaking.  Christianity is a religion of the spirit.  No man is saved by coming into physical contac…

• He Feared

  .  I do not have to be afraid.  It is my choice.  It becomes a matter of mind over matter.  What is the worse that can happen to a faithful Christian?  Is it that by obeying God’s command he would die, or be killed, and go to heaven?  Is that the worse that can happen?  That is what we are living the Christian life for.  That is our goal. The Hebrew writer tells us that God has said, “’I will never leave you nor forsake you.’  So we may boldly sa…

• The New Birth and Water

  Having written on the subject of the new birth before I was surprised, although I doubt I should have been, to have gotten some comments back to the effect that the water mentioned in John 3:5 where Jesus says, “most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (NKJV) had reference not to baptism but to the water of childbirth.  Probably shows what a sheltered life I have led to be surp…

• New Birth

  Born Again at the Point of Faith – John 1:12-13 Paul’s Conversion (Justified by Faith) What Does the Phrase “Born of Water and the Spirit” Mean? The Kingdom of God and The New Birth The New Birth and Water A New Creation in Christ The Truth So Called Christians Will Not Accept   Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) Born Again When One Obeys the Gospel Things That Happen With Gospel Obedience Why I Am a Christian Keeping…

• The Faith of Enoch

  The Bible tells us that, “By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death; and he was not found because God took him up; for he obtained the witness that before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.” (Heb. 11:5 NAS)  Enoch and Elijah (2 Kings 2:11) were the only two men to ever be born and not die a physical death.  Elijah went up by a whirlwind to heaven after a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated him from …

• Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:48)

  to allow him to direct our lives by his word and example.  “He who says he abides in him ought himself also to walk just as he walked.” (1 John 2:6 NKJV)  How did Jesus walk?  He said, “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38 NKJV)  Whose will are we here to do–ours or God’s?  Whose will do we end up doing?  Jesus said, “I always do those things th…

• Faith is Not Just What You Believe

  er scriptures it is time to go back and do some rethinking.  That is exactly where those are at who interpret Eph. 2:8-9 in such a way as to make it exclude baptism or any work whatsoever.  James teaches you can try to get to heaven by faith alone but it will not work, not without works.  Paul, the author of Eph. 2:8-9, was himself baptized to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16) but never once complained to Ananias, the one sent from God to tell him …

• Bible Conversions

  ion examples we find in Acts are all important in that they teach us how what Jesus taught while on earth with regards to man’s salvation was to be understood when put into practise after his death and ascension back to heaven and the guide to that was the Holy Spirit speaking through inspired men telling alien sinners not only what they must believe but also what they must do.  A lot of people miss that last point.  The Holy Spirit made de…

• The Parable of the Talents–the Sin of Fear

  business affairs is really a story about spiritual matters.  Its purpose is to teach us a lesson about our relationship with God and what he expects of us.  Indeed, the parable begins with the words, “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man.” (Matt. 25:14 NKJV)  The man in the spiritual application of the parable is God.  Talents were measures of money each servant was given.  However, they represented more than that.  They represente…

• Baptized For the Dead

  In 1 Cor. 15:29 Paul says, “Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” (NKJV)  It is said by commentators that there is broad disagreement as to what is being referred to by the phrase “baptized for the dead.”  It is common to find in most commentaries an extended discussion of the verse with much more space being devoted to it than there is to the average…

• Moses, the Waters of Marah, and a Lesson for Today

  When the children of Israel left Egypt, led by Moses, the first major event one reads about in the book of Exodus after the Red Sea crossing is found in Exodus  15:22-26, the crisis at the waters of Marah.  I say crisis for that was how the children of Israel perceived it.  They had been traveling three days in the wilderness and had found no water to drink during that time. Was that a crisis?  It was when you consider how much water was require…

• The Parable of the 10 Virgins–7 Lessons

  The parable of the 10 virgins found in Matt. 25:1-13 has more to say to us than we often realize. One of the things that troubles a person most, that nags and gnaws at our spirit, is when we mess up, make a bad mistake, and then have to pay for it when we had realized from the beginning what it was we needed to do which would have avoided the whole thing but simply failed to do it for one reason or another.  We blame ourselves for the mess we go…

• The Wicked Shall be Turned into Hell

  ceived as intolerant.  We are more loving than God, more tolerant, more righteous.  Put another way America has rejected the God of the Bible and has made its own God in its own image.  He is generally seen, unlike the God of heaven, when man looks into a mirror.  And the best part about this American God is he condemns no one.  I have never been to a funeral but what the individual being eulogized seems to be setting in heaven even as the speake…

• The Lord’s Supper as a Part of a Larger Meal–Right or Wrong?

  Should the Lord’s Supper be incorporated as a part of a larger meal in the worship of God in the Christian religion? Some are today arguing for such a practice. All any of us can know about what we should or should not do is found in the Bible, at least that has been the traditional view of conservatives. Today there is a liberal element in Christianity who feels they no longer need Bible authority for what they do. That being the case they feel…

• Christianity, Homosexuality, and Gay Marriage–What Do We Do With the Bible?

  One of the wonderful things about America is that we have gotten to be smarter than God (hope you recognize satire when you read it).  We are now wiser than he is, we know better than he does how to love our fellowman and what is inherently right, and we no longer need his word as any kind of a guide to life.  God if you will just take a seat over here to our left behind us and let us handle this we will take care of it.  Yes, maybe you had it r…

• I Can Do All Things Through Christ

  e by faith, by faith in the word of God for without that word there can be no faith.  Had Jesus merely appeared to Paul on the road to Damascus and not spoken all Paul would have know was that he had experienced a vision of a heavenly being.  Paul did not know who this was who spoke to him for he says, “Who are You, Lord?” (Acts 9:5 NKJV) Without word from Jesus (although Paul did not know that this was Jesus until Jesus told him) Saul might well…

• Singing and Playing in Christian Worship

  I have learned over time that no matter how familiar you are with a subject given enough time you are bound to hear something you never heard before.  It is a historical fact that instrumental music was never used in Christian worship until well over 600 years after the establishment of the church.  A simple Google search on the topic with the word “history” added will get you all the information your heart could desire. This is a historical fac…

• Hypocrites in the Church

  ugh (pretending) he had done nothing wrong?  Was he not being a hypocrite?  It took Nathan the prophet with a direct message from God to get him to face up to his own hypocrisy. I wonder, will either of these hypocrites be in heaven?  Since one does not want to be with hypocrites in the church one supposes that one feels the same about being with Peter and David in heaven.  Yes, we are sure that these men repented of any and all wrong doing but t…

• The Need to Preach on Sin

  ful and unholy.  He will show God who is boss.  He will show God who is running his life.  He will show God who is God, namely himself.  What a fool such a man is.  He is going to take on the creator of all that exists in the heavens and on earth, going to take on the one who has lived eternally.  Wow!  He is willing to take on God when he would run from a mean pit bull if he thought there was a chance of getting away.  That is really thinking ra…

• The Peace Found in Forgiveness of Others

  him?  So we see the one who will not forgive needs forgiving himself. It would be good to hear some scripture on the subject of forgiveness and our great need to forgive others. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:14-15 NKJV)  “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against a…

• The Church as the Family of God–Things Found in It

  eclare your name to my brethren; In the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to you.’” (Heb. 2:11-12 NKJV)  We are brothers and sisters in Christ for in Jesus’ own words he says, “whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matt. 12:50 NKJV) Paul wrote to Timothy saying, “I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God.” (1 Ti…

• Never Give Up

  ltitudes of God’s own people that would have to confess the same thing at various points in their lives including David, the great man of God.  The point is that it is not hopeless. We all believe we are going to see David in heaven.  Why?  The answer is because he repented and he did not give up.  It would be easy for a man who has committed adultery and murder to go into the depths of despair so deep as to never come out again.  Imagine the sha…

• Christ Did Not Send Paul to Baptize

  terpret 1 Cor. 1:17 as teaching that baptism does not matter to Paul or to Christ.  Actually, two questions.  (1) Why was Paul, an apostle, exempt from the command Jesus gave to the other apostles just before his ascension to heaven in Matt. 28:19-20 where the command was, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things t…

• Is Church Attendance Essential for Christian Salvation?

  you will be partially responsible for what ultimately becomes of them. There is a lot of religious nonsense on the internet.  Some will tell you yes, you can be a Christian (and they mean a saved Christian who will end up in heaven) and not attend church.  Yes, and about as soon as my basset hound quits bawling and starts meowing. But, I have written this out of concern for I see many who feel as though they are Christians and living in a saved …

• Jesus’ Baptism and You?

  Does baptism matter?  Most Americans have come to the conclusion that it does not, a person can be saved and go to heaven baptized or not.  It is such a settled conviction with most that they are not willing to give the study of the topic the time of day.  It is ridiculous to even consider it as they see it. It seems to me this is taking the same attitude the Pharisees took back in the first century.  They had their settled law and there was no …

• Fools, Speech, and Christianity

  “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.  If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there…

• For By Grace You Have Been Saved Through Faith Alone

  No, Eph. 2:8-9 does not read that way but that is the way most seem to want to read it.  Let me quote the verses for you from the New King James version. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” There is no believer in his right mind who would discount the grace of God in man’s salvation.  You do not believe you deserve to be sav…

• Mary of Bethany–Doing What You Can

  d Martha, Lazarus, and Mary (John 12:2-3), the latter three being a brother and his two sisters.  This was the same Lazarus that Jesus had raised from the dead (John 12:1, 9).  While Jesus was reclined at the table, according to the custom of the time, Mary comes up behind him with a flask of fragrant oil (John 12:5), burst it open, and anointed both his head and feet with the oil (Matt. 26:7, John 12:3). This angered some among them.  “Whe…

• Weak, Defiled, and Seared Consciences

  The Bible speaks of the conscience of man describing it in several different ways as the state of the conscience varies from man to man and sometimes from time to time within the same man.  The conscience can be good, pure, and without offense but it can also be weak, defiled, evil, and even seared.  It is the negative traits of the conscience I wish to discuss in this article.  What is a weak conscience?  The first time one reads about a weak c…

• The Sin of Being Unthankful and the Need for Thanksgiving

  s that have been made for us, the longsuffering with us, the patience, the loving kindness.  We have learned how much he yearns for us and longs for our salvation and desires us to be with him in eternity.  We have learned of heaven and mansions prepared there for you and me.  God’s expressions of love for us through these things begin to change us if we will allow it.  Love and thanksgiving begin to develop in the heart that will allow it….

• The Army of the Lord–the Church

  ught was a religious fight, the very kind many feel it too unchristian, or unchristlike, to fight. It was a fight over doctrine, over who was right and who was wrong, over who would be saved and who would not, over the way to heaven.  Too many people today see this as an exceedingly nasty type of fighting that drives people away from Christ they say.  Hey, don’t talk to me.  Your fight would be with Jesus, Paul, Jude, and others. Jesus said, “Do …

• Parable of the Tares–No Middle Ground

  The story of the parable of the tares is found in Matt. 13:24-30 and then explained by Jesus in verses 36-43.  I quote the parable as follows: “Another parable he put forth to them, saying: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.  But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared.  So th…

• The Truth So Called Christians Will Not Accept

  Most people who call themselves Christians are in reality not Christians at all no matter how dedicated they may be to their faith.  The word of God is truth (Jesus speaking–John 17:17) and stands as the one and only standard that is acceptable to the God of heaven and of men.  It, not man, sets the standard for who is a Christian. As there is a political correctness in our land there is likewise a religious correctness that one must adher…

• The Struggle to be a Spiritually Minded Man or Woman

  Every person that has ever contemplated the subject of life and death, the meaning of life and eternal destiny, and has chosen faith in Christ as the route he/she desires to walk has found himself/herself in a constant struggle.  On the one hand there is the deep desire to do what is right according to the will of God as we read it in the Bible and on the other hand there is that desire within us that wants to do what we want to do which often m…

• They Loved the Praise of Men

  Most of us given a choice would like to be well thought of and spoken well of for our life and beliefs rather than to be reviled, criticized, and despised.  This is natural and easily understood but there is danger that this natural desire lead us into sin.  When one gets to the point where he cares more about what people think than what God thinks and what God commands he is in trouble, in trouble with the Lord and Savior. In studying the subje…

• Abel’s Sacrifice by Faith versus Cain’s Sacrifice

  tremble!” (James 2:19 NKJV)  Do we believe Cain and the demons were saved?  If not we need to continue to study to learn what saving faith consists of.  It certainly involves more than just believing a God exists in the heavens. The writer of the book of Hebrews says of Abel that he “obtained witness that he was righteous.” (Heb. 11:4 NKJV)  Jesus declared him righteous in Matt. 25:35.  He became such by faith.  Abel died a righ…

• Faith, Manna, and Grumbling Against God

  hich you grumble against him.” (Ex. 16:8 NASB)  He hears ours too.  God himself testified, “I have heard the grumblings of the sons of Israel.” (Ex. 16:12 NASB) God decides to provide for them the manna from heaven, “I will rain bread from heaven for you,” (Ex. 16:4 NASB) but also decides to use it as a test to see “whether or not they will walk in my instruction.” (Ex. 16:4 NASB)  That instruction dealt …

• Mt. Sinai and the Day of Judgment

  was that in it but might there have been more?  I think it likely. Can you imagine what it must have been to hear the voice of God?  What kind of an effect would that have on a man or woman?  If you were to hear a voice from heaven right now, a loud speaking voice from the heavens (not a quiet inner speaking to the mind or spirit), what kind of an effect would it have on you?  Our first and immediate reaction, one we would be incapable of not ha…

• Baptism

  Baptism has been a hot topic down through the ages–who should be baptized, why, for what purpose, are there any prerequisites, what is accomplished in it, does it matter, is it essential for salvation or have anything at all to do with it, what is baptism (is it sprinkling, pouring, immersion, or take your choice?).  So many questions but are there no answers?  Was God such a poor communicator that he could not make the subject clear?  Wha…

• Gospel Obedience at Corinth

  Paul preached one gospel in one location that had baptism in it and another gospel in another location that did not then why should any of us listen to anything he had to say?  He says, “even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:8 NAS)  If Paul preached more than one gospel he condemned himself by his very own words.  That did no…

• Must a Man Seek God?

  ng the Bible, with worship, or obedience to God’s specific commandments. Whether they realize it or not this approach to salvation is an attempt to be saved by the works of man–it is an attempt to work your way to heaven based on personal goodness.  It reminds me of Rom. 10:3, “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.&#…

• Looking Down Your Nose

  o we are in deep, deep trouble. With me one of the very most frightening passages in the Bible is this one from Paul in 2 Thess. 1:7-9, “and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the p…

• Abraham’s Faith (Faith Accounted for Righteousness)

  hteousness.” (NKJV)  The context in Gen. 15 is God’s promise to Abraham that “one who will come from your own body shall be your heir” (Gen. 15:4 NKJV) and that his descendants would be as the stars of heaven, impossible to count them for their number (Gen. 15:5).  Abraham believed that and it was “accounted to him for righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6 NKJV) It is easy here to be led astray by carelessness as a studen…

• A Heart Right With God (Test Your Heart)

  e only obeying commands that seem right, that you can reason some sense into, that go along with your ideas of what seems reasonable and right, then you have set yourself up as God and you are obeying yourself, not the God in heaven. We need to have the heart of David.  “He raised up for them David as king, to whom also he gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.” (Paul, Act…

• Receiving the Gospel (Acts 2:41)

  “So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41 NAS)  In my younger days I use to hear about those preachers on tv or radio who would tell their listening audience words to the effect that if they wanted to receive Jesus and salvation just to lay their hands on top the set, say certain words in the form of a prayer, and presto–salvation.  For all I k…

• Born Again At The Point Of Faith – John 1:12-13

  John 1:12-13 from the New American Standard Version:  “(12) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in his name:  (13) who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will on man, but of God.” [verse numbers added by me for clarification—DS] Many believe that they are born again (become Christians) at the moment they come to believe in Jesus as t…

• The Book of Ecclesiastes

  Is the book of Ecclesiastes the most depressing book in the Bible?  Well, it can be–no doubt about it.  I don’t think it would make very many people’s list of favorite Bible books.  I know personally it always kind of depressed me in days gone by when I would read it but that was my fault, not the book’s fault.  I would like to try and show the upbeat side of the book of Ecclesiastes. What the book of Ecclesiastes does is…

• Ghost Hunting and Consulting the Dead

  Mark 6:49–but that may have been simply because they felt there was no other way of accounting for what their eyes were seeing. Be that as it may and no matter how great the bravado there are many places we would prefer to not spend the night alone no matter who we are.  Most of us have no interest in spending the night in a morgue, in an abandoned asylum, in a dark country cemetery away from civilization.  There are just places we would ra…

• My Blog

  I have a blog over on Blogger entitled Thoughts on the Scriptures but you can find the posts (articles) all here on site but I would be glad for you to check the blog out.   …

• Better to Never Have Been Born–Why?

  It is pretty dangerous business to make God out to be a liar and to have the wrath of God abiding upon you.  It would be better to have never been born than to be such a man. When Jesus returns he will be “revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the p…

• Be Faithful to the Lord (The Conversion of Lydia)

  e gospel wherever he went, not one thing in one place and something else in another.  If you can find what he preached once you know he always taught the same elsewhere.  Paul says, “But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.” (Gal 1:8 NAS)  Paul did not preach different things in different places when it came to the gospel.  If he pre…

• Obedience of Faith and Justification by Faith–Opposing Doctrines?

  ompanied by obedience for it is the obedience of faith that saves–a living faith and not a dead one. In Acts chapter 2 Peter preaches the first gospel sermon ever to be preached not long after Christ’s ascension back to heaven.  All agree that he spoke by inspiration as the Holy Spirit had just fallen upon the apostles.  He argues the case that the Jesus whom they had not long ago crucified was and is the Christ of God.  What is the result?…

• Christian Living

  Words I Can Do All Things Through Christ The Blessing of Affliction and the Goodness of God Anger The Sin of Contempt (Verbal Abuse) Fools, Speech, and Christianity Reconciling With a Brother Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) Heaven (Part I) Heaven (Part II) A Crucial Difference Christ’s Parting Charge Whatsoever He Saith Do It Christian Duty Love The Cost of Discipleship Keeping The Commandments of God Making the Right Choices When Your Wa…

• Assorted

  Against Peter Which Denomination Did Jesus Build? What Does the Phrase “My Name” Mean in the Bible?   Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) The Burden of Life The Pot of Gold at the End of God’s Rainbow Heaven (Part I) Heaven (Part II) Where Are The Dead? The Doctrine of Eternal Life Things That Could be Written on the Door to Hell The Goodness and Severity of God What a Preacher Must Preach Keeping the Commandments of God …

• Did Christ Rise From the Dead or is Faith Folly?

  NKJV)  If Christ did not rise from the dead what hope do we have as we grow old and face the inevitable?  Are we but animals? The evolutionist would say yes we are only animals and talk like it is absurd to think of a God in heaven yet they talk about life evolving from non-life as if it just kind of popped out on its own from dead matter–dead matter evolving into living matter.  Now that is a scholarly concept for you is it not but that i…

• Keep Your Heart With All Diligence

  does not come naturally.  Sin, other than sins of ignorance, originates in the heart.  Of the Jews who came out of Egypt with Moses God said, “They always go astray in their heart.” (Heb. 3:10 NKJV) I use to hear it said that heaven was a prepared place for a prepared people.  I believe that is true.  Our preparation must begin within.  We must gain control of our thoughts which is just another way of saying we must gain control of our hearts for…

• Willful Sin–Can Anyone Be Saved?

  istians as is the whole book of Hebrews.  Each one of us knows we are guilty of having committed willful sin and this passage troubles us.  When we read the verses in the larger context of verses 24 through 31 it is very easy to become fearful and feel it is hopeless, we are lost and undone without remedy.  We are sorry about our sins but we feel it is too late. However, there are a number of things we ought to consider before reaching that kind …

• Peter’s Second Gospel Sermon

  on preached by Peter as found in the next chapter in Acts–chapter 3.  That there was preaching being done between Peter’s first sermon and his second there is no doubt for the Bible says “the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47 NAS) and this was after Pentecost but before the events recorded in Acts 3. Of those sermons, of which we know nothing, we can only say with certainty t…

• The Case of Cornelius and the Holy Spirit

  he Great Commission.  This was nothing new for prophets often did not know the full import of the inspired words they spoke. (see 1 Peter 1:10-12)  In reading Acts 10 one learns by seeing Peter’s initial reaction to the heavenly sent vision he had that Peter was still observing as law the dietary restrictions found under the Law of Moses all the while living under the law of Christ.  Then in verse 28 of chapter 10 he says, “You know h…

• The Two Covenants

  The Kingdom of God and The New Birth Abuse of the Old Testament Must the Christian Keep the Sabbath? …

• Diotrephes Loves To Have the Preeminence

  he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.” (Psalm 49:17, NKJV)  And again, (Psalm 49:20), “A man who is in honor, yet does not understand, Is like the beasts that perish.” (NKJV) “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him … ” (Psalms 8:3-4 ESV) The man who desires preeminence has difficulty seeing himself as he reall…

• Faith

  Paul’s Conversion–Justified by Faith Faith Comes by Hearing the Word of God–the Implications Who is the Believer in John 3:16? What is it a Man Must Believe in Order to be Saved? Faith is Not Just What You Believe Obedience of Faith and Justification by Faith–Opposing Doctrines? Disobedience to Jesus The Faithfulness of Jesus to God the Father I Can Do All Things Through Christ If Miracles Have Ceased–the Implicatio…

• Waymon Swain’s Audio Sermons

  w seconds into his subject.   All sermons were recorded in a time frame of at least 15 years ago.  Waymon has been preaching nearly 60 years now, still preaching regularly, holding meetings, doing lectureships, and has a trip to Guatemala planned for later this year.  He has a son, Bob Swain, who is an excellent preacher in his own right and so here is a link to Bob’s audio sermons as well:  Bob Swain’s Audio Sermons Assorted (22 serm…

• More on Willful Sin—Can Anyone be Saved?

  In July 2008 I posted an article online entitled “Willful Sin – Can Anyone Be Saved?  Heb 10:26-27.”  Within the past couple of weeks I received a comment from a lady who was reading the article for the first time.  She took the position that there was no hope for a person who committed a willful sin after their conversion.  That was the way I read her comment and I was not the only one for not long thereafter another lady commented …

• Jesus Defines Repentance

  The Bible clearly teaches that repentance is a command of God to all men (Acts 17:30) and that if we fail to repent we shall perish (Luke 13:3, 5).  It is essential then that we come to a proper understanding of the meaning of repentance.  What does it mean to repent?  Jesus tells us and we can find no higher authority on the subject than Christ himself.  Let us hear what he has said. “The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this ge…

• Faith Based On Deception–Gen. 37:31-33

  Gen. 37:31-33, “So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, ‘We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?’ And he recognized it and said, ‘It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.’” (…

• The Sin of Contempt (Verbal Abuse)

  “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.  If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there…

• Lincoln’s Tomb and Jesus’ Tomb

  My wife and I went to visit Lincoln’s Tomb yesterday, March 21, 2009, in Springfield, Illinois.  I must say it is a massive structure, very impressive, and quite a sight to see in a very scenic setting.  As for the cemetery itself I guess one could say as cemeteries go this was and is as beautiful a cemetery as one is likely to see anywhere.  It is very hilly with giant oak trees and quiet as cemeteries generally are, very well kept. It was for …

• Sin

  ur Lust Sin the Separator You Cannot Hide Sin (Part I) You Cannot Hide Sin (Part II) Sin Lieth at the Door The Unpardonable Sin Wrong is Always Wrong When Your Walking Stick Comes Home The Burning Chaff What if I Miss Heaven? Is Your Name Written There? Things That Could be Written on the Door to Hell The Goodness and Severity of God Are You Ready? Promises God Has Not Made Why So Many Travel the Broad Way Enemies of Christ    …

• Honestly Deceived

  n me … ” (NASB)  Paul’s life became like that of Christ himself who said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me,” (John 5:30 NASB) that is the will of God the Father.  Again, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” (John 6:38 NASB)  Jesus wanted what the Father wanted and says elsewhere “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.” (John 8:29 NASB)  Paul says “Christ…

• Ignorance Does Not Excuse Sin

  hat fact but, that having been said, what about the man that takes a lackadaisical attitude toward learning God’s will and obeying his commandments.  Does God’s grace cover man’s indifference? Does a man want to try and go to heaven as one who never cared enough about God and his will to try and learn his commands so he could obey them?  I fear such a man may well meet up with 2 Tim. 2:15 at the Day of Judgment, “Be diligent to present yourself a…

• Children of Israel

  Israel’s Rebellion at the Red Sea Moses, the Waters of Marah, and a Lesson for Today Faith, Manna, and Grumbling Against God Sin in the Desert–Testing God at Massah and Meribah Mt. Sinai and the Day of Judgment Canaan and Heaven–How God Gives The Chastening of the Lord …

• The Prodigal Son–When He Came to Himself

  istians he is leaving his wife divorcing her to marry a divorced Christian woman in the same congregation.  They had been secretly dating for about a year unknown to anyone.  Is this sanity?  Is it Christian?  Does it lead to heaven or hell?  The wife had no idea so I am told.  Here are a couple of prodigals that need to “come to themselves.” We all know what a godly man David was.  I probably enjoy reading the Psalms as much as any book in the B…

• Cornelius’ Conversion–Final Thoughts

  ves, the gospel never would have been preached to the Gentiles then we will see the application.  The Jews were unbelievers that God had anything for the Gentiles.  Ten years has gone by since Jesus’ ascension back into heaven and still there is no preaching to the Gentiles. It took a miracle to convince the Jewish Christians that God would or had accepted the Gentiles.  “And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as …

• Was Cornelius Saved Before Baptism? (Cornelius’ Conversion)

  m prior to their baptism leading many to think they were saved at that point.  Not so.  Why not?  Because Cornelius was to be saved by the message he received from Peter (Acts 11:14) and not by a miraculous manifestation from heaven.  Peter had not gotten a good start on delivering that message when the Holy Spirit fell on Cornelius for he says in Acts 11:15 “as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them.” (NAS)   It was necessa…

• The Grace of God and the Parable of the Laborers–Is God Just?

  e. What was that principle?  The principle of grace.  God is a God of grace.  If we are his children we too must have grace for others.  When we take the position everyone has to earn all he gets then that locks us all out of heaven “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Rom. 3:23 NKJV)  Remember this parable is in reality about spiritual matters, not economics. Many who work hard and make a living develop an attitude toward t…

• Anger

  A Treatise on Matt. 5:22-24—Part 1–Anger “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. If therefore you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has s…

• The Chastening of the Lord

  People often have a misconception about God.  They cannot imagine that God would ever bring upon us trials and tribulations, punish us for our sins, or do anything in this life but bring us good–good as we measure it.  God is love, God is grace, and the very idea that God would ever send upon us anything but that which is most pleasant is abhorrent to their way of thinking. There is no doubt that when one looks at the big picture that God …

• Things God Cannot Do

  The Bible teaches there are things God cannot do.  Why not?  It is certainly not because he is wanting in power or knowledge but it is a matter of who he is, his nature or character.  We can understand that.  There are things you and I could do but our character would never allow it.  I thought it would be good to use an online Bible concordance for the New King James Version and type in the word “cannot” and see what came up.  I was…

• Pray For Others Lest You Sin

  Is it a sin to not pray for others?  When we think of sin I am sure a failure to pray for others does not come immediately to mind like say robbery, murder, adultery,  lying, and the list goes on of the more notorious sins.  Yet, in the book of 1 Samuel, chapter 12, verse 23, we read this statement from Samuel spoken to the children of Israel:  “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you….

• Acceptable Prayer

  When a person runs into trouble in his or her life they are often counseled to pray.  That is usually one of the very first things that is done and most certainly we ought to turn to God in our times of trouble.  James says, “Is anyone among you suffering?  Let him pray.” (James 5:13 NAS)  The writer of the book of Hebrews tells us to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grac…

• The Kingdom of God

  The Kingdom of God and The New Birth   Audio Sermons (by Waymon Swain) The Seed of the Kingdom …