Not all who worship choose to worship God. Historically worship of some kind has been offered to some perceived deity almost from the beginning of time. The children of Israel often turned away from worshipping God to serving the idol gods of the people round about them. Worship generally refers to an act of reverence or adoration offered to another. It seems to be part of our human nature to worship something or someone greater than ourselves. The people in the city of Athens were very religious, even having an altar “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). Obviously God desires […]

(Does it really matter?) I vaguely recall having to testify in a court proceeding concerning an accident, and I believe that witnesses are still required to swear or affirm that they will tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Questions are asked to hopefully determine whether the witness is truly telling the truth. The object of the trial is to uncover the truth and punish lawbreakers. And yet it seems that often in spiritual things truth is not always the object. The purpose of this study is to raise the question, “Does it really matter?” Does it matter if what […]

There is a concerted effort to change the attitudes of the world and of Christians specifically about standards of right and wrong. We are being challenged to accept homosexuality and all forms of sexual immorality as an acceptable lifestyle. I have no personal animosity toward those who choose to be homosexual, and have no desire to prevent any person from their rights to make their own choices or to have whatever benefits may come with their jobs. But I cannot take a stand in favor or that lifestyle and be consistent with the oracles (statements, utterances) of God. Peter wrote: […]

There has been so much controversy and misunderstanding about the Holy Spirit that it seems important to learn what we can about Him.  Depending on which translation of the Scriptures you are using you will find different words used to describe Him.  He is sometimes called the “Comforter,” the “Holy Ghost,” the “Helper,” the “Spirit of truth,” the “Spirit of God,” and the “Holy Spirit.”  Yet all refer to a single being or person, not a “thing”. Jesus promised His apostles they would have help when He departed: “25 These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  […]

As you study the Scriptures you find types and antitypes; statements and things in the Old Testament that point to the New Testament.  One of those things is the Tabernacle.  After Israel had come out of Egyptian slavery they came to Mt. Sinai.  There God gave them the law, and instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, and to do so following a specific pattern:  “8  And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. 9  According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it” (Exodus 25:8-9). […]

  Is one church as good as another? While walking in the mall one day and discussing spiritual things one of my walking companions said, “If I could find the perfect church, I’d join it.” When I asked him how he would go about identifying “the perfect church” he didn’t have an answer. How would you go about finding the perfect church? Do you really suppose that one church is the same as another? Jesus said, “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades […]