The way brethren have treated each other over the years has left a lot to be desired. I am not referring to normal behavior in local churches. While we can always improve relationships in Christ, for the most part, brethren treat each other with love and respect under normal circumstances in local churches and generally […]
The saints at Corinth had their share of spiritual weaknesses. They suffered from pride, a lack of love for each other, promoting division (due to their exaltation of man) and a willingness to tolerate sin. Fortunately, after receiving a needed rebuke by Paul, by way of the epistle of 1 Corinthians, many of the saints […]
Some people believe we are forbidden by God to ever judge the actions of others. This is not true. On one occasion, Jesus commanded His disciples to judge (John 7:24). To take the position that we are never to judge, is to fail to “rightly divide the word of truth,” and is contradictory in nature. […]
Last week we looked at some things that we should do for one another (encourage, forbear and forgive, serve, do good, and love). This week I want to go in the opposite direction and look at some things that we should not do to one another. Let us begin with not speaking evil against one […]
Traditions are powerful. Some people will hold on to a tradition no matter what, even if it puts their souls at risk. Of course, when it comes down to religion, in most cases, people believe that their traditions have some kind of scriptural basis, but often they do not. An example of this is found […]
So far as practical Christianity is concerned, there could be no words more important than the ones found in John 13:34. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” In contrast to this love, the evidence […]
Doing good involves doing what is right, fair, and in the best interest of others. It includes both words and deeds. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 (ESV) 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, […]
To be a Christian, is to be a servant. That is what we were called to be when we obeyed the gospel. We were called to follow in the steps of Christ, the one who served in a greater way than anyone before or after Him. Mark 10:42-45 (ESV) 42 And Jesus called them to […]
Our relationship with one another in the body of Christ is critically important. Our oneness and unity lead others to believe in Jesus. John 17:20-21 (ESV) 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as […]
The church is the body of Christ, and every member is important and vital to its overall growth and well-being. This being the case, we should recognize the worth of every member. It has been said that everybody is somebody in Christ’s body, and that is absolutely true. Paul confirmed it to be so (1 […]