By Charles Box

Just before giving in to the pressure of the crowd to crucify our Lord Jesus Christ, Pilate asked one of the most tragic questions of the Bible. In a very cynical way he asked, “What is truth?” In John 18:37-38 we read, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.”
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By Charles Box

Just a day to spend? No! I want this to be a day when I will love life and see good days. In First Peter chapter three we are told how to love life and see good days. The spiritual condition of children of God makes it possible for them to have this kind of life. The days are good when we bridle our tongue and speak the truth. "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." (James 1:26) This loving life and seeing good days is representative of the life we would expect to live in our eternal state. Those who follow Christ are pursuing the course of happiness and security. If along this way you are called upon to suffer, then be a person that suffers for righteousness sake. To suffer for the cause of truth or a good conscience will always produce a positive result. "Christians have no reason to be afraid of the threats or rage of any of their enemies." ...

By David Sain

To help you set and keep your priorities straight, take the following personal inventory.

1. Which is more important to you? Making sure your dog (or cat) gets fed every day or making sure that your child gets daily spiritual nourishment?
2. Which is more important to you? Watching television or taking time for prayer and Bible study every day?
3. Which is more important to you? Speaking out on current political issues or speaking out to help someone understand Bible truth?
4. Which is more important to you? The time you spend playing sports, hunting, or fishing or the time you spend with your children?
5. Which is more important to you? The time you spend adorning your body or the time you spend improving the inner man?
6. Which is more important to you? What you think of last Sunday’s sermon or what God thinks of your response to the sermon?
7. Which is more important to you? The condition and appearance of your ...

A great number of women wonder if the perfect man exists. They have scanned the horizon and often come back thinking they must train a man to make him perfect. That leads them to the question, “Can a man learn to be perfect?” Certainly, a great number of women attempt to find out! In the long run, the realization of perfection depends upon the standard used and whether or not a man adheres to it. Many women believe their man reaches near perfection when they can get him to stop leaving his underwear on the floor and he begins putting the dishes in the dishwasher. Seeking the perfect man is no joke! A higher standard of perfection exists. A perfect man can be had!

In the pages of the Bible, Jesus stands as a sinless model of perfection. However, the Bible lists two other men as being perfect. Genesis 6:9 notes, “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations and Noah walked with God.” Job 1:1, 1:8, and 2:3 declare Job “perfect and upright, one that ...

Jesus, the messiah of mankind, lived a life in the flesh like no other man. His words and his actions perfectly fit the pattern prescribed by God the Father (John 5:30, John 12:49-50). That all men save Jesus fall short of the Glory of God is factual (Romans 3:23). Yet, many who declare themselves prepared for faithful commitment to God soon find themselves transgressing against their vows to serve him. Their declaration of service comes before considering the cost – their life (Galatians 2:20). Jesus spoke about this in the parable of the sower.
How many souls have walked the path of those words? Hearts praise God every time a sinner comes to Him and humbly calls upon ...

By Charles Box

Good water to drink and use is a great blessing from God. Many in our world still depend on a well dug in the ground, near their house for water. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” (Proverbs 25:25) The only cold of cool water that some will ever have is that water right from the well. Some of you grew up with a well in the yard and a dipper there at the well where people could draw and drink fresh, cool water directly from the well. In the Bible we read such great expressions as “the fountain of living waters.” O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.” (Jeremiah 17:13) The Bible even has the expression, “the wells of salvation.” “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.” (Isaiah 12:3) Underground water is often found by Dowsing. ...

by Tom Wacaster

There are certain words in the Bible that astound the mind and thrill the heart. Words like "redemption," "forgiveness," "grace," and "salvation" are among those words. The worldly minded can never appreciate the magnitude nor the depth of those words as they relate to matters eternal. But those who have been rescued from the bondage of sin have an appreciation that cannot be expressed in words. The word "reconciliation" is another word that falls into that category. It is not a difficult word, nor is it hard to understand. Webster defines the word "reconciliation" as meaning "to restore to friendship or harmony, to settle or resolve." When applied to people it means to get two separated people back together again. It may refer to a husband who wants to be reconciled to his wife, or a father who wants to be reconciled to a wayward son. But when we use the word to refer to a sinner ...

Watching the election year primaries unfold, it is clear disgust surrounds the individual in the White House and the top two challengers for the office of President of the United States. The man in the White House characterized his last three years with deception, poor stewardship, and immoral decision making. One of his challengers has a past characterized by philandering and broken trust while the other has demonstrated immoral choices involving support of homosexuality, abortion, and stem cell research. This speaks completely to their moral fiber; it does not address their failures of ideology or misdirected spirituality. Presently and historically, America stands as a land of many moral people with sound ideologies; however, the current abomination presented before the nation represents their choice to accept something less than great. America could do better. ...

Defend! When this word is yelled out, the defense mechanism of every male should flash to consciousness. What female does not feel their emotions rise when they feel their child must be defended? Defense is needed because there is or will be an attack. Without a proper defense, the resulting effect is destruction, ruin, and devastation. The word “defend” should create a tremor within the soul that creates action directing self and others toward deliverance from the foe. Defense at its core, is a wise realization that despite having strengths, advantages, or any number of assets at hand, there is weakness which could put that which has value in jeopardy.

Humans are of great value to God, but they are not impervious to harm. Heat, cold, a minor blow, a fall, a lack of oxygen, any number of things can bring an end to their life. A man is typically built so that his frame, muscles, and skin can endure more than a woman, but by way of lifestyle, he is often ...

The prophet Isaiah shared the Word of God during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Over approximately 50 years, he instructed and reproved Judah. Though three of the four kings of Judah were considered good, the people and its capitol city, Jerusalem, were characterized by sin. Their deeds and hearts were sorely lacking in meeting the path laid out by God. By the promise of God and detailed prophecy, Jesus the Christ would be born the seed of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, and David in Bethlehem. Were it not for this predetermined plan of God, Judah would quite likely have become as Sodom and Gomorrah as the prophet Isaiah himself shared with them. Though his writings in the book called by his name are lengthy, verses sixteen and seventeen of the first chapter summarize it well. The first sentence of those verses summing even more succinctly:When Moses had taken the people by God’s command out ...

Jesus speaking to the Pharisees in John 10:17-18 stated: “For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” The conversation surrounded the fact that Jesus came into the world as a shepherd and savior. As such, He would lay His life down for His sheep, those faithful to God (John 10:4). Unlike a normal Shepherd, Jesus stands out because of his authority over death. He could give up his life and yet, take it again.

The faithful of God do not have the power to take up their lives after death as Jesus did, however, they do have the power to lay down their lives so their Shepherd can lift them up. Jesus established man must lose his life to gain it in Matthew 16:24-25, “… If any one wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, ...

by Erik Smith

A teacher stands in front of her classroom of students. She begins to review some of the previous day’s homework that she assigned her students to study and complete. She asks: “Can someone give me the answer for question #1?” She then adds with a smile: “Remember to raise your hands if you have the answer.” The response is mixed. Some of her students almost literally jump out of their seats as their hands shoot skyward. With great enthusiasm they chime in: “I know it, I know it! Pick me, teacher! Pick me!” These students had obviously “done their homework” and were confident and happy to provide an answer. This is their time to shine!

Not all of the students, however, are part of this enthusiastic chorus of confident responders. Some do not raise their hands or they turn their faces away from the teacher. A few even try to scrunch down in their seats hoping they will not be noticed. Some are naturally shy but many in this group are ...

by Tom Wacaster

“For we are God’s fellow workers: ye are God’s husbandry, God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:9). The Corinthians had just been rebuked for their carnality as evidenced in the divided allegiance they held. Some said they were of Paul, others of Apollos (1:10-12). Paul reminds them: “What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him” (3:5). It seems that Paul wanted to emphasize the preeminent roll which God played in all their labors. It was God Who gave the increase, not men. It should be God, therefore, who receives the glory. Two times Paul declares, “It is God that giveth the increase.” Recognizing that vital truth the question naturally arises, “What roll do you and I play in the growth of the church? Exactly how important are you and I in the work of the Lord?” ...

by Tom Wacaster

We live in an age of quick fixes, instant oatmeal, and disposable diapers. Get-rich-quick schemes abound, and con artists are having a heyday on the unsuspecting and gullible. Some years ago a man was asked if he had read the newest release of Random House Dictionary, to which he replied, “I’m waiting for the film version.” Patience and hard work have fallen upon hard times. Entitlements from Uncle Sam are demanded by the electorate, and it seems our government officials are scrambling to see who can provide the most for their constituents, regardless of the price tag or inability to fund those government perks. I watched a small clip on the Internet in which Jessie Jackson, Jr. proposed that the constitution ought to be changed to include the right to “laptops, Ipads, and decent housing” for every American (I’m serious…he really believes ...

Some years back I had the great opportunity to preach in a prison facility. This blessing extended for about two years. It really enabled me to see and understand a great number of things about those inside and outside of the prison system. I am not a person who is in favor of any frills or extras in the prison system. I guess you can say I am a Sheriff Joe Arpaio fan. If an individual breaks the law, my preference is the punishment seriously deters them from every committing the same mistake. Not only should it deter the transgressor, but those who would ever contemplate committing a crime. For crimes against children and murder, I am in favor of public capital punishment. I say this because I want it understood where I am coming from as this article is written.

Every Sunday for the time I and other church members were allowed to preach to the prisoners was time well spent. We were allotted approximately 4 hours with the inmates. The largest portion of this ...

Girls ask themselves this question. Guys ask the same thing too. Movie stars ask this question. First grade teachers ask it as well. This question greatly troubles some individuals, while others don’t struggle with it too much. Yet, the question is there. There are people who make this the objective of their life. It does not matter what they have to do, they will do it to bring about the desired result. Many parents worry about this with their children. They do so to their own detriment. Politicians typically don’t care about this as long as they get votes. Someone looking for a lifelong relationship deeply contemplates this question, because it will affect who they marry.

The actress Sally Field received an Oscar for her role in Places in the Heart. During her acceptance speech in a reference to another role she played, she stated “The first time I didn’t feel it, but this time I feel it, and I can’t deny the fact that you like me, ...

The man Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, once stood before the Sanhedrin (a legal body composed of the high priest, leaders of the people, and legal experts) and established God does not dwell in items made with hands (Acts 7:48). Yet, God chose to make His presence known within the earth, the tabernacle, and Solomon’s temple. God also commanded the temple built by Zerubbabel as a place for His name. These were not places where God lived, but those which He made holy by his association with them. Scripture identifies three other holy dwelling places of God not made by human hands. These are Christ, the Church, and the Christian. All told there are 7 specific dwelling places which are or were holy. However, not all of these remained holy. When something holy is defiled or unclean, what is God’s reaction? Is the reaction a pattern with God?

In the beginning, God created the tabernacle of the heavens and earth. For six days, God developed the creation which would ...

There are a great number of religious bodies today which advertise themselves as loving bodies of believers. This is fantastic and the way Christ’s Church should be identified. In fact, Jesus told his disciples the following in John 13:35: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another”. The Bible has much to say about love. A scan of I Corinthians 13 lists a great number of attributes of love including patience, kindness, a lack of arrogance, proper behavior, and a desire for others betterment. God is love (I John 4:8). Jesus is the image of his father (John 14:7). Jesus Body is the Church (Colossians 1:24). Consequently, to know the Church is to know true love.

When is love not really love? Consider the mother who loves her son so much she cannot discipline him. A lot of these children seem to be found at the grocery store. Little Johnnie wants this, wants that, wants the other. “Yes, Yes, Yes”, mother gives in ...

In Wyoming, there are a number of plateaus. Their images cut clearly against the sky. As the light hits the plateau throughout the day, the strata displays a variety of appealing red, orange, brown, and grey tones, and a lazy shadow plods along at the side. In truth, not all plateaus have this distinct desert look. Some of the world’s plateaus are covered over in vegetation, some are underwater, and there can be quite a variation in sizes. To understand how big a plateau can be, it is said the state of Wyoming itself is a large plateau broken up by mountain ranges. Plateaus are created and shaped by wind, rain, movement of the earth’s crust, and even lava flows.

There is another meaning for the term plateau which is taken from the geologic feature. The term plateau can mean a point where growth, increase, or improvement has leveled off. For Christians, this is not a beautiful thing. They are called to continual growth. (2 Pet. 3:18) That growth comes ...

You live, you love, and you die. Perhaps that is oversimplification. Life can be smooth and easy one moment and a combined skydiving, bull ride the next. Getting in and out of this world can even be complex. 7 stages of the human life are explored below. In common terms, the stages are in order: 1) Infancy, 2) Youth; 3) Early adulthood, 4) Midlife adulthood, 5) Seasoned adulthood, 6) Senior adulthood, and ultimately 7) Death. For the purposes of this discussion they will be named otherwise. While the stages cannot always be nailed to exact ages, nor are they applicable to every person, there is a large portion of people who slide easily into them.

Stage 1 – Adorability
In the beginning, amidst pain, tears, and hope, a little alien creature who looks like it has been dipped in transmission fluid enters the world. It is naked, surrounded by strangers, and then wacked on the behind. The reaction of the proud parents and lookers on is smiles, oohs ...

Our society definitely honors those who show “courage.” Medals are given to the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and coast guard personnel who go “…above and beyond the call of duty” and exhibit great bravery while completing their assigned missions. Many times, the people who are so recognized did these actions at the risk of their own lives. Thus, the military awards decorations to these brave men and women according to their level of valor. With much pomp and ceremony, these “heroes” receive such medals as the “Bronze” or “Silver Star,” the “Distinguished Service Cross,” or the highest award our nation can give, the “Medal of Honor.”

Besides actions on “the field of battle,” our society also honors those who display courage in other areas and circumstances of life. Police officers, fire-fighters, and paramedics are recognized with awards and commendations for selfless acts of valor. Many distinguish themselves for rescuing people from dangerous, life-threatening ...

What sort of life do you want to live? Many people would respond to this question by saying something in the fashion of: “I want to live a good, fulfilling life that has meaning and purpose!” This would be a life that offered its share of challenges, no doubt, but would reward the person with a maximum of self-satisfaction, peace, love, and joy and a minimum of self-doubt, guilt, and despair. But where can you find this kind of life? Some in the world say that it can be found through the acquisition of much secular learning and study of philosophy. Others claim that it is reserved for the wealthy and the famous. Some will even maintain that it can be discovered only after completing some great deed or self-sacrificing work.

Solomon, the wise king of Israel and son of David, searched for the meaning of life. Like many in the world, he thought it could be found in secular knowledge, wealth, pleasure, or work. He pursued the things in life that supposedly provided ...

At the close of his second epistle, in II Peter 3:18, the apostle Peter offers a stirring exhortation to all Christians: “…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” (NKJV) Peter encourages followers of Christ to take action, to “…grow.” This word is translated from the Greek term AUXANO which means: “to grow (‘wax’), …enlarge… increase.” (1) Basically, we are told that we should increase our “knowledge” of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ and His gospel and enlarge our understanding of how to better serve Him. In so doing, we will then grow in God’s “grace”- in His unmerited favor for us. Truly, all Christians should aspire and be dedicated to this type of growth.

Yet, many times, we Christians fail to grow! We started off as “young” Christians – “young” in the faith. We learned some of the basic principles concerning salvation and the gospel ...

Friendships are an important part of our lives. Ever since we were young, we have formed these relationships with other individuals and they have brought us times of sadness and happiness, exhilaration and frustration. Some of these friendships have been more shallow and superficial while others have been much more strong and long-lasting. As we grow and mature, we discover that these strong, fulfilling friendships require much effort and work to maintain. That’s probably why most people have so few of them. I’ve heard many individuals say, on a number of occasions, that they can count the number of good friends they have on one hand.

So, what does it mean to be a friend? A “friend,” according to the dictionary, is “…1 a person whom one knows well and is fond of 2 an ally, supporter, or sympathizer.” This, in turn, inspires some questions. Since these relationships are such an important part of our lives, who do we choose to be our ...