Sermons and Biblical Studies

The inspired writer Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:8-10 – NKJV: “Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), proving what is acceptable to the Lord” (emphasis mine). Human history is replete with things people produced and offered to God, only to face the consequences of … Continue reading “Proving What Is Acceptable To The Lord – Bible study”

The opening statement in Genesis reads: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). How simple these words, and yet how fathomless! Using his power of observation, a renowned scientist once wrote that nature’s laws are marked by “the greatest mathematical simplicity and beauty.” While I am certainly not a scientist, … Continue reading “The Universe — By Accident Or Design? – Bible study”

Small children are seemingly lovable and innocent until their parents say “no” to their demands. When this happens, some kids scream and cry uncontrollably, demanding what they want. When our son was small, my wife and I thought it was important for him to learn to accept “no” for an answer. We firmly believed this … Continue reading “Learning To Accept God's “No” As An Answer – Bible study”

In the last few years, we’ve seen major storms in the southeastern United States, throughout the Gulf of Mexico, and in the Caribbean. Hurricane after hurricane has torn through the region, leaving dozens of people dead and thousands homeless. Catastrophes like these remind us of our frailty and humanity. Although we may be able to … Continue reading “God — Even In The Eye Of The Hurricane – Bible study”

A querist asks, “Is there a scripture, where it reads that money is a protection and can you please explain James 4:4? The answer to the querist’s first question is Ecclesiastes 7:12 and should be self-explanatory. In James 4:4, the text states: “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is … Continue reading “Money Is A Protection Question – Bible study”

In the past few years I’ve noticed that people seldom use the word “sin” anymore including some so-called preachers of God’s word. When we do something contrary to God’s law (1 John 3:4 KJV), we say we showed “inappropriate behavior” or made a “tactical error” or “mistake.” We may even say, “I have done a … Continue reading “Calling Sin What It Is — Sin – Bible study”

George Barna, founder and president of the Barna Research Group took a survey of American values and religious views across the United States. If we’ve ever doubted the effect that Satan has on our country, then please pay close attention to the following statistics quoted from Mr. Barna’s survey: Mr. Barna’s survey indicated that more … Continue reading “God's Truth — Absolute Or Relative? – Bible study”

After observing the Dallas Cowboy football team for many years, I’ve grown sympathetic at their seemingly inability to score a touchdown when they have the football close to the goal line. There’s an element of “rooting for the underdog” in my compassion for the Dallas Cowboys. There’s also a certain amount of identification, because I … Continue reading “Falling Short And Missing The Target – Bible study”

A querist asks, “In Ephesians 4:8-KJV, what does the phrase, ‘he led captivity captive’ refer to?” Brother G.E. Watkins, preacher for the Strickland Grove congregation and Kevin Cauley, preacher for the Berryville congregation, biblically answer this intriguing question: Ephesians 4:8

Change is one thing we can be certain of in this life. Our relationships change as we move to new places, experience illness, and ultimately face death (Hebrews 9:27). Even the cells in our bodies are always in the process of change. For example, when our skin cells wear out, they are replaced by new … Continue reading “The Inevitability Of Change – Bible study”