The Book of James has been called the Proverbs of the New Testament, and it shows us how the “perfect” or “mature” man or woman can respond in various circumstances. In Chapter Four, we see particular instruction on submitting our desires to the will of God and understanding the role of judgment in the life of the believer.
During a visit on his way to the Orlando Conference, Brother Glen Balsinger from Oregon shared a message from the book of Malachi, considering the many questions and answers given by the people in response to the Lord’s call on their lives. May we be inspired to be like those who “Met often and spoke together” about the Lord and His things.
As He did for Daniel and his three young friends, as well as for the baby Moses and his parents, God will make a way where there seems to be no way. As we reflect on these stories from the past of God’s faithfulness, we can be more and more assured that He will work in our present difficulties in unexpected ways.
We often are blessed as we meditate on the saving grace of God. But how often do we consider this grace—revealed fully in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ—as a training ground for our spiritual lives? Paul tells Titus that the grace of God has appeared, “training us …” What lessons do we gain as we sit under the teaching of God’s matchless grace?
We have a calling as believers to strengthen one another, to build one another up, to encourage one another. But how can we do this if we don’t know one another? Let’s pursue deeper knowledge of our brothers and sisters so we can fulfill the desire of the Lord that we love one another as He has loved us.
Brother Jasper Barnett shared these thoughts on 1 Corinthians 11 about the practice of breaking bread, its significance, and our responsibilities concerning this important part of our Lord’s Day worship.
Brother Richard Ledgister shared this message on the Lord Jesus's description of Himself as meek and lowly. May we aspire to be more like Him in these beautiful qualities!
On Lord's Day, August 12th, Brother Laurel Smalling shared this call from the prophecy of Isaiah to awake from our slumber. Several times in the latter chapters of Isaiah, we hear the command to awake and hearken to the voice of the Lord.
On the Lord's Day, August 5th, Brother Colbert Martin from Fort Lauderdale shared a message from John 3, recounting the Lord Jesus's nighttime conversation with the religious leader, Nicodemus.
Brother Jim Auld spoke with passion this past Lord's Day as he took us to the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4. Just as she was able to experience peace in the midst of the most trying circumstances by taking them to the man of God, we too can say in our hearts "all will be well" as we lean on the breast of our Lord Jesus.
Luke Harriman reminded us today of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. Using this contrast, the Lord brings out the temptations we all face to have an improper attitude toward God, ourselves, and others. The answer, in a word, is humility.
During a visit to South Florida, Brother Vivian Smith shared a word from 1 John 2 in which he walked us through John's message to fathers, young men, and little children.
Brother Ken Huebner took us to the Gospel of John, speaking on the Lord Jesus as the true light, bread, way, truth, and life. Afterward, Brother Luke Harriman discussed the way these aspects of the Lord's ministry are foreshadowed in the history of the people of Israel.
Brother Laurel Smalling gave a message from Ruth 1, emphasizing six qualities of godly fathers. Although Naomi's husband Elimelech failed to live up to these expectations, we men and fatherscan be encouraged to pursue them with all our hearts.
Luke Harriman gave this message, challenging the hearer to ask, "Whose house am I building?" By considering the example of Solomon in 1Kings and the returned exiles in Haggai 1, Brother Luke warns us that our priorities can often become skewed to the point that our lives mirror the lives of those without a relationship with the Lord Jesus.
Brother Jasper Barnett shared a message from John 4 about the Samaritan woman's encounter with the Lord Jesus. As with her, the Lord is able to take us from the depths of our shame to the "hall of fame."
Luke Harriman gave this Lord's Day teaching on the Breaking of Bread meeting as a type of Memorial Day for the believer. As we remember the One who laid down His life to obtain our freedom, we are transformed in remarkable ways.
During a recent visit to South Florida, Brother Ashton Bristol preached on the experiences of three New Testament saints—Stephen, Paul, and John—who received glimpses of Heaven, seeing and hearing things no one else did. May we strive to hear and see with eyes of faith as the Lord reveals Himself in His Word.
Brother Laurel Smalling shared this message from the book of Jeremiah on the value of walking in the "old paths."
Brother Jasper Barnett presented a picture of the Lord Jesus from the Gospel of John as One who always did the will of His Father. As we contemplate Him, we can be encouraged to live our lives with that same sense of purpose and devotion.