Many years ago, there were godly, fundamental folks in any number of churches: Baptists, Methodists, and many others.  From early American history, the Protestants were the ones with colleges, money, and church philosophy resembling their formal roots – Catholic and Church of England.  Although many were fundamental and preached the Gospel– they were far from Baptist.  Groups split off, and the Bible church movement began fostering Community Churches, the Bible Institute movement, and other non-denominational groups.

While I was growing up, lying was about the worst thing we could do (at least among the things we might consider doing).  My parents looked upon a lie in the absolute worst perspective. 

2 Timothy 4:10 “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia."

Today, I would like to share a short lesson I read from Bro. Allen Domelle, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Bethany, Oklahoma. I thought it would be a help to you.

Today, I would like to share a short lesson I read from Bro. Allen Domelle, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Bethany, Oklahoma. I thought it would be a help to you.

Reading Psalm 19 allows us a chance to consider the things our Bible will do for us.

Zechariah “…they were troubled, because there was no shepherd…”

Jude 3 “…that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Paul writes, “…be strong in the Lord…” (Ephesians 6:10) and “…quit you like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Isaiah writes about renewing your strength, while David wrote of God being his strength and shield. Hebrews 12:3 says not to “…faint in your minds.”

When we read the Bible, we should read much. When we make a decision based on the Bible, we should base it on more than one verse. God can communicate in a single passage or just a word, but it is wise to read much.  From comparing one verse to another, we also learn much. Likewise, we find much in the context or the verses around the verse. 

Ephesians 4:22 “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;”

Many years ago, a state superintendent of schools said to a Baptist church regarding their Christian school, “We are preparing our children for the next generation, where your Christian school kids will not fit in.”  The pastor replied, “We are preparing our children for the coming Kingdom of Jesus Christ where your children will not fit in.”  You can guess how that conversation ended.

In the book of Philemon, one word that stands out in the Christian life is used four times – fellow. Used in a context of camaraderie, Paul tells of his faithful brethren.

Paul writes, “be strong in the Lord” and “quit ye like men, be strong.”  Isaiah wrote about renewing your strength, while David wrote of God being his strength and shield.  Hebrews 12 says not to “faint in your minds.”

We live in a godless, corrupt world because so few have any fear of God.  We have stopped teaching children that there is a God in Heaven before Whom they will stand.

We all have our personal picture of the Lord, whether that picture be of a kind, loving God or one of wrath and judgment.  The very best thing to do is read enough Bible that our thoughts are His thoughts. 

(If you did not read Be Careful Little Eyes - Part. 1, you may want to read it to help set the stage for these thoughts.)
Most of humanity allows public opinion to set their morals.  Those who live in a primitive culture think nothing of going around the village topless, nursing a baby in public, or wearing a loin cloth. They have seen this all their lives and count it as acceptable.  (A good reason to avoid beaches in our nation.)

I would like to point out two stories: one, David and Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:3), and the other, Achan at Jericho (Joshua 7:21). Both of these men saw something, and then took something. I could also add Samson, who saw the gal and told his parents to get her for him (Judges 14:2-3); he also saw and took.

Most of us are familiar with Romans 8:28 where we are told “all things work together for good (do not miss the caveat) to them that love God…”

During March, we always seek to raise money for special projects at church. Everybody basically has their “special projects.” For some people it’s their motor home; for other people, their special project is their four-wheelers and off-road vehicles. I know one couple that loves to go on cruises. They will carefully plan their time and their finances so they can enjoy multiple cruises every year. Now, in and of themselves, none of these activities or hobbies are wrong, but we must understand that these are a reflection of what people consider special or important.