Download the entire May 2009 issue of the Water of Life.

In Acts chapter 2, Peter preached an extremely bold sermon to those who were gathered in Jerusalem. He accused the Jewish people of MURDERING the Son of God. He said, “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know – Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death… Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Ac. 2:22-23, 36). Continue Reading »

During our Gospel Meeting, I am sure that Lanny will do his part in preaching the word of the Lord. Notice some reasons why is it important to be present during the meeting to hear the Lord’s word proclaimed. Continue Reading »

Download the entire March 2009 issue of the Water of Life.

Time and again, the Bible commands that Christians are to be sober. The word sober means, “Of sound mind…hence self-controlled, sober-minded” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Truly, we need soberness in our lives. Each of us must be sober… Continue Reading »

“I’m offended!” It is hard to count how many times I have heard someone say these words in a religious context. There are those who will say that they are offended at any number of things. Though motives behind making this statement may vary, it is a Biblical subject and worthy of our attention. Let us consider what it means to be offended. Continue Reading »

Download the entire February 2009 issue of the Water of Life.

In the final portion of John 6, Jesus had been deserted by many of His followers (vs. 66). Seeing this, He turns to the twelve and asks, “Do you also want to go away?” (vs. 67). Peter, upon hearing this question, begins his response with another question. He asks, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (vs. 68). This is a question many in the world are asking today, with many replying very differently than Peter. Let us consider the places some go today to find spiritual direction. Continue Reading »

In Matthew 7:6, Jesus is recorded as saying, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” Dogs are sometimes fierce, and to His Jewish audience swine were unclean. Jesus instructs them not to give them things holy or valuable for they will not profit by it or be appreciative of it. God’s word is holy, precious, and profitable. We need to keep this statement of the Lord in mind when we share His word with others. We must judge an individual’s character by their actions, and act judiciously when teaching God’s word. Consider how we can cast our pearls before swine when talking to others about the Gospel. Continue Reading »

Download the entire January 2009 issue of the Water of Life.

Many people in the religious world today believe in the rapture. Being premillennialists, they see the rapture as being a silent coming of the Lord when all those who are righteous (dead and alive) are going to mysteriously disappear from the earth leaving behind the unholy. These ideas, as of late, have been spread by the Left Behind series of books and videos. Does the Bible say anything about this kind of rapture? Let’s ask some questions concerning this wide-spread doctrine of a rapture. Continue Reading »

In Matthew 23:8-10 Jesus taught, “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.” In almost every denomination, this simple command of the Lord is disregarded as they place titles upon their preachers to denote a higher place for them. Preachers should be respected for the work that they do (1 Cor. 16:18; Phil. 2:29). However, we are all brethren and no preacher should have a title of distinction attached to his name. Let’s notice a few of the more common titles abused by the religious world in this regard. Continue Reading »

Download the entire December 2008 issue of the Water of Life.

After Moses returned from Mount Sinai, he saw the golden calf that the children of Israel had erected, and his anger was aroused. Moses then makes this great call to action: “Whoever is on the LORD’s side – come to me!” (Ex. 32:26). The sons of Levi respond to Moses’ call and are ordered to go through the camp and, without prejudice, slay the people because of their great transgression. That day about 3,000 Israelites died at the hands of these Levites. From their actions we learn much about those on the Lord’s side. To be on the Lord’s side means to… Continue Reading »

This time of year you will often hear that we need to be “putting Christ back into Christmas.” Certainly, there is nothing wrong with families getting together and giving gifts on a particular day. However, we must note that the Bible never speaks of Christians celebrating the birth of Christ, nor is there a command to do so. In fact, no one knows the actual day that His birth occurred. We must not attempt to “put Christ in Christmas” where He does not belong. Nevertheless, the thought of “putting Christ back in” other areas is one sorely needed in our world today. Consider some places where we need to be “putting Christ back in.” Continue Reading »