by David Long
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11).
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" (Gal. 5:22).
Nothing is going to take away my joy that I have in Christ. Not poverty (2 Cor. 8:2). Not persecution (Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 20:24). Not trials or temptations (James 1:2). Not covid-19! I'm gonna "Rejoice evermore" (1 Thess. 5:16).
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, April 29, 2020
Why are you afraid?
by David Long
"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (Matt. 8:23-27). Seems kinda strange that Jesus would ask "Why are you fearful?" Wasn't it obvious, the boat was covered with the waves? But Jesus didn't ask for information, He asked for contemplation. We can't let fear control our lives. Walk by faith not by fear.
"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" (Matt. 8:23-27). Seems kinda strange that Jesus would ask "Why are you fearful?" Wasn't it obvious, the boat was covered with the waves? But Jesus didn't ask for information, He asked for contemplation. We can't let fear control our lives. Walk by faith not by fear.
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Peace
by David Long
Among the things I have learned during this covid-19 pandemic is that the world doesn't have real peace. We live in a scared society and a society that's full of anxieties. One of the things I love about being a Christian is having the peace that Christ gives. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). Having that peace that passes all understanding is a great way to live. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7). The Christian life is the best life and it's the only life that will get one to heaven!
Among the things I have learned during this covid-19 pandemic is that the world doesn't have real peace. We live in a scared society and a society that's full of anxieties. One of the things I love about being a Christian is having the peace that Christ gives. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). Having that peace that passes all understanding is a great way to live. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7). The Christian life is the best life and it's the only life that will get one to heaven!
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Such were some of you
by David Long
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
You can change, they did.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
You can change, they did.
Why I am a member of the church of Christ
by David Long
1. Because it has the right builder (Matt. 16:18).
2. Because it has the right foundation (1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20).
3. Because it begin at the right place (Isa. 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2; Lk. 24:46-49; Acts 1-2).
4. Because it was established at the right time (Isa. 2:2-3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2).
5. Because it has the right name (Rom. 16:16).
6. Because it has the right organization (Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23).
7. Because it has the right worship (John 4:23-24).
8. Because it has the right plan of salvation.
a. Hearing (Rom. 10:17).
b. Believing (John 8:24).
c. Repenting (Acts 17:30).
d. Confessing (Acts 8:37).
e. Being immersed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
f. Living faithfully (Rev. 2:10).
1. Because it has the right builder (Matt. 16:18).
2. Because it has the right foundation (1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20).
3. Because it begin at the right place (Isa. 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2; Lk. 24:46-49; Acts 1-2).
4. Because it was established at the right time (Isa. 2:2-3; Joel 2:28; Acts 2).
5. Because it has the right name (Rom. 16:16).
6. Because it has the right organization (Phil. 1:1; Acts 14:23).
7. Because it has the right worship (John 4:23-24).
8. Because it has the right plan of salvation.
a. Hearing (Rom. 10:17).
b. Believing (John 8:24).
c. Repenting (Acts 17:30).
d. Confessing (Acts 8:37).
e. Being immersed in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
f. Living faithfully (Rev. 2:10).
Tuesday, April 21, 2020
Don't live the way they live
by David Long
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" (Eph. 4:17-19). Christians must always give diligence to not give over to the way of the world because look what happens when we do. Notice the description of the Gentiles minds and hearts and lifestyles. The sad part is: this describes most people today.
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness" (Eph. 4:17-19). Christians must always give diligence to not give over to the way of the world because look what happens when we do. Notice the description of the Gentiles minds and hearts and lifestyles. The sad part is: this describes most people today.
Monday, April 20, 2020
Being a Christian during the pandemic
by David Long
What do we do when the devil gives us difficult circumstances? The covid-19 pandemic is difficult circumstances. What's a child of God supposed to do? (1) Follow the rules, as long as those rules don't violate God's rules (Rom. 13; Acts 5:29). (2) Follow the golden rule (Matt. 7:12). (3) Let your light shine (Matt. 5:13-16). (4) Look out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). (5) Don't worry, trust God (Matt. 6).
What do we do when the devil gives us difficult circumstances? The covid-19 pandemic is difficult circumstances. What's a child of God supposed to do? (1) Follow the rules, as long as those rules don't violate God's rules (Rom. 13; Acts 5:29). (2) Follow the golden rule (Matt. 7:12). (3) Let your light shine (Matt. 5:13-16). (4) Look out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). (5) Don't worry, trust God (Matt. 6).
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
Losing liberty
by David Long
Read these verses: John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:18, 22; 8:2; Gal. 5:1; James 1:25; 2:12. Those passages say something about the freedom or liberty God gives. Do you have it and if you have it, are you losing it? Make no mistake about it, liberty can be lost.
Read these verses: John 8:32, 36; Romans 6:18, 22; 8:2; Gal. 5:1; James 1:25; 2:12. Those passages say something about the freedom or liberty God gives. Do you have it and if you have it, are you losing it? Make no mistake about it, liberty can be lost.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
God is in control
by David Long
I hear that phrase a lot "God is in control" and yes, He is but at the same time Satan is allowed to do His thing on the earth (Gen. 3; Job 1-2; Rev. 2:10). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). The devil knows he's going to hell and he wants to take you with him. Don't go. Don't fall for his lies!
I hear that phrase a lot "God is in control" and yes, He is but at the same time Satan is allowed to do His thing on the earth (Gen. 3; Job 1-2; Rev. 2:10). "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Pet. 5:8). The devil knows he's going to hell and he wants to take you with him. Don't go. Don't fall for his lies!
Essential
by David Long
There's a lot of talk right now amid this covid-19 pandemic about what's essential and what's not. Most businesses have been deemed as non-essential and have been forced to close. Churches have been deemed as non-essential and are being forced to not meet. Church looked upon as non-essential is nothing new the denominational world has been teaching that for years. Ask the average person if church is necessary and they will tell you no. But the truth is, the church that Jesus built is essential (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23, 27). No accountable person will go to heaven unless they are a faithful member of the church that Jesus built. Are you?
There's a lot of talk right now amid this covid-19 pandemic about what's essential and what's not. Most businesses have been deemed as non-essential and have been forced to close. Churches have been deemed as non-essential and are being forced to not meet. Church looked upon as non-essential is nothing new the denominational world has been teaching that for years. Ask the average person if church is necessary and they will tell you no. But the truth is, the church that Jesus built is essential (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23, 27). No accountable person will go to heaven unless they are a faithful member of the church that Jesus built. Are you?
Monday, April 13, 2020
The rat race
by David Long
Society has been referred to as a "rat race." Why? Because people just go, go, go. They run to this activity and that activity. They are on the move all the time but not now. Covid-19 has slowed the rat race down to a snail's pace. Rush hour traffic is not rushed. The highways and streets are just about empty. People have more time at home now. Homeschooling is not a bad thing right now. Maybe people will use this time to focus on what's really important. You think?
Society has been referred to as a "rat race." Why? Because people just go, go, go. They run to this activity and that activity. They are on the move all the time but not now. Covid-19 has slowed the rat race down to a snail's pace. Rush hour traffic is not rushed. The highways and streets are just about empty. People have more time at home now. Homeschooling is not a bad thing right now. Maybe people will use this time to focus on what's really important. You think?
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Afraid
by David Long
This covid-19 pandemic has taught me something. People are afraid. People are afraid they will run out of toilet paper, bread, bananas, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and a host of other things. People are afraid they will get sick and die from the virus so they wear protective gear when they go out in public. I know we need to be cautious but come on. physically speaking people are really afraid. I wonder if people are afraid on a spiritual level? What do I mean? Are they afraid of hell? They need to be (Matt. 10:28).
This covid-19 pandemic has taught me something. People are afraid. People are afraid they will run out of toilet paper, bread, bananas, hand sanitizer, wet wipes and a host of other things. People are afraid they will get sick and die from the virus so they wear protective gear when they go out in public. I know we need to be cautious but come on. physically speaking people are really afraid. I wonder if people are afraid on a spiritual level? What do I mean? Are they afraid of hell? They need to be (Matt. 10:28).
Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Scammers
by David Long
A scammer is someone who deceives or defrauds. There's a lot of scammers in our society. This virus pandemic as brought out the scammers. There are people selling false drugs, saying they can cure covid-19. There are people scamming people concerning the stimulus money. What gets me is how easily we fall for such scams. But let's think for a minute about religious scammers. Jesus warned about them (Matt. 7:15). The Bible warns, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..." (2 Pet. 2:1-3). What gets me is how easily people fall for religious scammers (false teachers). Like all scams we must put them to the test (1 John 4:1).
A scammer is someone who deceives or defrauds. There's a lot of scammers in our society. This virus pandemic as brought out the scammers. There are people selling false drugs, saying they can cure covid-19. There are people scamming people concerning the stimulus money. What gets me is how easily we fall for such scams. But let's think for a minute about religious scammers. Jesus warned about them (Matt. 7:15). The Bible warns, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you..." (2 Pet. 2:1-3). What gets me is how easily people fall for religious scammers (false teachers). Like all scams we must put them to the test (1 John 4:1).
Monday, April 6, 2020
A positive from covid-19
by David Long
There is a positive to covid-19. Parents that weren't home for their children before the virus, are now. Children who were home alone before the virus, aren't now. Perhaps now families can sit down at the dinner table together. Perhaps now families can spend more time together. Perhaps the "stay at home" idea will be used by families to reconnect. Maybe now we will see the importance of God's design for the family. You think?
There is a positive to covid-19. Parents that weren't home for their children before the virus, are now. Children who were home alone before the virus, aren't now. Perhaps now families can sit down at the dinner table together. Perhaps now families can spend more time together. Perhaps the "stay at home" idea will be used by families to reconnect. Maybe now we will see the importance of God's design for the family. You think?
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Afraid of getting sick
by David Long
The church across the street that believes in miraculous healing isn't healing anyone with covid-19. In fact, they stop meeting a few weeks back because they were afraid of getting sick. Where are all the "faith healers" now? I'm not trying to attack anyone personally but what they teach and believe concerning miraculous healing is false. In Bible times there was miraculous healing but it was to confirm the word preached (Heb. 2:3-4; Mk. 16:20). The age of miracles has ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13).
The church across the street that believes in miraculous healing isn't healing anyone with covid-19. In fact, they stop meeting a few weeks back because they were afraid of getting sick. Where are all the "faith healers" now? I'm not trying to attack anyone personally but what they teach and believe concerning miraculous healing is false. In Bible times there was miraculous healing but it was to confirm the word preached (Heb. 2:3-4; Mk. 16:20). The age of miracles has ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13).
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