Not passed this way before

 by David Long

"And they commanded the people, saying, When ye see the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then ye shall remove from your place, and go after it. Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Joshua 3:3-4). Here in these passages Joshua is giving instructions as they were about to cross the Jordan river into the Promised Land.  Notice he said about the way they were going, "you have not passed this way before." They needed guidance. They needed to follow God's instructions. We are about to enter a New Year (2021). We have not passed this way before. Let's make it a good one by following God's word. 

The fourth day of creation

 by David Long

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands" (Psa. 19:1). The beauty and vastness of the cosmos declares God's glory. Mercury is 48 million miles from earth. Venus is 26 million miles from earth. Mars is 140 million miles from earth. Jupiter is 444 million miles from earth. Saturn is 793.8 million miles from earth. Uranus is 1.6 billion miles from earth. Neptune is 2.7 billion miles from earth. Pluto is 3.1 billion miles from earth. The closest star to earth (not counting the Sun) is Alpha Centauri (a triple star system) and it is 25.6 trillion miles from earth. All this is our solar system within our Milky Way galaxy which is hundred of thousands of light years across. The observable universe is 93 billion light years across. Pretty amazing. What does all this mean to us? Read Psa. 19; Psa. 8; Psa. 33:8-9; Rom. 1:20. 

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God

 by David Long

"For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off" (Rom. 11:21-22). Here is a warning. If a person does not continue in the goodness of God then they will feel the severity of God. Here is also a promise. If a person does continue in the goodness of God then God's goodness will be toward them. Dear reader, which do you want: God's goodness or God's severity? 

The greatest story ever told

 by David Long

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16). Here in this passage is in a nutshell the greatest story ever told. God became flesh (John 1:1-3, 14), showed us how to live and died for us on the cross and was received up into glory (Acts 1:9-11). Now if we want to go to heaven we must obey the One who became flesh (Heb. 5:8-9). 

fig leaves or coats of skin?

by David Long

Before sin entered the world nakedness was acceptable (Gen. 2:25). After sin entered the world nakedness was and is unacceptable. "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Gen. 3:6-7). Adam and Eve tried to cover their nakedness but their coverings did not cover enough. "Aprons" refers to "a waist or hip covering." God made them coats of skin (Gen. 3:21). "Coats" refers to a long tunic (from the shoulders to the knees). God set the standard for covering.  

Saved

 by David Long

There are those in the religious world who say that Paul was saved on the road to Damascus. If Paul was saved on the road to Damascus Jesus didn't know it because He told him to go to Damascus and there he would be told what to do to be saved (Acts 9:6; 22:10). If Paul was saved on the road to Damascus he didn't know it because he was three days in fasting and prayer waiting to be told what he must do (Acts 9:8-11). If Paul was saved on the road to Damascus Ananias didn't know it because he told him "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). 

Liar

 by David Long

"If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (1 John 1:6).

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son" (1 John 2:22).

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" (1 John 4:20).

Jesus is life

by David Long

Jesus is the Word of life (1 John 1:1).

Jesus is the Bread of life (John 6:48).

Jesus is the Light of life (John 8:12).

Jesus is the Life (John 14:6).

Jesus is eternal life (1 John 1:3).

Jesus came that we may life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).  

Modest apparel

 by David Long

"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Tim. 2:9-10). God set the standard for dress in Gen. 3:21, "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them." Both men and women need to dress properly, decently and appropriately. 

Overcoming hate

 by David Long

Read Acts 21:8. Most read over that verse and miss how such could happen (Paul staying in Phillip's house). Phillip was one of the seven chosen to help with the Grecian widows. Stephen was also one of the seven but Paul (then Saul) had killed him. Phillip had been run out of Jerusalem by Paul who was persecuting Christians. If any one had a reason to distrust Paul, it would have been Phillip. But now look at those two men. In Acts 21:8 you have Phillip helping the man who at one time hated him and Paul staying in the house of the man, he once would have killed. Now they both would lay down their lives for each other. How does that happen? Politics won't do it. No political party will do it. Man-made religions won't do it. Only the gospel of Christ does it!  

Joy may be full

 by David Long

"That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:1-4). Why was those things written? "that your joy may be full." I want my joy to be full and the things written about Jesus here in theses verses accomplish that. Is your joy full? 

Not inherit the kingdom of God

 by David Long

Some things that will cause one to not inherit the kingdom of God.

"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21).

"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" (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

Love the sinner but hate the sin

 by David Long

God loves everyone (John 3:16). But God hates sin (Heb. 1:9; Rev. 2:6; Prov. 6:16-19). Those who fear God and follow His word will love everyone but hate sin (Prov. 8:13; Psa. 119:104). The world's hate for something is to commit physical violence against the person they hate but that's not the way of a Christian. Christians hate sin because we know what it does to the soul. Christians want sinners to repent of their sins because if people don't repent they will perish (Lk. 13:3, 5). 

Lost in space

 by David Long

"O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens...When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?" (Psa. 8:1, 3-4).

Compared to how big the universe is and the size of things in the universe, man is but a tiny grain of sand in the ocean of space and yet we are the object of God's love. You would think that something so small would be lost in such a vast place but no, God is mindful of us. 

Fraud

 by David Long

We are hearing a lot about fraud these days. What is fraud? It is deceit or deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. Fraud is a sin. Paul told Elymas the sorcerer, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord" (Acts 13:10). Can't be right with God and commit fraud. 

Gambling

 by David Long

Anything wrong with gambling? Gambling is wrong because it's covetous or greed. Gambling is not wrong because it is taking a risk of chance but because of the strong covetous desire to take another's property without giving him a fair exchange for that property and just because people enter into a gambling agreement does not keep it from being motivated by greed. God's word says covetousness is idolatry (Col. 3:5). 

Afraid of dying

 by David Long

Are you afraid of dying? Most people are. But Christians aren't. Why? Because Jesus has delivered us from the fear of death. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:14-15). Live fear free (2 Tim. 4:6-8). 

Are you a liar?

 by David Long

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" (1 John 4:20).

"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son" (1 John 2:22). 

"He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (1 John 2:4).

If you are a liar then the Devil is your father (John 8:44). 

Where do liars go? Read Revelation 21:8. 

Stand in awe

 by David Long

"By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psa. 33:6-9). 

Have you ever looked up at the stars on a dark night? Billions of them and yet we only see just a small portion of them. On the 4th day of creation it is said that God made the stars also, "he made the stars also" (Gen. 1:16). In that short phrase is the creation of the cosmos and it declares the glory of God (Psa. 19:1). Out of all the stars and planets, it is earth where God placed man, created in His image and where Jesus came and died for our sins (the greatest act of love). Though we have rebelled against Him, He offers salvation (Heb. 5:8-9). It is fitting that we stand in awe of Him for what He had done! 

Abortion

 by David Long

One of the great moral evils of our time is abortion. Why is abortion wrong? Because it is the killing of innocent life and because human life is sacred. You know something is wrong in our society when animal life is treated as sacred but human life is not. We cry, "Save the whales" but not "save the babies." You can go to prison for destroying an eagle's egg but not for killing a child in the womb. Man is wonderfully made because he is made in the image of God (Psa. 139:13-16). 

Drugs

 by David Long

The Bible does not says, "Thou shalt not use drugs." The Bible does not come right out and condemn Meth, Cocaine, PCP, LSD, Marijuana and other illicit drugs. So is it all right to use such drugs? No. Why? Because of our example and influence (Matt. 5:13-16). Because we are destroying our mind and body when we use such drugs (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Caffeine is a drug we don't think much about but too much of it can be harmful to the mind and body. 

Good character

 by David Long

What are some qualities of good character?

1. Respect for God (Eccl. 12:13-14).

2. Honesty (John 1:47).

3. Dependability (Matt. 25:14-30).

4. Self-control or self-discipline (1 Cor. 9:27; Phil. 4:8).

5. Being just and fair (Micah 6:8; Matt. 18:23-35).

6. Morality (1 Cor. 6:18; 1 Tim. 5:22).

Code of conduct

 by David Long

Is there a universal code of conduct? Are there rules of right and wrong? Yes there is, it's called the Bible. God's word is the standard of right and wrong. Morals don't come from man, they come from God. Read Titus 2:11-12; 2 Pet. 3:11; 1 Pet. 1:15; James 3;13; 1 Tim. 3:15. God's word is the guide in life. If the Bible is not your guide then you have the wrong guide. We don't get to decide what's right and what's wrong, God does! 

Tobacco

 by David Long

Wanna smoke? Wanna chew? No! Why? Because smoking and chewing are harmful to the body. Tobacco contains a drug that is habit forming and it is a bad habit (a sinful habit). Read 1 Cor. 6:19-20; Rom. 12:1. Tobacco use sets a bad example.

Dancing

 by David Long

Is dancing sinful? Well, I guess it depends on the dance. What do I mean by that? Any dance that would fall into the category of lasciviousness would be sinful. Lasciviousness is condemned in the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21). Lasciviousness means "Unbridled lust, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females." So if you can find a dance that doesn't have indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females or unbridled lust, then do it. But that takes all the fun out of it, doesn't it and who wants to do it then?  Exactly! Get the point? Read Titus 2:11-12. 

Alcohol

 by David Long

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Prov. 20:1). Is that clear enough? If that's not clear enough then read Prov. 23:29-35 and if that's clear enough read Eph. 5:18. 

Justice, mercy and grace

 by David Long

Justice is getting what you deserve. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). That's what we deserve.

Mercy is not getting what you deserve. Because we sin we deserve death but because of God's mercy we can be saved from death (Titus 3:3-7).

Grace is getting what you don't deserve. We don't deserve heaven but because of God's grace we can have eternal life in heaven.

God extends His mercy and saves us by His grace when, in faith, we obey the conditions of acceptance. That involves obeying Jesus (Heb. 5:8-9). Believing in Him (John 8:24). Repenting of our sins (Acts 17:30). Confessing our faith in Him (Acts 8:37). Being immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) and living faithfully the Christian life (Rom. 6:3-4; Rev. 2:10). 

Scriptural baptism

by David Long

What is necessary to make a baptism scriptural?

1. The right action. The right action is immersion (Acts 8:35-39). Sprinkling or pouring water on a person is not baptism. 

2. The right subject. The right subject is a person who can believe in Jesus (John 8:24), understand what it means to repent of sins (Acts 17:30) and can confess their faith in Christ (Acts 8:37). 

3. The right purpose. The right purpose is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), to have one's sins washed away (Acts 22:16) and to be added to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41, 47). 

Why am I here?

 by David Long

Do you know why you are here? Do you understand your purpose for living? Most people don't have a clue. The Bible is clear, "(This is) the end of the matter; all hath been heard: fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole (duty) of man. For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Eccl. 12:13-14). 

If you don't work, you don't eat

 by David Long

"The labor of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through"  (Eccl. 10:15-18).

The Bible is not giving a lesson in political science in those passages but is talking about a strong work ethic, from the ditch digger to the ruler. Laziness is bad no matter if you are taking care of a house or a nation. Selfishness destroys houses and nations. We need to teach the Bible principle that if you are capable of working and you don't then you don't eat (2 Thess. 3:10).  

Vote for life

 by David Long

When it comes to the election of eternal life, you have the deciding vote. God has voted for you by sending Jesus to die for your sins (1 John 4:10). The devil has voted against you by tempting  you to sin. Now you have the deciding vote (Dt. 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Matt. 7:13-14). 

What saves?

 by David Long

What's the one thing that saves? There is no one thing that saves. God saves (Titus 3:4). Christ saves (Luke 19:10). The Holy Spirit saves (1 Cor. 6:11). The blood of Christ saves (Rom. 5:8-9). The word of God saves (James 1:21). The gospel saves (Rom. 1:16). Grace saves (Eph. 2:8). Mercy saves (Titus 3:5). Faith saves (Eph. 2:8). Repentance saves (Acts 11:18). Confession saves (Rom. 10:9-10). Baptism saves (1 Pet. 3:21). This is just a short list of things involved in salvation. There is no one thing that saves. Don't add to or take away from God's "recipe" of salvation (Dt. 4:2; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18-19). 

Making bad decisions

 by David Long

"Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west" (Acts 27:9-12).

If there was ever a classic example of how to make bad decisions in life, the resolve to keep sailing is it: ignore the advice of the godly; listen to "experts" more concerned about profit and pleasure than people and principles and go along with the majority. Sounds a lot like people today and the way they make decisions. 

Gotta take the bad with the good

 by David Long

"But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island" (Acts 27:21-26).

The Christian life is like Paul's trip to Rome, it's not all smooth sailing. There are hardships along the way.  It's not all sunshine and roses. We gotta take the bad with the good. The Christian who lives faithfully will make it to heaven but don't expect an easy ride there (Rev. 2:10). 

I believe God

 by David Long

"Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me" (Acts 27:25). Paul said, "I believe God." I like that. Paul didn't just believe in God, he believed God. When Paul got a message from God, he believed it. We have God's message today, its called the Bible. I believe it. I believe God will do exactly what He was spoken in His word. Do you? 

Have no fellowship with the works of darkness

 by David Long

"And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour" (Acts 16:16-18). You would have thought that since the fortuneteller was telling the truth about Paul and Silas that Paul would let her join forces with him or at least let her go on saying what she was saying about them but no he didn't. He put a stop to it. Why? Because Christians don't have fellowship with darkness in any way shape or form (2 Cor. 6:14-18). 

God's order for the family

God's order for the family roles is as follows:

The husband is head of the house (Eph. 6:23).

The wife is in subjection to her husband (Eph. 6:22).

The children are to obey and honor their parents (Eph. 6:1-3). 

What kind of soil are you?

 by David Long

Read Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:14-20 and Luke 8:11-15. In those passages Jesus uses different kinds of soils to illustrate different kinds of hearts. There is the hard heart, the shallow heart, the crowded heart and the good and honest heart. Which one are you? 

Do you have an open heart?

 by David Long

"And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us" (Acts 16:14-15).

How did the Lord open Lydia's heart? Through the message be presented. The phrase "she attended" means "to hold the mind towards; to pay attention." See what the word of God can do to a person who pays attention? Paul said she "heard us." An open heart will respond to the gospel in obedience. Is that you? 

life is not a selfie

 by David Long

What's a selfie? You taking a picture of yourself with your cellphone (and then add to that, post those pictures on your Facebook page or any other social media). What's wrong with a selfie? Nothing but then again it could be something. It could be sign of selfishness. It could be a sign of self-exaltation. It could be a sign of self-worship. It might be a sign of "For men shall be lovers of their own selves" (2 Tim. 3:2). We live in a selfish society. But when a person becomes a Christian they die to self and live for Christ (Lk. 9:23; Gal. 2:20). 

God knows who we really are

 by David Long

"O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether" (Psa. 139:1-4). Reputation is what others think we are. Character is what God knows we are. It is true that our reputation is sometimes worse than our real character. People may spread lies about us and give us a bad reputation. But it is also true that our reputation may be better than our character. If others knew what we do in the dark or when no one is watching, our reputations wouldn't be so good. But here's the deal: God knows exactly what kind of person I really am. Can't hide anything from God (Heb. 4:13).

want to

 by David Long

People do what they want to do. If we want to go to heaven, keeping God's commandments must become our want to. The rich young ruler wanted eternal life but when Jesus told him how to obtain it, he walked away (Mk. 10:21-22). His want to wasn't what Jesus wanted Him to do. Is yours? 

choose

 by David Long

God didn't create robots. He created us with free will. Adam and Eve had a choice (Gen. 2:16-17). Moses set before Israel a choice (Dt. 30:19). Joshua set before Israel a choice (Josh. 24:15). Jesus set before us a choice (Matt. 6:24). There are two roads before you, make your choice (Matt. 7:13-14). 

The way of Cain

 by David Long

"Woe unto them! For they went in the way of Cain, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah" (Jude 11). What is the way of Cain? The way of Cain is doing your own thing. "Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous" (1 John 3:12). Cain's works refers to his sacrifice (Gen. 4). "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Heb. 11:4).

Does God care how we worship Him? If you don't think so you need to study the way of Cain. If you think God is pleased with any old way as long as we are sincere, you need to study the way of Cain. 

Eternal life

 by David Long

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:11-13). Eternal life is in Jesus, the Son of God. All spiritual blessings are in Christ (Eph. 1:3). Salvation is in Christ (2 Tim. 2:10). Here's the kicker: the only way to get in Christ is to be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27; Rom. 6:3-4). 

Wrong people in authority

 by David Long

"Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!" (Eccl. 10:16-17). Sometimes the wrong people are in authority. You know you are in trouble when those in authority abuse their power and use their positions for self-serving purposes. You know something is wrong when our elected officials are getting rich while in office. 

How does the process work?

 by David Long

We have sinned but how did we get there? What is the process? How does it work? 

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death" (James 1:13-15).

See the process? See how it works? 

The devil

David Long

There are a lot of false ideas in the world about the devil or also called Satan. One of those ideas is that he rules in hell. The devil does not nor will he ever rule in hell. Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). He will suffer there for all eternity and if we follow him, we will be there with him. There are two roads before you, one leads to heaven and the other leads to hell (Matt. 7:13-14). Which road do you think the devil is on? Believe his lies and you will be on the same road he is on. 

We are just vapors

 by David Long

"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:;13-15). The word "vapor" means "mist." It refers to something that disappears quickly, like the morning fog or steam coming off a hot spring; you see it for a little bit then it vanishes away. It's a sober reminder that life is short, real short, no matter if one lives to be a hundred. Here today and gone to tomorrow. Don't waste your time on things that don't matter. Let's prepare for eternity. Its coming and it will be here sooner than we think. 

Seven things that are an abomination

 by David Long

"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:16-19). The word "abomination" means "something disgusting; a foul thing; a detestable thing." 

God will judge the world

 by David Long

"Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). Judgment Day is an appointed day. We don't know when but it's coming. God will judge the world in righteousness, which means the standard of judgment will be His word (John 12:48) and judgment will be done by that man whom He has ordained, Jesus Christ. 

There is a God in heaven

by David Long

There is a God in heaven. He is the Creator and sustainer and all people will answer to Him. "Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead" (Acts 17:24-31). We better change our ways while we can (2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:7-9). Judgment Day's coming! 

Love the praise of men more than the praise of God

 by David Long

"Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:42-43). What is the praise of God? It's obeying God and having his approval (Matt. 25:21). In the case of the chief rulers it was not only believing on Jesus but confessing Jesus which meant they would have to follow Him but that would mean being rejected by their peers. Which do you want: the praise of men or the praise of God? If you want the praise of God then you gonna have to obey Jesus (Heb. 5:8-9). Remember this: the praise of men won't get you to heaven. 

The way that is right

 by David Long

"But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship (serve) I the God of my fathers..." (Acts 24:14). Paul here said that he worshipped or served God after the way the Jews called "heresy or sect." What was that way? Was it the Jewish way? No. Why? Because the Jews would not call their way "heresy." Was it the Gentile way? No. Because Paul condemned the Gentile way (Acts 17:22-25). That leaves only one way left, the Christian way, the church of Christ. What way is right with God? It was the way Paul worshipped and served God. All other ways are false. 

Walk accurately

 by David Long

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise" (Eph. 5:15).  The word "circumspectly" means "exactly, accurately, pertaining to strict conformity to a standard, involving both detail and completeness." The command is like the one given by God to Joshua. "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left..." (Josh. 1:7). Christians are to give constant care to walk within the framework of God's word. anything less and we walk as fools. 

Washed in the blood

 by David Long

"And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Rev. 1:5). Notice what the last part of that verse says, "washed us from our sins in his own blood." Forgiveness of sins comes by being washed in Jesus's blood. "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Notice the Corinthians had been washed. When does the blood of Jesus wash away our sins? Notice what Saul was told in Acts 22:16, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Ever learning

 by David Long

The Bible says of some, "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (2 Tim. 3:7). Today there are still people like that. There are people who study the Bible but never come to the knowledge of the truth. Why? Because they aren't studying to show themselves approved unto God (2 Tim. 2:15). They don't rightly divide the word of God (2 Tim. 2:15). They don't study like the Bereaians (Acts 17:11). They are not examining themselves to see if they are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5). They don't test what they believe to see if it's the truth or not. They don't put teachers to the test (1 John 4:1). They aren't studying to make the necessary changes in their lives to be right with God (James 1:22-25). But if you ask them, "Do you study the Bible?" They will say, "Yes, I study the Bible every day." 

God is a rewarder

 by David Long

God is a rewarder of diligence (Heb. 11:6).

God is a rewarder of faithfulness (Heb. 10:35).

God is a rewarder of service (Col. 3:24).

God is a rewarder of proper action (Lk. 6:35).

Don't lose your reward (2 John 8). 

What does the cross mean?

 by David Long

What did the cross mean to Jesus? It meant His death. "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:8).

What did the cross mean to the devil?  It meant his defeat. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" (Heb. 2:14).

What does the cross mean to us? It means our deliverance. "And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Heb. 2:15).

The saving of a bad man and the saving of a good man

 by David Long

In Acts 9 we have the the conversion of Saul who became the apostle Paul. As Saul he was a very bad man (1 Tim. 1:13). But he was saved when he obeyed the gospel (Acts 22:16). In Acts 10 we have the conversion of Cornelius, a very good man. He was devout, just, feared God, helped the poor and prayed always. But he was just as lost as Saul until he obeyed the gospel (Acts 10:47-48). Both the bad and good man were saved in the same way. They both had to be immersed in water for the remission of sins. What's the point for us. Good or bad, rich or poor, male or female, bond or free, red or white, God has one plan of salvation for all and it's called obeying the gospel and no matter how religious a person is, how good they are or how much good report they have in the community, until they obey the gospel, they are lost. 

Can you say "goodbye" to it?

 by David Long

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple" (Lk. 14:33). The word "forsaketh" means "literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce." Is heaven better than anything we have here? Someone said, "the main measure of whether we have a proper attitude toward temporal joys is how ready we are to let go of them and I don't mean someday, I mean today, if the need should arise." We must hold loosely all that is not eternal. 

Saved in Damascus

 by David Long

Was Saul (Paul) saved on the road to Damascus (Acts 9)? No, he was saved in Damascus. "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do" (Acts 9:6). After fasting and praying for three days in Damascus (Acts 9:8-11) Ananias came and told him, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). 

Overcoming hate

 by David Long

“And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him” (Acts 21:8). Most read over this and miss how this was possible: Paul staying in Philip’s house. Philip was one of seven in Acts 6. Stephen who was also one of the seven had been killed by Paul (when he was Saul) in Acts 7. Philip and Stephen were coworkers in helping the Grecian widows. Philip had been run out of Jerusalem by Paul who was persecuting Christians. If any one had reason to distrust and even hate Paul, it had to be Philip. But now look at these two men. No hate in their hearts. Now you have Philip helping the man who at one time hated him and Paul staying in the house of the man he once would have killed. Now they both would lay down their lives for each other. What overcomes hate? Politics won’t do it. Self-help books won’t do it. The man-made religions won’t do it. Then what does it? “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Eph. 2:13-18).

So you think you are going to heaven?

 by David Long

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it" (Matt. 7:21-23). Here were some people that got a surprise on Judgement Day. They thought that they were going to heaven but they found out they weren't. Better study the Bible and make sure you are doing God's will. 

Imitators of God

 by David Long

"Be Ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children" (Eph. 5:1). If you are a Christian you are to imitate God. God expects a certain kind of behavior from you, so much so that your salvation depends on it. You are the object of God's love, God should be the object of your love. How are you acting like God today? Do you even know how He wants you to behave? If we are going to be imitators of God then we must study the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). 

Do this in remembrance of me

 by David Long

"For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come" (1 Cor. 11:23-26; cf. Lk. 22:19-20). There's the command "Do this in remembrance of me." That's not an option, it's a command from Jesus. When do we do it? When did the first century Christians do it? They obeyed that command on Sundays "the first day of the week" (Acts 20:7). We follow that pattern. What other day is authorized? 

Repent or perish

 by David Long

Read Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30. God commands repentance. But what is repentance? Most people think it is just being sorry for your sins but being sorry is not repentance. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of life or actions. You may be sorry for what you've done but if you haven't changed then you haven't repented. "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. Whether of them twain did the will of his father?..." (Matt. 21:28-31). 

Are you a friend of Jesus?

 by David Long

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you" (John 15:14). Is that clear enough? If you want to be Jesus' friend you must obey Him. If you want eternal salvation you must obey Jesus (Heb. 5:8-9). "Go Ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:19-20). Hear the part about observing all things He has commanded? Are you doing that? If not then you are not a friend of Jesus. 

Neither give place to the devil

 by David Long

"Neither give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27). How would we give place to the devil? By allowing bad thoughts into our minds. Notice we give the devil a place, he can't force us to give him a place. Read Acts 5:1-4 for a good example of this. The battle is for the mind and when we start thinking wrong, that gives the devil an opportunity take control. "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5). Let the Bible guide your thoughts and fill your mind (Psa. 119:105; Matt. 4). 

hope in death

 by David Long

The atheist may say, "I have no fear in death. So what's the difference between me and a Christian?" The difference is hope in death. You may have no fear in death but so does a cow. Do you have hope in death? "That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil" (Heb. 6:18-19). 

The world hates the righteous

 by David Long

"For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous. Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you" (1 John 3:11-13). Get the Point? If not then listen to John 15:17-19, "These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." Follow Jesus and you will get the same treatment He got from the world. 

Defining your Christianity

 by David Long

Is your Christianity defined by what you don't do: "I don't steal, I don't kill, I don't cheat, I don't lie, I don't..."?  It is true that as Christians we don't do some things but if that's how we define ourselves as Christians then our entire perception of Christianity is one-sided and out of balance. As Christians we need to think proactively  in terms of what we do as God's people. We not only avoid the wrong but we do what's right. We are doers of the word (James 1:22). Just being a "don't" Christian will not get one to heaven, we must do (Matt. 25:34-40).  

Lying

 by David Long

Lying seems to be the norm for people in today's society, practically when it comes to politicians. But a lying society is nothing new. The Bible says of some in the first century, "one of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, idle gluttons" (Titus 1:12). Liars are born of the Devil because he is the father of lies (John 8:44). Liars go to hell (Rev. 21:8). Don't be a liar and don't believe the lies. Speak the truth and only believe the truth. Reject any falsehood of any kind! Follow liars and you go to hell with them, no matter how sincere you are. 

What will it cost?

by David Long

 "And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Lk. 14:25-35).

Following Jesus comes with a cost. Are you willing pay it? Won't make it to heaven unless you do.. 

Don't live like the world

 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). What's wrong with living like the world? 

1. They walk in the vanity of their mind.

2. Their understanding is darkened.

3. They are alienated from the life of God through ignorance. 

4. Their heart is blind or hard.

5. They are past feeling (calloused). 

6. They have given themselves over to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 

Strength

 by David Long

Are you strong? There are different kinds of strength. There is physical, mental and emotional strength. Most of society is focused on physical strength. But there are some disciplines that can give one mental and emotional strength. The most important kind of strength is spiritual. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6:10-17). This kind of strength is only gained by a study and application of the word of God. "I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one" (1 John 2:14). Now that's real strength! 

Be holy

 by David Long

"but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy" (1 Pet. 1:15-16). This is not an option. This is a command "Be holy." Holy in all our conduct or behavior or manner of life. Can't live like the world and be holy! "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom. 12:1-2).

united we stand - divided we fall

 by David Long

"And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end" (Mk. 3:22-26). The point was and is Jesus was not casting out demons by the power of Satan but by the power of God. Jesus used an illustration of a kingdom or a house being divided, such cannot stand, it will fall. That principle is true today. United we stand, divided we fall!

Injustice

by David Long

We hear a lot today about injustice, whether it be social injustice, racial injustice or economic injustice. Everyone seems to have some kind of injustice grip. Let me show you an injustice. 

"But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask Barabbas, and destroy Jesus. The governor answered and said unto them, Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you? They said, Barabbas. Pilate saith unto them, What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified. And the governor said, Why, what evil hath he done? But they cried out the more, saying, Let him be crucified. When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified. Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him" (Matt. 27:20-31). Read also Isaiah 53. 

Think about that injustice. 

Do you play an instrument?

by David Long

The denominational world says the Bible authorizes musical instruments in church worship. If it does then every worshiper must play an instrument. Eph 5:19 and Col. 3:16 commands all worshipers to sing and if those verses authorize musical instruments then all must play one. Of course they won't go that far. Do you play an instrument in your denominational worship? If not then aren't you sinning? The truth is the Bible does not authorize musical instruments in worship. God says sing and we all can do that.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Eph. 5:19).

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Col. 3:16).

Let us cleanse ourselves

by David Long

"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 6:17-7:1). Notice what is said based on the promises one has for being a child of God, "let us cleanse ourselves of all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Can't live, think or act like the world and be a child of God! Just no way possible!  

Life isn't fair

by David Long

Someone will say, "Life isn't fair." And I agree. Let me show when it became unfair. Gen. 3:6-19, "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat? And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." When sin entered the world, life got unfair. 

Where are the miracle workers?

by David Long

"And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mk. 16:17-18). There are those today who claim to have such powers as Jesus mentioned in these verses. They claim that they can heal people. Some of them will even have big healing services. Well, where are they now with this pandemic? Are they healing anyone with covid-19? Right now would be a good time to have a big healing service and heal people with the virus. But you know what? They are just as scared of  getting the virus as everyone else is. No one today has such powers as mentioned in Mk. 16:17-18. They were for a limited time (1 Cor. 13:8-13; Heb. 2:3-4). They are not "faith healers." They are fake healers. They won't heal anyone now with covid-19 but when the virus is under control they will go back to claiming they can heal. And you know the really sad part? People will believe them.

walk as wise

by David Long

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:15-17). If we are to walk as wise then we must understand what the will of the Lord is. That means we must consult God's word, the Bible. Can't treat the Bible like a doorstop and walk as wise. If we are to walk as wise we must make decisions based on sound reasoning and not emotions. If we are to walk as wise our choices must be based on what God's wants and not what I want. 

cancelling God's commandments

by David Long

Who can cancel God's commandments? The state of California has made a rule to cancel singing in churches. Is that a rule that the church of Christ should obey? No! God says to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). God says, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25). That is negative command from God telling us to not forsake the assemblies of the saints. Who can cancel that command?

return to the dust

by David Long

"In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19). Those must have been some sobering words for Adam to hear from God. You know what? Those are still sobering words. Physically speaking we are dust. Our fleshly bodies came from the dust and they will return to the dust. That should cause any right thinking person to consider how they live in the flesh. "That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (1 Pet. 4:2). Only those who do the will of God will make it to heaven (Matt. 7:21). We are going to return to the dust and our souls shall be required of us (Lk. 12:20). Are you ready?

Hazarded their lives

by David Long

Christians should never be afraid of dying. Christians don't have a death wish but they are not afraid to hazard their lives for the name of Jesus Christ.
"It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:25-26).
"Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles" (Rom. 16:3-4).
The apostle Paul faced death daily (1 Cor. 15:31).
Missionaries go to places where they risk their health and some have even died from diseases that they got at those places. Should covid-19 keep us locked up in our houses?

Things not cancelled

by David Long

The year of cancellations. Because of covid 19, events have been and are being cancelled. But here are a few things that will not be cancelled. Death and the Judgment Day (Heb. 9:27). The return of Christ and the end of the world (2 Pet. 3). The resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15). These events will happen no matter what. The question we need to be asking ourselves is: are we ready for these events? When will they happen? Don't know but they will happen!

What does it mean to believe or not believe?

by David Long

"And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.  But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren" (Acts 14:1-2).

"He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

"And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient?  And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief" (Heb. 3:18-19).

Do you see what it means to believe or not believe? So when the jailor asked "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and thou shalt be saved, thou and thy house" (Acts 16:30-31). Did it mean faith only? No. Read the following verses in Acts 16:32-34.

Don't do something unauthorized

by David Long

"And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them, Come near, carry your brethren from before the sanctuary out of the camp. So they went near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar and unto Ithamar, his sons, Uncover not your heads, neither rend your clothes; lest ye die, and lest wrath come upon all the people: but let your brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which the LORD hath kindled. And ye shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: for the anointing oil of the LORD is upon you. And they did according to the word of Moses" (Lev. 10:1-7).
Boy, the Lord doesn't mess around, does He? You do something that you don't have authority to do and you are in trouble. Better make sure you have Bible authority.

If I perish, I perish

by David Long

"Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai; All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. And they told to Mordecai Esther's words. Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews. For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:10-13).
Do the right thing regardless of the cost!

Get your priorities straight

by David Long

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1-2).

Get the point?

All is vanity

by David Long

Read Ecclesiastes 1:2. The Preacher declared, "all is vanity." One could read the book of Ecclesiastes and become very discouraged, disappointed and despaired of life. One would think that life is not worth living. But keep in mind that "things under the sun" are under consideration and they are shown to be inadequate to satisfy or meet man's greatest need and that is a right relationship with God. The pursuit of happiness without God is vanity. On this side of the cross the only life that matters is the Christian life (Acts 26:28-29). Any other way of living and "all is vanity." 

The one's of unity

by David Long

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6).
The religious world is divided and it will always be divided until it gets these one's right. The divided religious world will never be pleasing to God as long as it is divided on these one's. There can be no disagreement on these one's. These are the one's of unity.

Dimensions of God's love

by David Long

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God" (Eph. 3:17-19).
1. The breadth of God's love.
2. The length of God's love.
3. The depth of God's love.
4. The height of God's love.

What would the measurements be for God's love?

God's eternal purpose

by David Long

"and to make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which for ages hath been hid in God who created all things; to the intent that now unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly (places) might be made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:9-11).
What was God's eternal purpose? It's the church of Christ. The church that Jesus built (Matt, 16:18) is not an after thought of God but it was always His plan to build it. It was not God's plan B but His plan A. God never had a plan B.

The search for happiness

by David Long

Have you found happiness in life? Many people search for it but don't find it. Why? Because like the old country song "looking for love in all the wrong places", they are looking for happiness in all the wrong situations and things.
"I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life. I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me. I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun" (Eccl. 2:1-11).
True happiness is not found in things!

Walk as children of light

by David Long

"For this Ye know of a surety, that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no man deceive you with empty words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the sons of disobedience. Be not Ye therefore partakers with them; For Ye were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord: walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:5-8). So much being said in these four verses. The part I want to notice is what is said of Christians. Christians are not to be partakers with the sons of disobedience. Christians were once in darkness but now they are light in the Lord and are to walk as children of light.

Bow the knee

by David Long

"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:9-11).
If we don't bow here, we will on Judgment Day but it will be too late then to be saved. Submission to God will happen one way or another.
"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:11-12).

I believe God

by David Long

"And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away. But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island" (Acts 27:20-26).
The apostle Paul said he believed God. We may believe in God but do we believe God? Today God speaks to us through His word, the Bible. Do you believe it? Many people today will say they believe in God but they reject the Bible or at least some parts of it that they don't like. Just believing in God won't get one to heaven, we must believe God.

ignorance that is in them

by David Long

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that Ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But Ye did not so learn Christ; if so be that Ye heard him, and were taught in him, even as truth is in Jesus: that Ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit; and that Ye be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth" (Eph. 4:17-24). Here's the message: stop living like the world. Notice the phrase, "alienated from the life of God." How? Through ignorance and a hard heart. Notice the lifestyle that produces: lasciviousness to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Fear Him

by David Long

"And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him" (Lk. 12:4-5). We have been forewarned. If we don't heed the warning we will suffer the consequences. Don't die lost. Don't die in sin. Get your life right with God. Obey the gospel (Lk. 13:3; Rom. 6:3-4). We have been warned!

Access to God

by David Long

Do you have access to God? Most people probably think they do but unless you are in Christ, you don't have access.
"For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph. 2:18).
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God" (Rom. 5:1-2).
John 14:6
 "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
Get the picture?

dwelling place

by David Long

"Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit" (Eph. 2:19-22). God has a dwelling place, it's the church of Christ. You want to be a member of the household or family of God? Then become a member of the church of Christ (1 Tim. 3:15).

Pain relief

by David Long

As far as I know no one likes pain. I know I don't. When we do have pain we seek pain relief. When it comes to physical pain we get pain relief through medicine or also called "pain killers." Depending on the kind of pain sometimes physical therapy brings pain relief. Regardless of the kind of pain one thing is for sure, we desire pain relief. You know one of the reasons why I don't want to die lost? Because there will be no pain relief. "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence" (Lk. 16:22-26).

Peace

by David Long

"And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (Eph. 2:16-18). True peace is found in the one body of Christ, which is the church of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). This is the the cure for the divisions in our society. Reconciliation happens in the one body of Christ. There is no reconciliation outside the body of Christ. Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). What kind of peace? The kind peace talked about in Eph. 2. That's the only peace that matters. 

One

by David Long

"Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6). Unity of the Spirit involves the one's listed here: one body or church (Eph. 1:22-23); one Holy Spirit; one hope (Titus 1:2; 3:7; Col. 1:5); one Lord Jesus Christ; one faith (Jude 3); one baptism (water baptism, immersion in water Acts 8:36-39; 10:47); one God and Father. These are ones that true unity is bases on.

One new man

by David Long

God has a plan for unity among people. "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God" (Eph. 2:13-19). God didn't just combine two groups, He created a new group (2 Cor. 5:17).

Covenant relationship

by David Long

Israel of the Old Testament had a covenant relationship with God (Dt. 5:1-3). What did that mean? It meant that they were God's people and being God's people had responsibilities and privileges. The Gentiles did not share in the covenant (Eph. 2:12). Today God has new covenant and when one becomes a Christian (Jew or Gentile) they are in covenant relationship with God (Eph. 2:13-16). Jesus shed His blood to establish the new covenant (Matt. 26:28). Read Hebrews chapters 8-12 for an in depth study of the old covenant vs the new covenant. If we want to go to heaven we must be in covenant relationship with God. If we want our prayers to be heard we must be in covenant relationship with God. To be in covenant relationship with God one must be in Christ. How does one get into Christ? Read Gal. 3:27 and Rom. 6:3-4.

In Christ

by David Long

Here's a list of some of the things that are in Christ.

1. All spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).
2. Redemption (Eph. 1:7).
3. An inheritance (Eph. 11).
4. Grace (2 Tim. 2:1).
5. Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10).
6. Promise of life (2 Tim .1:1).
7. Hope (1 Cor. 15:19).
8. Accepted (Eph. 1:6).

If we want to have these things we must be in Christ. How does one get into Christ? "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

Lawlessness

by David Long

"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness" (Matt. 7:23).
"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4).
"You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness" (Heb. 1:9).
Get the point?

riches

by David Long

We measure riches by material things. But how bout being rich in mercy, love, grace, kindness and such like? Those are the riches that really matter. Those are the riches of God.
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Eph. 1:7).
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us" (Eph. 2:4).
"That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:7).

Time is filled with swift transition

by David Long

"Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that" (James 4:13-15). What a difference a year can make, or a day, or an hour or a minute.

Creation

by David Long

The Bible teaches creation not evolution. "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is..." (Exodus 20:11). Read Genesis 1-2. The key to creation is "And God said." God said and what happened? "And it was so." How important is the creation record? "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Matt. 19:3-6). Notice Jesus referred to the creation record a true. I believe Jesus, how bout you?

Back to Bible Basics (3)

by David Long

Can we understand the Bible? Some say no. God desires all to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). The Bible is truth (John 17:17). The apostle Paul wrote by inspiration, "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ" (Eph. 3:4). So yes, we can understand the word of God by applying some basic principles. (1) Who is speaking? Everything in the Bible was written by men who were inspired of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). However, those inspired men sometimes recorded the words of evil men and even the words of Satan (Gen. 3:1-4). Those words were accurately recorded but are not words we should follow. (2) To whom is it spoken? God told Noah to build an Ark (Gen. 6:14-16). Are we commanded to build an Ark? No. That command was given to Noah. (3) What time frame is it being spoken? There are three Biblical time frames: Patriarchal age; Mosaic age and the Christian age. We live in the Christian age and the New Testament is our law (Heb. 1:1-2; 9:15-17; 10:9-10). (4) What type of language is being used? Is it literal or figurative or symbolic? Jesus called Herod a fox (Lk. 13:31-32). Did He mean Herod was a literal four legged animal that catches chickens? No. He used figurative language. (5) What are the conditions, circumstances or context? Because of what Paul said in 1 Cor. 7:7-8, 38 some would say that Paul was against marriage. Was he? No. Then why say such things? Because of the context of 1 Cor. 7:26. The Bible can be understood by applying some common sense rules.

Back to Bible Basics (2)

by David Long

The Bible is divided into three time dispensations: the Patriarchal age; the Mosical age and the Christian age. The Patriarchal age runs from Adam to Moses. During this time God spoke to heads of households like Adam, Noah, Abraham and Job. God had no written law at this time. The Mosical age runs from Moses to Christ. During this time God spoke through Moses and the prophets (Heb. 1:1). During this time God's law was the Old Testament. The Christian age runs from Christ to the end of time. It's called the last days (Acts 2:16-17; Heb. 1:2). During this time God's law is the New Testament. When we understand the different time frames and God's law under each then we can understand what's binding on us. 

Back to Bible Basics

by David Long

The Bible is made up of 2 testaments or covenants: Old Testament and New Testament. On this side of the cross we live under the New Testament. When Jesus died on the cross He took the Old Testament out of the way. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Col. 2:14). He shed His blood to establish the New Testament (Matt. 26:28). The New Testament is the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2). It is the law of liberty (James 1::25; 2:12). We will be judged by it on Judgement Day (John 12:48).

Anxiety

by David Long

Has this pandemic got you all worried? Is the stay at home order got you going crazy? I'm glad that the stay at home order has come to an end here in Missouri. But you know, stay at home or not, I'm not gonna be anxious about it. "casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you" (1 Pet. 5:7). I hear people say, "We got this." That's not the way I think or live. I lean upon God. I say, "God's got this." Dear reader, turn your life over to God and His word. That's the only way to get through anything. Obey the gospel (Rom. 6:4).

Inspired of God

by David Long

Read 2 Tim. 3:16-17. How do we know Scriptures are inspired of God? How do we know that the Bible is a God-breathed book?
1. The unity of the Bible (2 Pet. 1:17-21). The Bible was written by 40 men over  a 1500 year period. Could forty different men, writing over a 1500 year period all agree if they were not inspired of God?
2. The historic accuracy of the Bible.  The people and places of the Bible have been proven to be real. Would the Bible be inspired of God if it were not historically accurate?
3. The scientific accuracy of the Bible.
    a. Job 26:7 How did Job know that the earth is free floating in space?
    b. Isaiah 40:22 How did Isiah know that the earth is round?
    c. Psalm 8:8 How did the psalmist know about the continental currents?
4. Fulfilled prophecy.
   a. 150 years before Cyrus was born Isaiah named him by name (Isa. 44:28; Ezra 1:1).
   b. Isaiah foretold the virgin birth of Jesus 700 years before it occurred (Isa. 7:14; Matt. 1:18-25).
   c. There are 300 prophecies concerning Jesus in the Old Testament and He fulfilled them all. How do we account for that?

Humans vs animals

by David Long

"And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Gen. 1:26-27). Animals weren't created in the image of God. Human beings are superior to animals. Human beings are of much more value then animals. "Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not Ye of much more value then they?" (Matt. 6:26). Human beings aren't animals and animals aren't human beings. Let's don't get those confused.

Return to the dust

by David Long

After Adam had sinned God said, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19). Sobering words, read them carefully. On a physical level this is true of us all. Now there was a new reality for Adam and for us. As bad as we hate to think about it, we will die (Heb. 9:27). The good news is God gave hope (Gen. 3:16). Not the hope of escaping physical death but spiritual death. Yes, we will return to the dust, can't get out of that but we can get out of going to hell. I do have a choice in that matter (Matt. 7:13-14). 

and it was so

by David Long

"and it was so" is some six times in Genesis chapter one. "And it was so" was result of "And God said." God said and it was so. What happened when God said? Whatever God said happened. The power of the word of God. That power is found not only in the spoken word of God but also in the written word of God (Rom. 1:16). The written word has the power to save our souls (James 1:21). What happens when a person obeys the gospel? Exactly what God said will happen. What happens when one will not obey the gospel? Exactly what God said will happen (2 Thess. 1:7-9). It will be so!

And God said

by David Long

"And God said" is some nine times in Genesis chapter one. Wish I could have been there during that creation week. It must have been an amazing sight to see. God speaking things into existence. "Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast" (Psa. 33:8-9). The angels got to see it. "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?" (Job 38:4-7). What did God think about His creation? "And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day" (Gen. 1:31).

Faith healers

by David Long

Where are the faith healers? Where are those churches, religious groups and individuals that claim they can heal people? No one is flocking to those people to get healed from covid-19 and the faith healers aren't healing anyone with covid-19. I bet you if any of them got covid-19 they went to the hospital. You know what the funny part is (although it's really not funny)? People won't give it a second thought. They will continue to support such. I believe the miracles of the Bible were real but they had a purpose and a time limit (Mk. 16:19-20; Heb. 2:1-4; 1 Cor. 13:8-13).

Savior of the body

by David Long

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body" (Eph. 5:23). Jesus is the savior of the body. What body? "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23). Jesus is the savior of the church, His body. If you want to be saved you must be a member of His body (Acts 2:47).

Joy

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).

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.

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!

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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!