John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance “for (i.e. ‘in order to,’ A.K.) the remission of sins (cf. Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3). The only baptism the apostles had was John’s baptism. John was the harbinger (forerunner) of the Christ. It was his work to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord, and this […]

There are two classes of characters found in the Bible: those with whom we can relate, and those who possess a higher degree of faith and virtue than the average person. Those in the latter group are still beneficial to us as we strive every day to emulate their example, but the members of the […]

Atoms are tiny bits of matter, fundamental particles that make up everything in existence. They comprise the tallest trees, the deepest oceans, and the tiniest microorganisms. Even our own bodies are built by atoms. An interesting fact about the atom is that, although at first glance it appears solid, in actuality it consists mostly of […]

A good, earthly, physical father is one of the greatest blessings a person can have. Some are so blessed; some are not. This has always been the case, and it is sometimes hard to tell the good fathers from the poor ones. Take Eli for example. He seemed like a good father. He was devoted […]

When Jacob was running from Esau and on his way to Haran, God made wonderful promises to him in the night. When he awoke, he said, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that […]

We are all disturbed yet again by a shooting at a religious gathering in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Many people were senselessly murdered by a lone gunman. What a tragedy. As of this writing (11/06/17), investigators are still searching for a motive, and the gun control debate has reignited. Guns are not the issue, but anger […]

I hate golf. I don’t know why I can’t get the hard, little, white ball up on the smooth, level green in regulation. Why is putting so hard? The hole is bigger than the ball, and it’s just straight in, right? Oh, it is so frustrating! It’s the hardest game I ever tried to play. […]

Here is what I have learned through my life…..so far: At the age of six, I learned that I liked my teacher, because she cried when we sang, “Silent Night.” At the age of seven, I learned that you can’t hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk. At the age of nine, […]

There is just one month left in this year, but 2014 is not over yet. There are still many opportunities to worship and serve left in this final month. Let’s be busy, active, and “always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). It will be a very busy month, filled with activities […]

Jesus said to John, “Surely I am coming soon” (Revelation 22:20, ESV). As far as I can tell, this is the only time in the New Testament that the Lord’s return is mentioned in that way. The Greek adverb that is translated “soon” seems to indicate the manner of the return of Christ rather than […]