When I point out that many churches are in decline, I am not referring to the denominations – although that is certainly the case. In fact, mainstream American denominations are seeing a decline like never before. The Gallup organization reports a continuing decline in church membership for over two decades, […]
In order to answer this question, it is important to understand what was the actual purpose forthe first century miracles. These miracles were carefully planned, and executed according toGod’s purpose. They were not done merely to create an emotional sensation or atmosphere. Norwere they primarily done for their immediate physical […]
The Scriptures teach that the work of the church may scripturally be viewed as an extensionof the work of Jesus Christ on earth, and may be properly considered as consisting of threecategories: 1) evangelism, (Mk. 16:15 – 16); 2) benevolence, (Acts 10:38); and the edification ofits members, (Heb. 10:25). But […]
Question: Does the Bible say it is wrong to smoke cigarettes? Answer: The Bible teaches that our body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit” and therefore it is wrong to do anything which deliberately defiles or harms our body. Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Cor. 6 as […]
All who have been in the church for a while have probably seen situations where the preacher’s family was resentful. It may be a wife who stops coming to various gatherings. It may be children who grow uncomfortable at being “preacher kids.” It may be siblings or other family members […]
Within the brotherhood of believers around the world, there is a group which sets itself apart. Depending on the extent of their extremism, they may or may not consider themselves to be in fellowship with the rest of the church. Tragically, their peculiar position on the Lord’s Supper has created […]
These are the words which Eli the priest advised young Samuel to say to God the next time God called him, (1 Sam. 3:9). There is much wisdom contained in these words, which would benefit each of us to seriously ponder. Consider the attitude of heart which is displayed when […]
Since before the days of Moses, animal sacrifices and the shedding of blood played an important role in God’s plan for forgiving man of his sins, (cf. Gen. 4:4; Heb. 11:4). There is something special about blood, and it is indicative of life. “But flesh with the life thereof, which […]
On the heels of the current trend toward impersonal forms of communication is a dramatic increase in disrespect. It is so much easier to sit behind a keyboard and rattle off messages that we would never dream of saying to someone’s face. The levels of sarcasm and unkindness have increased […]
We are living in a time when interpersonal, face-to-face communication is generally not being encouraged or improved. We are teaching our young people to communicate by text rather than orally; by email or Facebook Messenger rather than by face-to-face or telephonic, verbal communication. Not surprisingly, many younger people no longer […]
Mistakes Declining Churches Make