God's Everlasting Word: Recent Episodes
Alan Caudle
"God's Everlasting Word" is a weekly program that discusses the teachings of God's Word and how they apply to our everyday lives, and is a presentation of the church of Christ at Milestone, in Pensacola, Florida.
Many people obey the gospel, but fewer remain faithful. Israel was a prime example of God's people turning their back on him. What can we learn from their behavior and how can we apply the lessons to us today?
We all encounter forks in the road of life, and Moses chose the right one. What can we learn from his decision? What does the Bible say?
Generally speaking, the "new" things in religion are not true and the true things are not new. However, the Bible speaks of many new things. In today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast, we direct our attention to a few of these new things...things we need to know and apply to our lives, if we expect to live with God when the end of time comes.
All Christians should follow the examples set by the apostle Paul. What trains exhibited by Paul should we include in our spiritual lives?
How are Christians to deal with the the homosexual agenda and how should they treat those who choose to live that lifestyle? What does the Bible say?
In Nehemiah 8:10, we are told, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." Exactly what is the joy of the Lord and how do we obtain it? What does the Bible say?
In Jeremiah 8:22, mention is made of the "balm of Gilead." Exactly what is that, and how does it apply to us today?
The all-knowing God of the universe is described by David in Psalm 139:1-6, but some men seem to think that they know more than God...or at least, they ignore the fact that He knows everything, which is a very dangerous thing. The fact is, there are things that no man knows.
1 John 3:1-3 talks about the hope of the Christian. Exactly what is the Christian hope, and how do we acquire it? What does the Bible say?
Backsliding is a serious problem in the Lord's church, but it can be prevented. What does the Bible say?
Most people who attend a church on a regular basis would say that they're a member of a denomination. But, just because modern denominationalism is generally accepted in today's religious world...that does not mean it is justified? And, if it's unjustified...is it really necessary? What does the Bible say?
The hand of God is mentioned throughout the pages of the Bible, but, since God is a spirit, how can He have a hand...and what does the expression actually mean, according to the Scriptures?
Is baptism essential in order to obtain salvation? A lot of churches say "no" -- but what does the Bible say?
"Those people in the church of Christ believe some strange things." That idea has been around since New Testament times. Exactly what do some people find strange? What does the Bible say?
Some men in Sicily can turn ordinary driftwood into the most beautiful furniture in the word...and, in a way, the Lord does the same thing. He can take spiritual driftwood and turn it into beautiful Christians.
Many people today are searching for God and eternal salvation. They want a better life than they are experiencing at present here on earth and the assurance that they will be with the Lord forever after they die. If that is you, you need to listen to today's podcast.
At one point, Jesus' disciples said unto Him, "Lord, increase our faith." Why did they request this, and why should we pray for the same thing today? What does the Bible say?
John 11:35 tells us that, "Jesus wept." But, have you ever thought about WHY He was weeping? It may not be for the reason you think.
All of us have essential needs in order to survive our physical lives...but, there are also things that are essential in order for us to survive our spiritual lives, as well. What does the Bible say?
In a study of the Bible, we can learn what men wrote it...but we can also learn who did NOT write it. How can we know that?
There are numerous passages in the Bible that exhort us to "watch." But, for should we watch and why? What does the Bible say?
Can a non-Christian pray for redemption and be saved? Does God answer the sinner's prayer "Sinner's Prayer?" What does the Bible say?
All Christians are tempted throughout their lives...but, is temptation a sin? What does the Bible say?
Can the "unpardonable sin" be committed today? Is there a sin we can commit, from which we will never receive forgiveness, even though we repent? What does the Bible say?
The apostle Paul said, “In this life we groan, being burdened.” And how true that is! What does the Bible say as to how we are to handle the burdens of this life?
Everyone hopes for something in this life...but the greatest hope of all is the Christian hope. What is it and how do we obtain it? What does the Bible say?
We hear a lot about how to get to heaven, but if we're not careful, we might end up missing it. What does the Bible say?
Near the end of the Bible, a brief mention is made of Antipas, a faithful child of God and martyr for his unwavering faith and loving to devotion. What did this man do to make his example so important to Christians today? What does the Bible say?
For nearly thirty centuries, the 23rd Psalm has been one of the most most beloved passages in the entire Bible...and its teachings apply to us, just as they did when it was written. What does the Bible say?
Do babies inherit sin? In other words, are they born sinners? Some people say they are...but what does the Bible say?
I believe in baptism, but some people don't...and they have many reasons as to why they feel that way. Is baptism essential for salvation? What does the Bible say?
Arithmetic is not only essential in our everyday lives, but in our spiritual lives, as well...and to a better understanding of the Bible.
There are many lessons in the Bible that relate to the problems of today...but there is one that I think needs to be addressed more and more, as time goes by. It relates to a terrible problem that seems to be steadily growing in our society...one that affects all those involved in it -- both the innocent and the guilty. It is also the topic of today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast, based on a statement found in Genesis 24 -- “Do not sin against the child.”
A most comforting thought is that our Christian loved ones are "asleep in Jesus." But, what exactly does that mean? What does the Bible say?
Through the years, many questions have been asked about things in the Bible, some concerning the church of Christ. Most of the answers people have suggested are wrong (especially those found on the internet), so we need to go to God's Word to find the facts. What does the Bible say?
In John 7:45-53, we find the account of some men who were sent to find Jesus and, when they arrived and heard Him, returned and said, "Never man spake like this man."How DID he speak and why did they say what they did? And, how does this apply to us today?
I’m sure all of us have, at one time or another, wondered how long we have on this earth and when our lives will be over. But there’s a much more important question than that. What will be the conclusion of each one of us AFTER we die and pass from this life? That question is posed in First Peter 4:17, when the apostle Peter asked, “What shall the end be?”
A rich man came to Jesus and ask what he could do to have eternal life. After the Lord told him the answer, the man went away sorrowful. Jesus then told his disciples that it would be easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than it would be for a rich man to enter heaven. The disciples then asked, "Who then can be saved?" What does the Bible say?
In 1 Corinthians 6:26, the apostle Paul said, "For ye are bought with a price." Exactly what did he mean by that. Who bought us and what did it cost? What does the Bible say?
Adam and Eve were created and lived in a garden paradise...but they sinned and were driven from the Garden of Eden by God. But, before He did that, God asked them some very pertinent questions, which apply to us today, just as music as they did to the world's first couple, many years ago. What does the Bible say?
What would you say if you heard that 40,000 people were saved outside the ark? Because, if it actually happened, then that would mean there was more than one way to be saved when the flood came.And, if that's true, then there's more than one way to be saved today...but, what does the Bible say?
Today’s lesson is directed to undenominational Christians...those who claim to be members of the Lord’s church, also known as the church of Christ. We know that “Christian” is the correct and only name for us to wear...but a lot of church members don’t act like it, or don’t seem to realize its full significance. All of us wear the name...but some, not very well. A Christian is more than a baptized person, church member, and weekly worshipper. There are a lot of those...but fewer Christians!
There are many reasons why all responsible persons should be Christians. But the fact is, a lot of people are not Christians, because they haven’t been caused to see sufficient reasons why they should be. So, for today’s podcast, we’re going to point out at least “five reasons why you should be a Christian.”
The Christian religion is the religion of hope. But what does that mean? What is the basis of this hope, how do we obtain it, and what are the results?
The use of instrumental music during our worship to God -- most churches use it and some don't, including the church of Christ. Was it used during Old Testament times? Yes indeed. The Bible tells us that David used it. But was it actually commanded or endorsed by God? If it was, then why do the churches of Christ not use it today? If it wasn’t, then why was it used at all? What does the Bible say?
The days of our years are our most valuable possession, but how we do waste them! Someone once said, "If time be of all things the most precious, then wasting time is the greatest prodigality." This is why all of us need to think seriously about, “the days of our years” (Psalm 90:10).
Have you ever prayed to God and felt He didn’t answer your prayer? I’ve always heard it said that God does answer prayers, by saying, “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait awhile.” That may be true, but the fact remains that some prayers are simply not granted. Why is that? We’ll try to find the answer in today’s episode.
The Bible is full of questions, some from God to man and others from man to God...and they’re recorded to teach us some vital lessons regarding what God expects from us, if we’re going to be pleasing unto Him and make it to Heaven after we die. So, for today’s episode, we examine, “Ten Great Bible Questions” and how they relate to us today.
It’s been said that, “Every man is seeking after happiness.” If so, then everyone needs to read the First Psalm. This Old Testament chapter, along with the Beatitudes, will direct your happiness to its highest degree. That’s our topic in today’s episode: finding happiness through the following of God’s Word and an appreciation of the First Psalm.
We thank you for your patience during the brief hiatus of the GOD'S EVERLASTING WORD podcast (due to some health issue that prevented program production). Hopefully, things will return to the normal weekly schedule of postings.
Episode 257 features special guest George McNulty, from Dublin, Ireland, with a sermon preached to a congregation in which some members claimed that the devil did not work in the world today. They also asked him to not preach on hell, since doing so "might offend someone." The lesson you are about to hear is in response to those comments. It is entitled, "Why I Don't Want To Go To Hell."
This is one of the last sermons preached by brother McNulty, before he and his wife return to his home country to work with the Lord's church in Ireland and Scotland.
The inspired Luke begins the book of Acts with this statement: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach.” Notice the order: “do and teach.” Too many today have reversed that order. They begin to teach before they begin to do. But what does the Bible say?
Can we forgive someone who has not repented and still be pleasing to God? We are to forgive as God forgives...but how does He do that? Is repentance conditional on something else? What does the Bible say?
I'm sure you've heard about the Seven Wonders of the World (probably in your early school years)...but I think it would more beneficial for us to study, "Seven Blunders of the Word," and how they keep so many people away from a right relationship with God. What does the Bible say?
At his most successful, the Devil’s subjects march obliviously to destruction, and take as many with them as they can. Satan has a lot of devices. But for now, we’ll look at three of them...which is the topic of today’s podcast -- “Three Things the Devil Wants to Do.”
The writer of Psalm 8 asked God, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?" It is vital to have a clear understand of the nature of man and the nature of God, in order to have a correct concept Christianity. What does the Bible say?
The apostle Paul said, "In this life we groan, being burdened." And how true that is. We all have burdens...but how should we handle them? What does the Bible say?
The Bible has much to say regarding the future judgment, including the fact that it is certain and that it will be final. But in Matthew 25:41-46, the words of our Lord to people on his left hand are among the saddest that anyone could hear. Words like “cursed”, “eternal fire”, and “prepared for the devil and his angels”. Why were those people on the left condemned by Jesus? It may not be for what you think. What does the Bible say?
During the first Lord's Supper, Jesus told His apostles, "This do in remembrance of me." To truly remember Jesus is the most important responsibility of our lives. What does the Bible say regarding this vitally important responsibility?
The Scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit converts a person from an unsaved condition to a saved one. But, how does He do it? Does He act directly on the heart of that person, causing him to be saved at that instant? Or, does He do it by some other method? What does the Bible say?
Most of the denominational world believes that Christ will come back to reign a thousand years on earth before the end of the word...and they'll quote Revelation 20:1-8 to prove this theory. But, does the Bible really teach that? What does Revelation 20:1-8 mean?
The most important questions anyone could ask are, "What must I to be saved?" and "What must I do to KEEP saved?" In this episode, we'll examine the second question...and go to the Bible for the answers.
We have an account in the Bible of many of Jesus’ disciples rejecting His teachings and walking away from Him, claiming that what He had told them was unacceptable. Why would they do that? Some people today do the same thing...and the same question remains. We’re going to examine this and try to find some answers in today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast: “Why They Go Back.”
In Luke 23, verses 33 and 34, we read, "And where they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. " I used this particular passage to call attention something that we should understand and appreciate...and that is our need of forgiveness.
In Acts chapter 8, verses 26-39, we have the story of a man from Ethiopia, who had been to Jerusalem to worship God, and, as he was returning home, was reading from the scriptures. That’s when Philip came up to him and asked him, “Understandeth thou what thou readest?” You know, to read the Bible is important...but to understand what we read is more important -- which is also the topic of today’s episode.
In Psalm 119, the psalmist wrote, "I thought..." And in like manner, we should do the same; but, we need to be sure that our thinking is right, so that our thoughts coincide with God's will.
Far too often preachers hear the question, "Preacher, do I have to do it?" Well, there are some things that we DO have to...and there are things that we DON'T have to do. What does the Bible say?
Most things worth having cost something...like our homes, or cars and trucks. But what about our salvation? Does itcost something? What does the Bible say?
Most things worth having cost something...like our homes, or cars and trucks. But what about our salvation? Does itcost something? What does the Bible say?
Things that are in the New Testament now will there at the Judgment, and, whether we do them or not while we're alive, we shall be judged by them we we stand before the Lord on that last great day. Are we ready? How can we know? What does the Bible say?
If Ephesians 4:1-6 teaches us anything, it’s that the people of God are to stand together in unity. And yet, there is religious division all over the world today...which raises an important question: “Why is it necessary to have so many denominational bodies in the world?" Why is it necessary to have so many divisions, religiously speaking? Is it right or wrong? What does the Bible say?
Today’s lesson is from the teachings of Jesus in the 15th chapter of Luke, where we find three parables regarding the tragedy of carelessness, the tragedy of uselessness, the tragedy of willfulness, and the tragedy of bitterness. And they’re all related to today’s episode, as we study, “The Tragedy of Being Lost.”
In First Corinthians, chapter sixteen, we have the account of the apostle Paul delivering his final exhortation to the church in Corinth, and, in verse 13, he told them to, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." I call your attention to the phrase, "Stand fast in the faith," because that is something we’re needing more and more of as the years go by...and it’s also the topic of today’s podcast.
Usually, the last words a person says are regarded as important…and if they come from loved ones, very dear. In the Bible, we read of the last words of Joshua, found in Josh. 24:15…the last words of David are found in First Kings 2:1-3…we can also read the last words of the apostle Paul, over in Second Timothy 4:6-8. But today's lesson is about the last words ever spoken by Jesus, and why they are so very, VERY important.
Life is a land of hills and valleys. There are times in our lives when we are walking through the valleys...those places into which all of us go, sooner or later, and which we must come out of, in order to find life to be as bountiful as God has promised that it can be. There are no exceptions to the rule that people must walk through these valleys. And that’s what we're talking about in today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast, with some thoughts that are significant and true concerning “The Valleys of Life.”
There are thousands of Christians scattered throughout the world today. Some of them are filling places of importance in the Lord’s kingdom. Others are just sitting idly by. What makes the difference? What does the Bible say?
The 90th Psalm, written by Moses, is considered to be one of the world’s oldest poems. It dates back several generations from the psalms of David…and evidently was written near the close of the wanderings in the wilderness. But how does it apply to us? That's the topic of today's episode.
Have you ever prayed to God and felt He didn’t answer your prayer? I’ve always heard it said that God does answer prayers, and He does so by saying, “Yes,” “No,” or “Wait awhile.” That may be true, but the fact remains that some prayers are simply not granted. Why is that? We’ll try to find the answer in today’s episode.
One of the outstanding things about both the Old and New Testaments is the number of short sentences which grab our attention and say so much in so few words. One of those examples is found in the book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, verse 10, where Ezra the priest told the people, “For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” This may be one of the most striking sentences of the entire Bible. Why Ezra said it and why we should believe it is the topic of today’s episode, simply called, “The Strength of Joy.”
Today, we are engaged in a battle, well underway, in which one army is against God and everything Christian...from the killing of little babies to the promotion of homosexuality and an attempt to take God out of every place and everything. We are not sufficient, alone and apart from God, to overcome this enemy. But we can win the battle, because, as David said, "The battle is the Lord's." That's the topic of today's GOD'S EVERLASTING WORD podcast.
Many people obey the gospel…but, just like the children of Israel, fewer remain faithful, even in light of such passages as Matthew 10:22, which says, "He that endureth to the end shall be saved." Or Revelation 2, verse 10, which has Jesus saying, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life." And when we see the dangers of unfaithfulness, I think all of us might need to ask ourselves, "Can the Lord call me faithful?" That's the topic of today's GOD'S EVERLASTING WORD podcast.
In Acts 8:36, we find a man asking, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” Here was a man who wanted to be baptized...and he was asking, “What’s stopping me?” You know, a lot of people today will ask, “Why must I, or why should I be baptized?” But the Ethiopian simply said, “What’s hindering me?” Why would anyone be hindered from being baptized? What does the Bible say?
A thought found in Philippians 3:13,14 offers a contrast in living -- paying the cost of what it takes to gain eternal life or paying the cost of physical living and losing our soul. What does the Bible say about, the high cost of low living?
In Psalm 19:7-9, we find: "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise thesimple." Volumes could be written on the entire passage, but in regard to the statement found in verse 7, I think the world needs to learn that message more than any other. In a time when God's Word is questioned on every hand, or is simply ignored altogether, today's lesson is one which could certainly considered as, "timely."
The Bible tells us about a kingdom that cannot be destroyed. In fact, the Old Testament tells us about several kingdoms that would rise and fall throughout history...but were defeated by a kingdom that can never be moved. In fact, that kingdom is in existence today. The apostle Paul was one of its citizens...and you can be, too! In fact, it’s the subject of today’s episode -- “The Immovable Kingdom.”
The fact that God is who He is makes it impossible for Him to do some things. God cannot sin...He cannot lie...He cannot change...He cannot save a man against his will...and finally, God cannot answer the question asked in Hebrews 2:1-3.
There’s a question that I think all Christians have, at one time or another, asked themselves -- “How good is good enough for God?” In other words, how good do we need to be to be pleasing to God and receive His blessings and favor? One of the psalms addresses this very question...which is also the topic of today’s episode, as we undertake a short study of, “The Fifteenth Psalm,” or “How Good is Good Enough for God?”
How does the Holy Spirit operate when saving a person? Some people believe that He acts directly on that person, causing him to be saved at that instant. Others believe that the Holy Spirit operates through the Word of God. Which one is correct? What does the Bible say?
There are several things that members of the Lord’s church have always considered important in our worship unto God. We believe in the importance of Bible study, preaching, prayer, of taking the Lord’s Supper, and in the giving of our means on the Lord’s day. But for today lesson, I want us to pay particular attention to the singing we are to offer unto God as we worship and praise Him...not only on the first day of the week, but at all other times, as well. Our study today is about, “Singing in Worship.”
There’s a constant question ask by members of the Lord’s church: “Why do I need to be at every service? Isn’t Sunday morning enough?” What does the Bible say? There’s a familiar text in the book of Hebrews that is often misquoted and many times disregarded. Sometimes it’s meaning is taken far beyond what God intended, and, at other times, its application falls short of the truth. Nevertheless, it is an essential command by God. It’s also an exhortation to faithfulness that needs to be studied and obeyed more and more as time goes by. I’m talking about Hebrews 10:25...and in today’s episode, we’ll see what the Bible says about, “Forsaking the Assembly.”
During the latter part of the 19th century, a group of courageous, godly men found that the simplicity of New Testament worship had been corrupted by innovations directed by the will of man rather than God, and they plead for a return to New Testament patterns and practices. They succeeded in that plan...but, have we restored the spirit? Are other restorations needed? What does the Bible say?
Knowing the God of the Bible is so very important. John 14:3 tells us that knowing God is necessary, because eternal life with Christ depends on it. Plus, according to Second Thessalonians 1:7-8, we must know God if we expect to escape the wrath to come for those who DON’T know Him. Solomon said, “We know God and serve Him with a willing mind.” If we’re going to know God, we need to know something about Him, and be able to answer the question: “What is God like?”
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Second Timothy 4:1-4, where, in verse 2, the apostle Paul tells young Timothy to "preach the word; be instant in season out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine." A whole sermon could be preached on the entire passage…but for today's lesson, we'll focus on Paul's charge to "be instant, in season, out of season." In other words, we’re going to be discussing, “Seasonal Religion.”
In the first chapter of Timothy, the apostle Paul called himself the chief of sinners...and said that, in saving him, Christ had demonstrated the fact that He could save anyone. Jesus Christ is a friend of sinners, and the Savior of them, as well. He loves the sinner, but not the sin...which means that we must meet certain conditions before we can receive His mercy and pardon -- and that is the subject of today's episode.
There are many sermons in the Bible, and most, if not all of them, are easy to understand. But the simplest one was delivered by someone who wasn’t even a preacher...and it’s found in Second Kings 5:13. In fact, it’s the basis of today’s lesson -- “The Simplest Sermon Ever Preached.”
The term, “Christian,” is mentioned three times in the Bible -- in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and First Peter 4:16. In those passages we’re told that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,”that Agrippa told Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian,” and that, if we suffer as Christians, we should not be ashamed. But what exactly is a Christian? That’s something that a lot of people claim to be. Buto, what are the marks of a real Christian? That’s the topic of today’s episode.
In the first part of John, chapter 2, we have a very human story. Jesus and his disciples were at a marriage, and His mother was there. And in talking of her Son, she used this language: "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
Have you thought about what a transformation would take place in the world if everyone were to take the wise advice of this woman! It would bring happiness on earth and eternal life in the world to come. And that’s the topic of today’s episode -- “Whatsoever He Sayeth.”
In First Thessalonians, chapter 4, the apostle Paul talks about "them which are asleep." Jesus even talked about those who were "asleep." Exactly what did He and Paul mean by that expression and why should the idea be so comforting for the Christian? That's the topic of today's episode: "Concerning Them Which Are Asleep."
Our lesson today is about the gospel Paul preached. And I suppose the first question someone might have would be, “What’s the difference between the gospel Paul preached and the gospel that was preached by the other apostles?” What was so special about Paul’s message regarding the gospel of Christ and why is it so important for us today? That’s what we’ll be talking about in today’s episode...and it very well could be the most important lesson you’ve heard in a long time.
Here’s a question for you -- have you repented? Or better yet, have you really repented? Maybe some more questions would be: do you know what repentance is and how to do it? Our purpose in today’s episode will be to show what repentance is, how to repent, and, if you haven’t, to encourage you to do so. Nobody denies that repentance is taught throughout the Bible...but...have you repented?
Where is salvation located and how do we get there? Those are very important questions, because most people have no idea as to the correct answers. What does the Bible say?
Psalm 32:1 says, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” It’s one of several psalms written by David after his sin with Bathsheba, the visit from Nathan, and his repentance and forgiveness. How does Psalm 32:1 relate to you and me today? Why does sin need to be covered? How is it covered? And what’s the result? We’ll try to answer those questions in today’s episode -- “Blessed Is He Whose Sins Are Covered.”
It seems a lot people have had a misunderstanding of the Lord’s church...the only church mentioned in the New Testament and the only one built by Jesus, according to Jesus himself. If the Lord only built one church, why do so many have such different ideas as to what it is and what it stands for? That's the topic of today's episode.
In Acts 17:6, the religious leaders of that time accused the apostles of turning the world upside down. What did they mean by that...and what is meant today when the Lord's disciples are accused of the same thing? What does the Bible say?
The Bible clearly states that anyone can understand the truth of God's Word. The question is: do you WANT to understand the truth? A lot of people don't...but, what about you?
Many people do not believe in baptism, and may think they have good reasons. But I do believe in baptism and it's importance as it relates to salvation. Just as in everything, belief in baptism must be based on evidence found in God's Word. So, when we're determining whether or not baptism is essential to our salvation, we need to ask, "What does the Bible say?"
The topic of salvation by faith and works is a subject that’s been discussed by the religious world for many years. The Roman Catholic church teaches salvation by works, while Protestant denominationalism continues to preach salvation without works, or salvation by faith alone. Which is it? Faith or works? By which are we saved? That’s the topic of today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast, with special guest, Jared Knoll.
Most things worth having cost something. Our cars and trucks cost something...so do our homes and the furniture that goes in them. But what about our salvation? Does it cost anything? There’s a verse pertaining to this in the Bible, found in Luke 14:28, where it says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?”So, what does it cost to be a Christian? What does the Bible say?
Many of the parables taught by Jesus were given from different perspectives, illustrating the different characteristics of the Christian religion. And the one found in Matthew 20, verses 1-16 is a great example of this. It’s one that farmers throughout the years have been familiar with -- knowing that a man must work where he’s required to work by the land owner, in order to receive the reward. Jesus illustrated the life of a Christian from that standpoint...and it’s the subject of today’s episode: “Working in the Vineyard.”
Do you believe that to be saved, all you need to do is believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God...or do you know someone who does? The Bible says, in Acts 16:30 and 31, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” What does that passage say...and what does it mean? Because, how we understand it can determine whether or not we’ll make it to heaven. For today’s episode, we’ll be discussing the expression, “Believe and Be Saved,” or -- “What does it mean to believe in Christ?”
The name “Christian” is found three times in the Bible -- in Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and First Peter 4:16. Today’s lesson is directed to undenominational Christians...those who claim to be members of the Lord’s church, also known as the church of Christ. We know that “Christian” is the correct and only name...but a lot of church members don’t seem to realize the full significance. All of us wear it...but some, not very well. A Christian is more than a baptized person, church member, and weekly worshipper. There are a lot of those...but fewer Christians! In today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast, we’ll consider what the Bible teaches about, “Wearing the Name Christian.”
There’s a wonderful word that occurs ten times in the King James Version of the New Testament, and in each place it’s mentioned, it’s connected to salvation, and what we must do, in order to make it to heaven after we die. But, what does it mean, when we say, “remission of sins?” That’s the topic of today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD PODCAST, with special guest Sidney White, preacher for the Gardner church of Christ, in Martin, Tennessee.
One of the benefits and blessings enjoyed by the Christian is the avenue of prayer...the way in which God’s children talk to their heavenly Father. They pray to God in order to seek fellowship with Him, to thank Him for what He’s done, to praise Him, to seek pardon for themselves and others, and to ask Him for specific needs. And there are passages in the Bible that give examples of all of those things. But, when it comes to asking God for anything, we may have, at times, paused and asked ourselves, “For what should I pray?” That’s the topic of today’s episode, with special guest, Jared Knoll.
The subject of baptism has been discussed and debated for many, many years, with some people teaching that it has nothing to do with our salvation and others considering it a vital part of God’s plan to save us from our sins. And there have been numerous methods used to teach people about it. One of the most unique, and easy-to-understand, ways was presented by a preacher named J.W. McGarvey, back in 1893...it was simple, to-the-point, and addressed baptism in the order in which it is mentioned in the New Testament. McGarvey’s students began to preach it this way and, later on, men such N.B. Hardeman, Gus Nichols, and many, many others would use this method in their sermons. So, for today’s podcast, we invite you to listen to, and learn from, one of the most effective ways to teach someone about baptism...and what part it plays in our salvation.
In Acts chapter 2, when the apostles spoke in other tongues, what were they doing? Did they speak in some unknown language that no one understood? Was it just “gibberish?” Why did they do it...and what is it that people today claim they’re doing and why? Our special guest for today's episode is Bill Davis, a former minister for the Assembly of God denomination...but now a faithful gospel preacher for the Lord's church, in Pensacola, Florida. His topic: "Speaking in Tongues."
There’s a wonderful old song in our hymnals that begins with the following words: “There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.” It’s based on a verse from the Bible, found in Jeremiah 8:22, and is as relevant to us today as it was when it was written. It’s also the topic of today’s GOD’S EVERLASTING WORD podcast: “The Balm of Gilead.”
Our lesson is from Joshua, Chapter 1, beginning with the fifth verse -- "There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I swore unto their fathers to give them." Did you notice the words of God, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee"? If there was ever a subject custom-fit for today’s world, this is it -- "The Never-Failing God."
I think most people are interested in any question that relates to their future life. We’d like to know, if possible, where we go immediately after we die...and we’d like to know whether our friends and loved ones who have crossed over are conscious, and if they are, do they know what we’re doing. Plus, where do the we go immediately after death? Now, some of these questions we can’t answer. There’s nothing revealed in God’s Word that will answer all the questions we have about death and what happens after we die. But God has shared some things with us regarding the afterlife. So, for today’s study, we’re going to examine the Scriptures to see if we can find the answer to the question: “Where are the dead?”
Our lesson today comes from Acts chapter 4, verse 13, where it says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus." There's a great lesson in that for us today. When others saw the apostles, they knew they had been with Jesus...and that's the topic of today's episode.
Many people say they love the Lord and know that He is their Savior...but when they hear what He expects, they walk away, like a young man did, many, many years ago, after He came to Jesus and asked, "What lack I yet?" Maybe we should be asking the same question, if we expect to go to Heaven. What does the Bible say?
I think all of us would agree that, when we were children, it was better to obey our parents. For those in the military, it is certainly better to obey your superiors. It would be better for us all if everyone would obey the traffic laws. And back in Old Testament times, King Saul was told it would have been better had he obeyed the Lord. When it comes to our relationship with God, obedience is always better.
I'm sure you've heard someone say, "Why, that's impossible!" Well, one thing's for sure -- it would be foolish to expect someone to do something that was really impossible. But God's expects us to do only that which is possible. And that's what's we'll be discussing in today's episode -- "Expecting the Impossible."
Few people make the best with what they have. What about you? Are you doing the best with what you have now? Are you using what God has given you to the best of your ability? That's a very important question...and one which we will address in today's episode.
There's a rather profound statement made in Psalm 84:10, which says, "I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, that to dwell in the tents of wickedness." What does that mean and how does it apply to us today? What does the Bible say?
I think everyone would agree that there are good people in all churches, but...will all those people be saved? What does the Bible say?
At the beginning of Psalm 19:12-14, the question is asked, "Who can understand his errors?" The proper answer to that question will give us an insight into Christianity...and a lesson that many people need to learn. What does the Bible say?
There are three kinds of righteous mentioned in the Word of God, but only one applies to us today. What does the Bible say?
With so many churches in today's religious world, which one is the church of the Bible. The New Testament only mentions one church, so...which church is it? What does the Bible say?
In Hebrews 2:1, we find this -- "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them." That's a very important passage for those who claim to be members of the Lord's church. What exactly does it mean? What does the Bible say?
In Psalm 66:6-7, David wrote, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest. Lo, then I would wander far off, and remain in the wilderness."Even though we're not told told the circumstances under which David wrote these words, it might not be too difficult for us to imagine, and then apply the lessons to our own lives.
What would you say if someone told you there were mistakes in the Bible? We're not referring to mistakes in the different versions and various modern translations. We're talking bailout mistakes in the Bible itself. Well, there ARE mistakes in the Bible...and we'll examine some of them in today's episode.
Since Christ is the only Savior, His way is the only way, His church is the only church, and His plan is the only plan, it is wise for us to consider the what, the who, the where, and the why, when it comes to our salvation. What does the Bible say?
A lot of people believe what they do religiously because of what their preacher has told them. Certainly, there a preachers who preach the truth, but many others will just preach some truth, while taking from and adding to the scriptures to fit their own beliefs or doctrines. I call it, "Preacher Hoodooism," which is also the title of today's episode.