By: Mike Riley

In the congregation that I was a part of growing up in the 60’s, we could often hear an “Amen” being audibly heard at the end of the preacher’s statements that gave emphasis to important declarations of God’s truth that was being proclaimed. The excitement generated by these “Amens” not only inspired the preacher, but also encouraged us as hearers to listen more intently. I could hear “Amens” flowing just as spontaneously at the end of prayers being offered as well as at the end of some of the hymns we sang.

 By: Mike Riley

 In Psalm 20:7-11, the Psalmist writes: “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”

Throughout Bible history, God has repeatedly provided man with more than “ample warning” of His impending judgments. His purpose for warning man is to motivate him to repent and come back to Him (Luke 15; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9; Revelation 8; Revelation 9). For the most part, man has not taken advantage of God’s “ample warning” because of his evil and doubting heart (Genesis 6:5; Deuteronomy 1:35; Revelation 9:21).

By: Tom Moore

 Our Lord proclaimed, “In your patience possess ye your souls” (Luke 21:19). From this passage it is clear that patience plays an important role in the salvation of the soul. Realizing this, it is imperative that we understand what it is not, what it is, what it accomplishes, and how it is acquired.

By: Mike Riley

 The story is about a little girl who once crawled up into her father’s lap while he was reading a newspaper and told him how much she would like him to build her a dollhouse. Like the importunate widow in Luke 18:1-8, the little girl continued asking until her father finally said, “Yes, I promise to build you a dollhouse.”