If I asked you, “What is the key to salvation?”, you might have any of several responses. You might say, “I think it is grace, because we cannot earn it” (Eph. 2:8).  True.  You might say, “I think it is faith in Christ, because we are told that ‘without faith it is impossible to please God’” (Heb. 11:6). True again.  You might say, “Repentance and baptism are key, because we gain forgiveness and ...  Read More

“Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin, and the slave does not remain in the house forever, but the Son does; so if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34, 36).Picture this scenario.  You don’t own a car and can’t afford one, not even close.  But you highly desire a trip driving across the country to Los Angeles.  That is your ultimate goal, w...  Read More

I enjoy Christmas with all the tinsel and lights, the shops full of people looking for a loved-one’s gift, the church and family gatherings as we feast on whatever food delights us, enjoying the company of other people.  Christmas trees and small-town decorations, candlelight services, with nativity scenes in the churchyard.  It’s all part of an environment that in truth, is more European and Amer...  Read More

In the previous Cross Point we painted a picture of how important it is to stay tuned-in to God’s Word, the teaching of God’s commandments, especially as communicated by Jesus and his apostles.  Without the intentional effort to study and learn from scriptural teaching, we always drift away.  The Apostle Peter will say, “For this reason (the need to escape the corruption of the world), make every ...  Read More

I can remember being impressed early in my knowledge of the Restoration Movement (independent Christian churches, churches of Christ) with the emphasis on the term “Thus Saith the Lord.”  You will find that phrase used in the Bible over 400 times!  It represents God’s direct commands.  The thought expressed by early Restoration Movement leaders was that nothing should be required of the Christian ...  Read More

Creating habits can be a good thing.  The habit of exercise is good for our health, as we routinely go for a walk, ride our bike, head to the gym, play pickleball, or do whatever activity helps us stay involved in physical movement that maintains or improves our condition.  The habit of putting our kids to sleep at night, reading them a book, saying prayers with them, all set an example and provid...  Read More

I remember this well, although it was almost 47 years ago.  I was at home in the small first house I owned in Moberly, MO when there was a knock at the door.  Answering it, a young man asked me if I knew the Lord?  I told him I did.  He then put it another way.  “If you were to die tonight, are you sure you’d go to heaven?”  I again told him I would.  “How do you know that?” he inquired.  My respo...  Read More

Pastor: Someone with the authority to lead religious services and help others worship.  A term used mostly in Protestant churches.  The leader who has been ordained.That’s what the Google definition of a pastor lists.  Would you agree?  I’d venture to say most would, since it is the way that this word is used in most church bodies, and in our culture.  And why, I’d guess, that Google defines it th...  Read More

The cynic sees the bruise in the apple, while missing the sweetness and smell, the enjoyable taste as you bite into this delectable fruit.  He throws the apple out because of a single flaw.  He (or she) sees the person in worn-out clothing, or with multiple tatoos, enter church and makes quick assumptions.  They must be from the wrong side of the tracks, must be uneducated, must be lacking in virt...  Read More

I’ve written about the word “belief” before, and how in the Hebrew culture to believe means more than mental knowledge.  It means you act on what you believe.  So, we err when we think salvation by believing in Christ only involves mental acceptance of him.  It involves obedience also.  Obedience doesn’t save us.  We’d have to be perfect for that, but it does give evidence of real belief, real fai...  Read More

If you’ve been a Christian for any length of time, you know what the number one complaint about the church is from those on the outside.  “Yeah, I might consider going to church if it wasn’t for all those hypocrites.”  Often the remark is made about a specific congregation where they know several people, who they consider to be hypocritical. What are we to think about that statement?My first respo...  Read More

The CEO of Northwest Airlines was a strong business leader, saving the airline from bankruptcy.  He then became CEO of Burger King and helped turn them around.  He excelled at achieving his goals.  But when his 6-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident, he no longer had control.  Grief was overwhelming.  What could help him through this tough time?  Would you believe the book of Isaiah?  Th...  Read More