Fisherman: a Popular Occupation The sons of Zebedee, along with their father, owned a fishing business that employed other fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22). Thomas, Nathaniel, and Philip may have chosen fisherman as their occupation, for they were among those out in the boats when Jesus appeared on the shore after his resurrection (John 21:2–8). Perhaps, to…
The book of Joshua ends with the death of Eleazar, son of Aaron. Phinehas, his son, succeeded him as high priest. Phinehas is best known for decisively ending God’s punishment of Israel for their unfaithfulness with the Moabites. God praised Phinehas: Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned my anger…
Satan secured the scepter of government in the earth from Adam by right of conquest. He has organized the present world system on his own cosmic principles: pride, ambition, selfishness, force, greed, and pleasure. The world system—scientific, cultured, and elegant—is dominated by satanic principles, and beneath its deceptive veneer is a seething cauldron of ambition…
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. As a teacher I hear these words starting at about 7:52 every morning. In fact, if you attended a public school in America any…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Brother Tom Dennis was an evangelist among the churches of Christ for many decades. In addition to his many good works, Tom served as the editor and publisher of The Gospel Message for a few years. Paul said of his fellow worker Epaphroditus, “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and…
Charles Ross was an evangelist sent from the Excelsior Springs Church of Christ. He loved the Lord’s people and was a friend to many. He met people from all walks of life and met them with ease and friendliness. He had no arrogance, nor did he set himself above others. He was easy to engage…
For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38). I am confident most of you, if not all of you, have sung this song…
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10). I was recently asked to present some thoughts before a congregation regarding my interaction with elders and elderships over the years. Toward the close of my lesson, a…
On Saturday August 5, 2023, I attended the funeral of my friend and brother, Brad Russell. An excerpt from Brad’s obituary stated, “Because of Brad’s dedication to the will of our heavenly Father, he was a wise, fierce and loyal protector of his wife, children, parents, siblings and entire family.” In my personal conversations and…
Everybody likes to be encouraged. The feelings that come from being encouraged can often last a lifetime. It is not uncommon for people who have lived a good long life to happily remember back to an encourager that they knew when they were a child. Encouragement makes an impact. It is also looked on very…