Speaking
Article: Everything You Say May Be Held Against You
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/BJN Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV) - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. In Matthew 12:22-37, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man and the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out devil through the power of Beelzebub (read Matthew 12:22-37 for context). Through this dialogue, Jesus illustrates what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is, and how we will be give...
Article: Knowing God's Voice
Photo courtesy of istockphoto.com/Spectral-Design John 10:1-18 (KJV) - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice...
Article: The Pulpit: A Young Minister's Dream
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/madmaven For many young men and women accepting the Lord's calling to preach, a wonderful purpose in God awaits. Their hearts and minds are filled with anticipating of preaching and teaching across a pulpit to share God's truths to His people. And week after week and year after year, many eagerly wait for their chance to preach. Some will have opportunities at Sunday evening service, Saturday service, or maybe Sunday school, but nothing would compare to Sunday morning service. However, there is more to being a minister of the Lord than speaking on Sunday. Long before you preach a sermon across the...
Article: When Dogs and Pigs Fly
Photo courtesy of deviantART/squidpig Matthew 7:6 (KJV) - Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. When thinking about the dogs and swine, we often consider evil sinners that are ravenous toward Christians or non-believers. However, Matthew 7:6 pertains to ANYONE that is unable to appreciate or accept holy and precious gifts of God (knowledge, wisdom, etc.), even if they profess to be a Christian - check their fruit (Luke 6:43-45). When people cannot appreciate the...
Article: When to Keep Your Mouth Shut
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Avolore Don't open your mouth when: 1. In the heat of anger- Proverbs 14:17, [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated. 2. When you don't have all the facts- Proverbs 18:13, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. 3. When you haven't verified the story- Deuteronomy 17:6, At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Article: You Could Be Right, and Still Be Wrong
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/aditzugh Proverbs 19:11 (KJV) - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. There are some situations that make us very upset. When confronted, we can consider many ways to handle the situation. If we are using discretion, we would defer our anger, but in a lot of cases people choose to address the situation (especially situations where we feel wronged). In those situations, we want to address the problem to bring correction, confrontation (just for the sake of it), or...
