The angel said to Mary, “Thou shalt call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” means Savior. That is what Jesus truly is. Man is lost in sin and needs a Savior, Jesus. What do the scriptures tell us about the name of Jesus?
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I should be baptized because Jesus said so. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). If Jesus tells us to do something then we ought to do it.
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The anticipation of his speech had been building for quite a few days. Only a select group would be allowed to hear his words in person. Security was very tight. The room was draped in dark blue curtains. A simple podium was ready for his use. His speech would be a little over thirteen minutes. There would not be an opportunity for anyone to ask follow-up questions. What would this man say? What would his demeanor be? This is not the speech of a politician or world leader. Whether you know anything about golf or not, you’ve probably heard of Tiger Woods. His rise in the sport of golf was spectacular. Some would say that Tiger Woods is golf and that golf is Tiger Woods. His speech has been criticized by some as fake, while others point out how genuine he was. Tiger has suffered in many ways for his sin. Tiger has had many people counseling him what he should say in this speech and what he should do. I wasn’t asked, but here is my advice for Tiger.
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(originally published January 18, 2009)

This coming Tuesday at about noon an inauguration ceremony will take place. Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States. This inauguration is the formal ceremony that marks the beginning of his presidency. We will pray (1 Tim. 2:1) for our president. He should look to God’s Word for wisdom and instruction as he makes decisions. As historical as this inauguration may be there is one that surpasses it.
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As the servants are rewarded (Matt. 25:19-23) they are told to “enter into the joy of the Lord.” This joy will be experienced in heaven. What great joy to live with God eternally! That joy will be experienced by those that have genuine joy here.
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You have probably seen the tags on cars or banners flying at a house. It reveals that the house is divided over sports teams, racing drivers and so forth. One person in the home may be for Alabama while the other supports Auburn. One may hope that Earnhardt wins the race while another pulls for Gordon. For some the division is a serious matter. To them it is almost a life and death situation. A lot of money has been made selling “A House Divided” themed goods. Where did they come up with the idea?
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Recently while waiting to make a visit at the hospital a family was observed outside a door with sad faces. Their mother had lost a battle with cancer. The funeral home had been called and their representative arrived to remove the body. He came with the gurney and waited outside the door. While waiting a young lady passed with a balloon. It was a birthday balloon. She came to celebrate the bringing in of a new life into the world. In that hallway life and death passed each other. Statistics tell us that every 8 seconds a baby is born and every 11 seconds a death occurs. The beginning of life and its end are facts of life. We see each happening often.
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Just for YOUth…

While Paul spoke to Felix (Acts 24:22-27) he “reasoned” with him. Following God is the reasonable thing to do (Romans 12:1, 2). About what did Paul reason with the king?
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On any given Sunday I stand in the pulpit to preach the gospel to an assembly of people. My vantage point gives me the ability to watch things that others may never see.

I saw a couple holding hands while all were singing. What a joy to see a husband and wife together for worship. It surely is a delight as God beholds a family gathered together to worship Him (John 4:23; Psalm 127:1). It is thrilling to see a family filling up an entire pew. Families come to worship because they love God and also love one another (Ephesians 5:23-25). This preacher is thankful for all our godly families.
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History reveals that Joshua would take Moses’ place to lead the Israelites into the land of Canaan. God gave order that all that was within the city of Jericho be devoted to Him, nothing was exempt. The next city on the military campaign was to be Ai. However, the Israelites are not victorious against this city! Why? All that was in the city of Jericho was not given to God as He required. Achan has not followed the orders. What led to his disobedience?
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