Author Archives: TFRStaff

TFRStaff 10:01 am on 2021-04-08
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Fresh hopes

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)

Иисус сказал ей: Я есмь воскресение и жизнь; верующий в Меня, если и умрет, оживет. И всякий, живущий и верующий в Меня, не умрет вовек. Веришь ли сему? (Иоанна 11:25-26)

Almighty God, our dear Heavenly Father ~ thank you for this new day that greets all believers with fresh hopes as we anticipate realizing even more blessings that make our joy in Christ complete. Restore within the hearts of all faithful Christians the firm realization that we will never die as we wholeheartedly trust in your beloved Son. Extinguish the flaming arrows of Satan and his minions as the Church continues to wage hot warfare against every form of evil that absorbs many who are weak in the faith of our Lord. We pray with hope in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister

http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com/

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 8:20 am on 2021-04-07
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Many and varied blessings

For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. (Matthew 21:32 ESV)

ибо пришел к вам Иоанн путем праведности, и вы не поверили ему, а мытари и блудницы поверили ему; вы же, и видев это, не раскаялись после, чтобы поверить ему. (От Матфея 21:32 Russian)

Almighty God, our dear Heavenly Father ~ thank you for the many and varied blessings that you daily shower upon all people and especially those who trust and obey Jesus as Lord. Lift up the often feeble hands of those who tirelessly labor to preach the truth in love in places and circumstances where their labors are not acknowledged. Open the hearts and minds of those who hear the truth yet refuse to repent and live as good and faithful servants of Christ. We ardently pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister

http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com/

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 3:48 am on 2021-04-07
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Response

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny

Then many of the people, who had come with Mary and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and reported to them what Jesus had done. John 11.45-46

People responded differently to Jesus. Lazarus had been dead for four days. Jesus called him out of the tomb. After witnessing this, some believed.

However, there were others who went to the Pharisees and reported what Jesus had done. The reaction of the Pharisees was to acknowledge that Jesus was doing miracles. But, they were afraid of losing their position of power and sanctuary with the Roman government. They were more concerned with stopping him.

Anyone to whom Jesus is presented has a response. How you respond has great consequences that will last for eternity. Will you believe in Jesus and follow him? Or are you more concerned with what you will have to give up or change in your life to be his disciple? The choice is yours.

#risingjoy #devotional

TFRStaff 8:34 am on 2021-04-06
Tags: , mandamentos,   

Do not profane or take God’s name in vain

GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICALS
Number 627 • April 7, 2021

DO NOT PROFANE OR TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN

FROM THE QUESTION BOX: Is the use of the words “Oh my God,” or “for God’s sake” blasphemy against God? Is blasphemy worse than taking God’s name in vain?

Some would consider these terms blasphemous because they refer to God. But blasphemy is not a religious word as such. It means to speak irreverently against someone and can include outright slander and defamation. It implies an untruth or invalid charge though not necessarily a vulgarity. Nobody should be blasphemed although anybody could be. God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, the name of God and the doctrine of God can be blasphemed (Rom.2:24, 1 Tim.6:1, etc). Men can also be blasphemed or spoken of in derogatory terms (Matt. 12:31-32, Mark 3:28). Some may think blasphemy is too strong a term for our language now unless it is a matter of cursing or somehow denigrating God or divine persons and things. But there are no degrees of blasphemy. Any vain, empty, or profane mention of God, any speaking against God in any way is blasphemy. Continue reading →

#geraldcowan, #mandamentos, #name-of-god

TFRStaff 9:23 am on 2021-04-05
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We cannot easily comprehend

I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.* (John 10:14-15 ESV)

Я Пастир Добрий, і знаю Своїх, і Свої Мене знають. Як Отець Мене знає, так і Я Отця знаю, і власне життя Я за вівці кладу. (Івана 10:14-15 Ukrainian)

O LORD, our great God and King who rules constantly in love forever and ever. Thank you dear Heavenly Father, for shepherding your flock of people who have faith in Christ Jesus as our Lord, King and Good Shepherd. We cannot easily comprehend how anyone who has even once heard about the grace and love of Jesus, could suddenly turn a cold ear to the blessed gospel of salvation. Forgive us for the times when we ignored many great opportunities to expand the influence of your blessed plan of salvation. Ignite a fresh spark of faith in Christ that will turn many sleeping Christians into productive workers of the Lord. Turn upside down and shake out of the church those who have no serious interest in the salvation of souls so that they will repent and not lose their most precious inheritance. We ardently pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister
http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com/

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 8:31 am on 2021-04-04
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Love that illuminates the heart

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33 ESV)

Итак всякого, кто исповедает Меня пред людьми, того исповедаю и Я пред Отцем Моим Небесным; а кто отречется от Меня пред людьми, отрекусь от того и Я пред Отцем Моим Небесным. (Матфея 10:32-33 Russian)

Almighty God of all grace, peace, hope, joy and love ~ thank you from the depths of our hearts for the brightness of your love that illuminates the hearts and minds of all people – especially those who trust and obey Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior. Embolden all faithful Christians so that we will never cease from being open about our faith. Forgive us for times when we may have left our faith at home when going to work or play. We ardently pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister

http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com/

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 3:53 am on 2021-04-04
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Evil influence

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny

But they did not obey, and Manasseh misled them so that they sinned more than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed from before the Israelites. 2 Kings 21.9

Judah had good kings and then had bad kings. Hezekiah had been a good king. Hezekiah had been struck with a terminal illness. The Lord sent the prophet Isaiah to tell him to put his house in order. However, the Lord had extended his life in answer to Hezekiah’s prayer for healing.

It would seem that during that last fifteen years, something happened to Hezekiah. When visited by a delegation sent from the king of Babylon, he welcomed them and showed them everything that was in his palace. He was later chastised by Isaiah and told that his descendants would be taken into captivity by the king of Babylon. Hezekiah was only concerned with having peace during his lifetime, 2 Kings 20.19.

During the last 15 years of his life, a son was born to Hezekiah. Manasseh was only twelve years old when he became king. He was a horrendous king. You can read about some of his atrocities in 2 Kings 21.1-7. He had sinned more than the Amorites, the nation that God had given to Israel to conquer. Disaster would befall the kingdom of Judah because of Manasseh and his influence on the people to turn to idolatry.

The people did not obey the Lord. They were influenced by an idolatrous king. Even though one more king would appear who obeyed the Lord, Josiah, the kingdom of Judah is eventually overthrown by Babylon.

Obedience to God is important! Watch who you follow after.

#risingjoy #obedience

TFRStaff 5:11 pm on 2021-04-03
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Roy Davison: Jesus is the morning star!

Jesus is the Morning Star!

Articles have been added to my page in the Old Paths Archive in English and Dutch.

A new day is dawning! Continue reading →

#jesus, #roydavison

TFRStaff 9:59 am on 2021-04-02
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Prodigals need to leave the pigpen

GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICALS
Number 626 • April 4, 2021

PRODIGALS NEED TO LEAVE THE PIGPEN
Luke 15:11-24

Poet Robert Frost said, somewhat cynically, “Home is a place where, when you have to go there they have to take you in.” Maybe that was the rule in his home but it is not universally true. Continue reading →

#geraldcowan, #repentance

TFRStaff 9:14 am on 2021-04-02
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Fresh opportunities

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:4-5 ESV)

Ми мусимо виконувати діла Того, Хто послав Мене, аж поки є день. Надходить он ніч, коли жаден нічого не зможе виконувати. Доки Я в світі, Я Світло для світу. (Від Івана 9:4-5 Ukrainian)

Our dear Heavenly Father ~ thank you Lord for the dawning of another new day that brings fresh opportunities to do the Lord’s work. Bless everyone who faithfully follows Jesus as Lord with the wisdom and fortitude to remain busy doing good works that bring honor and glory to our risen King. Remove the scales from the eyes of every believer so that we will follow the light of Christ in doing good deeds that are always right before our eyes, if we will see and follow the perfect example of our Lord who tirelessly gave of himself all the way to the cross. Help us Lord! We pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister

http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 10:57 am on 2021-04-01
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Including those who refuse

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

Тогда сказал Иисус к уверовавшим в Него Иудеям: если пребудете в слове Моем, то вы истинно Мои ученики, и познаете истину, и истина сделает вас свободными.(Иоанна 8:31-32 Russian)

Almighty God, our dear Father in heaven ~ thank you Lord for the many blessings you shower upon all people including those who refuse to recognize your very real existence. Help all faithful believers to devote more time in serious study of the truth found in the Spirit inspired Scriptures that reveal your plan of salvation for all people who trust and obey Christ as Lord. Silence the voices of those who pompously claim that spiritual truth is of no significance. We fervently pray in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

David Binkley, Sr. Gospel Minister

http://www.cedarkeychurchofchrist.com/

#davidbinkley #devotional

TFRStaff 7:19 am on 2021-03-30
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Hugh’s News & Views (Alabama)

ALABAMA

When I launched “Hugh’s News & Views” back on November 11, 2010 I said I would deal with a variety of matters: Bible teaching, religion (Bible and religion are often two entirely different things), spiritual issues, moral issues, political matters, sports/recreational/ entertainment matters, personalities, even personal and family matters, etc. While most of my columns have dealt primarily with biblical and religious issues, I have nevertheless tried to have a “mix” of other things from time to time. This week I am going in a somewhat different direction as I talk about the state of my birth—Alabama. As will be shown later in the column, the idea for this week’s essay came from Earl Kimbrough, a fine gospel preacher whom I have known since I was 13 or 14 years old, an outstanding restoration movement historian, and also a native of Alabama. Continue reading →

#hughfulford

TFRStaff 6:40 am on 2021-03-30
Tags: attitudes, ,   

Attitudes

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny

(His parents said these things because they were afraid of the Jewish religious leaders. For the Jewish leaders had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Christ would be put out of the synagogue. For this reason his parents said, “He is a mature adult, ask him.”) John 9.22-23

The man had been blind from birth. Jesus had healed him. People who had previously known him or seen him begging began to question if it was truly the same man. He affirmed that he was.

He was taken to the Pharisees who questioned him. They were more concerned that the healing had taken place on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders did not truly believe that he had been blind. After summoning his parents, they questioned them. His parents, because of their fear of being put out of the synagogue, passed the responsibility of the question back to their son.

So many different attitudes arose from one healing act. Joy and faith were shown on the part of the once blind man who could now see. Disbelief on the part of neighbors and others who had seen him begging. Nitpicking on the part of some of the Jews and the religious leaders because the healing occurred on the Sabbath. Fear of being thrown out of the synagogue made his parents throw the responsibility back to him.

But the once blind man did not retreat. He stood firm. Jesus later came to him asking him if he believed in the Son of Man. He confessed and worshipped Jesus.

#risingjoy #devotional #attitudes

TFRStaff 7:51 am on 2021-03-29
Tags: , palmsunday   

It is ‘Palm Sunday’ and Jesus is weeping

GERALD COWAN’S PERSONAL PERIODICALS
Number 625 • April 1, 2021

IT IS “PALM SUNDAY” AND JESUS IS WEEPING

We have just passed what nominal “Christendom” calls Palm Sunday. It is hailed as “the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.” Five days later would be “black Friday” – the day of his death on a cross. The day of his true triumph over death and all the powers of godlessness and ungodliness – when God raised him to life again as the successful Savior, soon to be head of a new form of the kingdom of God – that day, called “Resurrection Sunday, ” was one week away. Jesus, knowing that the end of his earthly ministry and the sacrificial death that crowned it were coming soon should have been happy with the coming joy of fulfillment, when he could say, “It is finished – my work is done.” We are told elsewhere that he did in fact rejoice – for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame and would be (now is) set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2). With only one week to go before completion of his mission and ministry why was he weeping? He was not weeping for himself, for the torture he was to endure or what it would cost him to become the redeeming savior, as terrifying as that prospect was –four days later, in the garden of Gethsemane he would sweat blood while coming to terms with the “cup” he would be asked to drink (Luke 22:39-46). On his way to the cross he told some others not to weep for him but to weep for themselves and their descendants, for what would be coming upon them (Luke 23:28-30). Continue reading →

#geraldcowan, #palmsunday

TFRStaff 5:56 am on 2021-03-29
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Amazed

Rising Joy by Vicki Matheny

But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed. Mark 15.5

What is your reaction to Jesus? Do you think that he was just a good man? Or do you believe that he was divine and came to Earth to make salvation a possibility for you? Are you amazed by him?

Pilate was amazed. Jesus was being accused repeatedly. The chief priests, elders, experts in the law, and the whole Sanhedrin had come up with a plan. They had delivered Jesus over to Pilate. After accusing him over and over, Pilate asked him if he had nothing to say, to which Jesus made no reply. Pilate tried to free Jesus, for he knew that they had handed him over because of envy, but the Jews would have none of it.

How did he do it? How did he stand silently while his accusers made one accusation after another? John 13.3 gives at least part of the answer. John wrote that Jesus knew who he was, where he came from and where he was going. Because of this, he was able to stand firm in the midst of severe rejection and betrayal by the very ones who should have welcomed him with open arms.

What about you? How do you see Jesus? Only when you can know who you are, where you came from, and where you are going can you see Jesus for who he truly is, God’s Son. Then perhaps you also will be amazed by him.

#risingjoy #devotional