In Acts 5, we read of a man named Gamaliel, a Pharisee on the Jewish council, that stopped a near mob scene that could have resulted in the death of the apostles. The council had just been "cut to the quick" (Acts 5:33) by the apostles' inspired message and wanted to kill them on the spot. However, Gamaliel stood up at the time, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while (Acts 5:34 NKJV). What did Gamaliel say to prevent the council from acting on its rage?

In the prominent passage, 1 Samuel 16:7, we are told that the Lord “looketh.” “7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” Now comes the question, On what does the Lord “looketh” – focus his attention? Or, in his eyes, what thing is of prime importance? To this question five answers are found – four in the negative, one in the positive.

Boys have always been taught that it is wrong to hit a girl. However, the Olympics have recently allowed such to take place. A man who was pretending to be a woman fought a woman in a boxing match, and unsurprisingly, won. He hit the woman in the face so hard that she could not continue the match. The lack of outrage is disturbing. If this took place in an ordinary home, the man would be thrown in jail for domestic violence. Yet our society applauds this man for doing what he believes is right. But, is it right?

How often do we stand in the presence of the symbol of the shed blood of Christ, and think of trivial things? When we speak of the money spent each year in mission work do we think at the same time of all the things the money could be spent for otherwise? When we give as the Lords prospered us on the Lord’s Day, do we, as we drop our offering into the lock boxes in our foyers, think of what we could have bought for ourselves with it? So many miss the real blessing the Lord has in store for them by not being spiritually able to discern spiritual values.

With our young people starting back to school, what can be said to provide some encouragement? The apostle Paul commanded a young Timothy, saying, "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV). It is possible for some to look down upon others because of their youth. King Saul was skeptical that a young David could fight the Philistine giant, telling him, "You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are a youth, and he a man of war from his youth" (1 Samuel 17:33). 

What is a motive? That which causes motion; the secret spring of action; the purpose behind the deed. It is with the motive in the heart that God is chiefly concerned. (See Matthew 5:8; 6:1.) Let us take a look at some motives which move people to follow the Christ.

Ever since the beginning of the world, the word of God has been mocked by others. The devil scoffed at God's word, saying to Eve, "You will not surely die" (Genesis 3:4b NKJV). In the New Testament, James said some were blaspheming "that noble name" by which his audience was called (James 2:7). There has always been and probably always will be others who mock God, his word, and the people who choose to obey it. These mockers will ultimately give an account to God (1 Peter 4:5). However, will we as people called by that noble name remain true to our Lord under such mockery?

This is an old statement. I have heard it all my life. It is what people say about certain people who belong to the Lord. In fact that which caused me to be thinking on it recently was a conversation I had with a friend. He told me that a certain brother, whom we both knew, was out of duty. What did he mean by that statement? He meant that the man would not attend the services of the church as he should, and that he was not otherwise living as a Christian ought to live. He was not doing his duty in serving God.

But parents also have the responsibility of disciplining their children in the Lord. This discipline is for their good and proves the parents' love for the child. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights (Proverbs 3:11,12). 

Nothing escapes the attention of God. God has limitless power. That's why He is God (cf. 1 Kings 18:39). Therefore, God is omnipresent, that is, "present in all places at all times" (Merriam-Webster). An example of this occurs when Philip introduces Nathanael to Jesus. Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:47-49). The Son of God could see Nathanael and know his mind even though He was not physically present with Nathanael when he was under the fig tree. Also, David asked, Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? (Psalm 139:7). He concluded there was not any place in the air, in the ground, in the sea, or in the darkness that God could not see him (Psalm 139:8-12).

In the first chapter of Second Peter, God expresses three desires for his people. He expresses first of all a desire that they be genuinely converted. In the second place it is his desire that they have a natural, normal, and symmetrical growth. Finally, he wants them to have victory in their hearts and success in their efforts in the kingdom. It is this last desire that we shall be concerned with these brief words..

There are qualities (virtues) that distinguish God. These qualities are a part of Him as our qualities are a part of us. The virtues of God are numerous, and each quality which He possesses is complete and absolute. In His nature, He is just and righteous. He possesses all power and knows all things. However, even in our limited understanding of these qualities of God, there is one quality which describes Him more clearly than any other. God is just, but God is not called justice. Love is so much a part of God that “God is love” (1 John 4:8).

Salt has an appealing taste. It is not foul nor tasteless. The thing about salt is that you cannot hide it in food. In tasting potato chips, you can quickly tell if salt is in it or not. So why did Jesus tell people to be like salt? Because we ought to be different from the world. That positive difference will be noticed by others, which may give us an opportunity to say something for the Lord. We show we're different by our manner of life. Jesus also said in this context that people will "see your good works" ( Matthew 5:16). What can people see in you that marks you as different from a selfish and sinful world? Ever hear things like, "Why do you work so hard?" Or, "Why don't you ever complain?" Or, "I've never seen someone so calm in such a situation.”

Brotherly kindness, like mercy, is blessed two-fold. It creates a happy, wholesome attitude in two directions. If one is kind, he engenders kindness in others. The man who is noted for kindness to his brethren is not easily shaken. He does not lose faith in his fellow man as quickly as one drawn within himself; nor is he hurt as easily. Resentment is difficult for the man who spreads kindness among others. Brotherly kindness tends to make us calm and poised. A misstep will capsize a canoe, not so an ocean liner. Brotherly kindness is a spiritual and mental gyroscope by which we can sail through the most turbulent seas. If we possess this virtue happiness is assured “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim. 6:6).

Jesus, who is the master teacher, asked the question, "Have you not read...?" seven times in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke (Matthew 12:3,5; 19:4; 22:31; Mark 12:10,26; Luke 6:3). In each instance, He pointed out a lack of knowledge of God's word to those who were living in contradiction to it. This lack of knowledge resulted in the Pharisees condemning innocent people (Matt. 12:1-8; Luke 6:1-11). Their ignorance of God's word led them to believe they could divorce their wives for any reason without incurring the wrath of God (Matt. 19:1-12). Even the chief priests, who are identified as the Sadducees, were inexcusably ignorant of an "elementary principle," that of the resurrection of the dead (Hebrews 6:1-3), and therefore believed and taught there was no resurrection (Matt. 22:23-33; Mark 12:18-27). The Jewish leaders' ignorance of Old Testament prophecy ultimately led them to reject Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 12:1-12; Acts 3:12-18).

Patience means the power to endure, to suffer to wait . . . to do so even in adversity and with a calm spirit. Synonyms or near synonyms are endurance, fortitude, perseverance, long-suffering. James reminds us that we know of the patience of Job, and indeed, we do. We can learn patience from him as we see his suffering and endurance. But there is another who can teach us the lesson of patience to a greater degree than Job. That is Jesus.

The right kind of knowledge is indispensable to Christian growth. Supplying, or adding knowledge and all the other things Peter mentioned is equivalent to “if these things are yours” of verse 8, and “if ye do these things” of verse 10. Our adding or supplying knowledge involves knowledge being in us or being ours, and this involves our doing something. A Christian’s supplying knowledge in addition to his faith and virtue requires work!

If you look up the word, "Father" in Webster's dictionary, you will find an insufficient definition, in my opinion: "a male parent, a man who has begotten a child." Sadly, there are some fathers that only fit this description by being absent from the home or too busy or uninterested to be involved in the lives of their children. However, the ideal picture of a father as revealed in Scripture is so much more. Listen to how God described Abraham: For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice... (Genesis 18:19 NKJV). This description is later transferred into a command to all fathers in the New Testament: And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesian 6:4 NKJV).

  The Greeks placed a high estimate upon manliness, but their emphasis was largely physical. They stressed the orderly development of the human form. The quality of manliness or courage which is taught by Peter, however, is not after the Greek model. It is of much deeper significance, Paul wrote to Timothy, “And exercise thyself unto godliness: for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things. Having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come.” (1 Tim. 4:7-8). Bodily exercise is not discounted, but it is placed in its proper perspective. The virtue that we are to develop is manliness in godliness.

When you picture a beggar in your mind, perhaps you envision someone begging another person for money, food, or even mercy. Usually, the beggar is in a lower and poorer position compared to the person to whom he is begging. It is unthinkable that a rich man would beg something from a poor man. As God is the richest and greatest being, it is natural that we would beg Him for things we need that He could provide, such as for our physical and emotional needs, as well as spiritual needs of forgiveness and wisdom. But, asking respectfully, would God ever beg us for something?