Ironworks

    How can I rejoice in tribulation? It seems that tribulations would steal any possible joy for those undergoing them. Paul recorded these words, “ And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh steadfastness; and steadfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). It takes a different perspective to be able to receive this word. The Reality of Tribulation Jesus explained to His disciples that tribulation would certainly come. However, He offered them something more, Jesus said, “ These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  There is assurance in the fact that Jesus told His disciples that the things which He spoke were given so that they might have peace. Why do we avoid the peace that is offered in the Word of God? We want something else to find peace. We tend to believe that a world full of people

                        Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying, I am for doing good to the poor, but I differ in opinion of the means. — I think the best way of doing good to the poor, is not making them easy in poverty, but leading or driving them out of it. In my youth I traveled much, and I observed in different countries, that the more public provisions were made for the poor, the less they provided for themselves, and of course became poorer. And, on the contrary, the less was done for them, the more they did for themselves, and became richer. To sum up this thought, if we want to get someone out of poverty, we need to make them uncomfortable with it. Think about it. If someone is in relative comfort, being taken care of by everyone else and not doing for themselves, then they will remain in poverty. If on the other hand, they have to rely more on themselves to get out of their situation, they may get the proper motivation to get out of their poverty. People are Comfortabl

How do I get close to God? Have you ever wondered this? What is the reason that we contemplate this question? The society in which we live has further distanced itself from the Creator as the years go by. Many have attempted to substitute science, philosophy, or even psychology to fill the hole that sin leaves each in (cf. Rom. 3:23). Those studies have value and do help us understand much in this world, however, there is nothing that can fulfill our need to know and be in fellowship with our Creator. Science has failed to adequately explain our origin. Philosophy, try as it might, has failed to show us the best way to live a complete life. Psychology has failed to fully explain the mind of man. We do not need the scientist, philosopher, or psychologist to tell us who we truly are; we need the Creator. So if we perceive we have a need to get close to God, let us draw near. The Hebrew writer recorded these words, “Let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our heart

                         How can I grow spiritually? This question is one that many Christians, new and old, ask themselves and others. It is a good question and one that corresponds with the right desires. Jesus was a perfect example of this because the Holy Spirit explains, “And Jesus advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). We understand that as Jesus grew from adolescence to adulthood His wisdom and stature would surely grow. I want to focus our attention to the fact that He grew in favor with God and men. When we grow in Christ and mature from the basics of our faith, we will certainly receive the favor of God. So, what are some basics of growing spiritually? Love God and Others             The New Testament Christian must remember their first love, Christ! This was the thing lacking in the Ephesus church of Christ as recorded in Revelation 2. Our first -century brethren would not accept false apostles, but evidently, they forgot why. Love of

Do you love the lost? Christians would resoundingly answer yes. When we consider the reason we love the lost it is more than an affection toward our fellow man. There is a greater reason, we know how to love because of Christ’s love for us. It is without question that God loved the world enough to offer up His only begotten son (John 3:16). This is truly a remarkable gift because Christ came to die for even His enemies.   But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from the wrath of God through him.   Romans 5:8-9   To understand this love for the lost we espouse, we must consider the example of that love in our Savior Christ Jesus.             The rich young ruler is a quintessential account of Jesus ’ love for the lost. It is strange when we consider it as an example of love because the result is not what we would hope for regarding the young man&#