Many people mistakenly believe the Roman Catholic Church teaches Mary is on par with Jesus in the role of mediating between God and man. Some of this confusion comes when non-Catholics hear The Hail Mary prayer: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus, Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."

"Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control" (1 Cor. 7:2-5).

Timothy was instructed to Fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12a), and Paul declared that he had fought the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7a). Today, let's look at one of the things for which we should be fighting.

What attitude should Christians have towards Mary, the mother of Jesus? Should we worship and praise her? Should we pray to Mary as the "Co-Redeemer" of humanity?

Perhaps some in our society have lost sight of the fear of God. Indeed the wise man made this observation: Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). 

“Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

In the apostle Paul's first missionary journey, he encountered a situation that could have left him fearful, discouraged, and ready to quit. But thanks be to God, he got back on the horse.

In this portion of the epistle, we have an account of the unhappy strife and contention prevailing among the saints in the city of Rome. The contention hinged about the distinction of meats and days. The apostle Paul, with extreme care, lays down principles and directions for the purpose of settling all such disputes and preventing their occurrence. Let us give thought to his practical exhortations.

 This time of year, is a reminder of our need to always have an attitude of thankfulness, but it can also be a time of stress for families as they navigate the holidays. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus(Phil. 4:6,7 NKJV). 

 Throughout the Bible, we see thanksgiving for blessings as a theme. The Old Testament resounds with the people praising God; Israel had a history of giving thanks to God for the mercy and deliverance he showed them. In the New Testament we read, Jesus “Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke them” (Luke 9:16). At the Last Supper Jesus took bread, gave thanks, and offered it to His followers (1 Cor. 11:24).

 Because we are made in the image of God, who said through the apostle Paul, that we should "aspire to lead a quiet life" (1 Thessalonians 4:11), and to pray for the civil authorities so that "we may lead a quiet and peaceable life" (1 Timothy 2:2). Yes, quietness is a virtue which we are to pursue. 

 There are times when we should be ashamed of ourselves but never is there a time when we should be ashamed of the gospel. We should not be ashamed to declare it, to defend it, to manifest its power in our lives. The man who is ashamed of the Christ (or his gospel), of him the Christ will be ashamed when he comes in his glory. (Mark 8:38.) 

 God's word has been compared to a fire: “Is not My word like a fire?” says the LORD, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces" (Jeremiah 23:29 NKJV)? A fire was lit a week ago here at St. Andrews Road! Our hearts burned within us as the Scriptures were opened up, and we were taught the biblical model of evangelism. The real-life conversion accounts we heard were powerful. The soul winning process demonstrated was very practical. The presentation made by our speaker was passionate! Now it is our turn to participate in the mission of the church of Christ. .

 For many years now we have heard the statement that the church’s primary task is to do that work which only the church can do---namely, the work of evangelism. This is not to imply that the church is not to be concerned with benevolence or edification, but it is to understand that after all, there is a vital connection between these works and the work of evangelism.

Good news travels fast! But did you know that this was the case long before the information age consisting of computers, telephones, and the mailman? When Jesus began His ministry, it was not long before multitudes heard about Him.

In this prominent passage we are told that the Lord “looketh.” (Read context.) Now comes the question, On what does the Lord “looketh” – focus his attention? Or, in his eyes, what thing is of prime importance?

It is wrong for us to become so involved in the business of this busy world that we have no time left for the things of God. Jesus commanded, in the great sermon on the mount, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God with its righteousness, and these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:3i3).

Fervent lips with a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross. He who hates, disguises it with his lips, and lays up deceit within himself; when he speaks kindly, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly (Proverbs 26:23-26 NKJV).

Ephesians 4:30 says, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” This commonly misunderstood passage carries great implication in general, and specifically for the context in which it is found. What does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit? How do we properly apply this passage?

Think of flattery as the opposite of gossip. The latter is something you say behind someone's back that you would never say to his face. Flattery is something you say to someone's face that you would never say behind his back. In other words, you heap praise upon a person, but it is a lie to gain something from them.