The book of Acts is filled with progress reports on the growth of the early church. In Acts 6:1-7 we see the early church growing rapidly. Acts 6 opens with the words “In those days when the number of disciples was increasing…” But with growth came some issues. The remainder of Acts 6:1 says that…

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. A few short years before, the Pharisee-trained Saul made it his mission to destroy the church. Now, he has become one of…

It is hard to believe that another year has come to a close. Even harder to believe is that 2021 was my second year as the full time preacher here in Cloudcroft, having moved here full-time in August of 2019. Our family is extremely humbled and grateful to be a part of this church family…

Isaiah 63:7-14 is the beginning of what is often called the Lament(s) of Isaiah. This section continues through Isaiah 64. This section of Isaiah can be divided into three parts. In the first part Isaiah is remembering—reminiscing—and listing the mercies that God has shown to His people in the past. The second part (Isaiah 63:15-64:6)…

Luke 2:46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Four things stand out in this verse. When Joseph and Mary finally locate Jesus, where is he? Jesus is found in the temple courts. The temple courts were famous throughout Judea as…

This Saturday many in the religious world will celebrate Christmas. We do not read of Christmas in God’s word. It is a man-made holiday when many people celebrate the birth of Christ. The Bible doesn’t really have a lot to say about the birth of Christ. Matthew and Luke devote parts of two chapters to…

2 Chronicles 19:3 There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God. Those were the words of Jehu the seer to Jehoshaphat following his return from an unsuccessful campaign with the northern kingdom of Israel. Jehoshaphat, the fourth king…

Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Before making any physical preparations for their long and potentially dangerous journey back to Jerusalem; Ezra and his companions made spiritual preparations. Their prayers and fasting prepared them spiritually and showed their dependence on God for protection, their faith…

In 1 Thessalonians 5, the apostle Paul, inspired by God, gives the church at Thessalonica a series of exhortations. As children of the day, who were anticipating the Lord’s return, they needed to live righteously. As a church, they needed to relate well to their leadership. Paul calls upon them to treat all their fellow…