The Appointment of Elders Crete was one of the largest islands in the Mediterranean world. Paul left Titus there with a clear purpose: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I Read more…
An American Uncle Forty years ago, while preaching in Florida, I had the opportunity to teach the gospel to Paul Lee, an electronics engineer from Seoul, Korea. Only two months after his baptism, Paul moved to Maryland, where he eventually fell away from the Lord. For several years he drifted Read more…
Can a Widower Serve as an Elder? One of the domestic qualifications for a man who desires to serve as an elder is that he must be “the husband of one wife” (1 Timothy 3:2). This requirement excludes several categories of men based on marital status. First, a polygamist cannot Read more…
The Virgin Birth and the Holy Spirit Matthew 1:18–25 The Bible records several remarkable births: Isaac, born to Sarah when she was ninety years old and barren; Samson, born to Manoah’s formerly barren wife; Samuel, born to Hannah; and John the Baptist, born to Elizabeth. Yet none of these compares Read more…
Does Jesus Care? The following article is adapted from the eulogy given at the funeral of Joseph Vann Wangler on January 15, 2026. Does Jesus Care? This is the title of a popular hymn we sing. It also represents one of many questions that come to mind when one experiences Read more…
Necessity of an Eldership A few years ago, concern was expressed over a shortage of capable preachers. Today, however, we face an even greater problem: a shortage of shepherds. More and more congregations are operating without elders, and in many areas, elders seem to be an endangered species. How can Read more…
Strive to Thrive, Not Just Survive Last year I planned to lose forty pounds. I’m happy to report that I only have fifty pounds to go—with two days left in the year. As 2025 comes to a close, many are looking ahead to 2026, but looking back often reveals a Read more…
Did Jesus Have a Normal Childhood? “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.” – Luke 2:52 Jesus had at least four brothers and a sister. Imagine growing up with Jesus as your older brother. His life would have left a deep impression on Read more…
The Early Years of Jesus Luke 2:38–51 Have you ever heard these stories about Jesus? One tells of five‑year‑old Jesus forming twelve clay sparrows on the Sabbath. When his father Joseph rebuked Him, Jesus clapped His hands and the birds came to life and flew away. Another story claims Jesus Read more…
Christ is Greater Than… …Abraham, Moses, David After Jesus promised the woman at the well that He could give her living water, she asked Him, “Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?” Read more…