Square One


A Review of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2)

darwin.jpgby Richard Mansel, Stein hopes to create the possibility that freedom of thought can return to the discipline of science. Then scientists who currently fear recrimination can finally speak up.
By Richard Mansel (13 May 2008, 03:00 AM)
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A Review of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (1)

expelled.jpg by Richard Mansel, The filmmakers present this excellent documentary as an answer to a salient question. Why are professional people losing their positions at scientific institutions because they express an interest in intelligent design?
By Richard Mansel (06 May 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Listening "Intentively"

listen.jpgby Richard Mansel When we listen "intentively," we do so with a purpose. We intend to act upon what we have heard. We are receiving a call to arms so we leap into action.
By Richard Mansel (29 April 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Titanic and How We leave the Lord (3)

titanic4.jpgby Richard Mansel The builders of the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean. Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy.
By Richard Mansel (22 April 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Titanic and How We Leave the Lord (2)

titanic2.jpgby Richard Mansel The builders of the Titanic were remiss in several areas and doomed the mighty vessel to the bottom of the ocean. Their failures mimic our steps to apostasy.
By Richard Mansel (15 April 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Titanic and How We Leave the Lord (1)

titanic.JPGby Richard Mansel How does a faithful Christian leave the Lord? Is it with great noise, or with a whisper? Do we move from his arms with great gallops or stunted steps? It happens in moments, with doubts, sighs and knowing nods. Incrementally, we steal away. Let us see how.
By Richard Mansel (08 April 2008, 03:00 AM)
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The Goodness and Severity of God

parents2.pngby Richard Mansel We accuse God of injustice when he does the same things that we all do. We find certain practices perfectly acceptable and wholesome for ourselves, but not for God.
By Richard Mansel (01 April 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Walk in the Light

walkdark.jpgby Richard Mansel Light and darkness are common Biblical themes throughout Scripture. They express vividly the chasm between Christ and Satan. We would all do well to mine its depths in our own personal study.
By Richard Mansel (25 March 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Sexual Sin

hurtgirl.jpgby Richard Mansel, One of the most often discussed subjects in Scripture is sex and yet it is one of the least mentioned in Churches.
By Richard Mansel (18 March 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Barack Obama and the Misuse of Scripture

obama.jpgDemocratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama, recently said that while he did not believe in "gay marriage," he did believe in same sex civil unions. He said, "If people find that controversial then I would just refer them to the Sermon on the Mount, which I think is, in my mind, for my faith, more central than an obscure passage in Romans."

Does the Sermon on the Mount Validate Homosexuality?

By Richard Mansel (11 March 2008, 03:00 AM)
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God Calls Us to Holiness, Not Happiness

by Richard Mansel, We have strong desires that fight against holiness unless we control them.
By Richard Mansel (04 March 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Can Christians Suffer From Mental Illnesses?

by Richard Mansel, Why do Christians fear their brethren finding out about their mental illnesses?
By Richard Mansel (26 February 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Zealous for God

How would Paul's zeal help the church today?
By Richard Mansel (19 February 2008, 07:00 AM)
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Lost Opportunities

by Richard Mansel, Do we realize the eternal consequences of the decisions we make?
By Richard Mansel (12 February 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Was the Apostle Paul Confused?

by Richard Mansel, Did Paul not understand how he was saved?
By Richard Mansel (05 February 2008, 03:00 AM)
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There Is No Condemnation in Christ

by Richard Mansel, If we are in Christ, we will find life eternal.
By Richard Mansel (29 January 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Judged by the Content of Our Character

kingspeech.gifby Richard Mansel, On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his remarkable "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington to thousands of people./1 By April 4, 1968, King's voice fell silent because of an assassin's bullet at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis
By Richard Mansel (22 January 2008, 03:00 AM)
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The Dark Night of the Soul

lostforest.jpgby Richard Mansel The man is the Apostle Peter who has denied his allegiance to Christ, his Savior. In his dark night of the soul, we find our own failings and seek never to follow his lead.
By Richard Mansel (15 January 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Why America Deserves Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears

by Richard Mansel, Where did the behavior of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears come from?
By Richard Mansel (08 January 2008, 03:00 AM)
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Does Our Version of Jesus Exist?

by Richard Mansel, Do we see Jesus or what we want to see?
By Richard Mansel (01 January 2008, 03:00 AM)
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The Real Truth About Jesus' Birth

by Richard Mansel, Are Nativities Scenes Accurate?
By Richard Mansel (25 December 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (3)

by Richard Mansel, Heaven is worth the battles to remain sanctified.
By Richard Mansel (18 December 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (2)

by Richard Mansel, Christ brings courage in the face of the storms.
By Richard Mansel (11 December 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Led Down a Deadly Path By The Golden Compass

My Reaction to a Series of Films/Books About Killing God?
By Richard Mansel (04 December 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Will Our Anchor Hold Against the Storms of Life? (1)

Priscilla J. Owens wrote the lyrics for "We Have an Anchor" in 1882. William James Kirkpatrick composed the music. We can learn many lessons from this hymn. The first stanza reads, ...

God helps us survive the storms of life.

By Richard Mansel (27 November 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Trading Misery for Mercy

by Richard Mansel, Step off of the endless cycle of sin and guilt.
By Richard Mansel (20 November 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Willow Creek Discovers Bible Study

by Richard Mansel, It is earthshaking that Churches need to be preaching the gospel?
By Richard Mansel (13 November 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (3)

by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian Leave the Lord if he chooses?

Can a Christian leave the Lord if he chooses?

By Richard Mansel (06 November 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (2)

by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian be Lost Eternally?
By Richard Mansel (30 October 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Error of "Once Saved, Always Saved" (1)

by Richard Mansel, Can a Christian be Lost?
By Richard Mansel (23 October 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Why Wait to Become a Christian?

by Richard Mansel, Won't you act today?
By Richard Mansel (16 October 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are We a Faithful Christian?

by Richard Mansel, Have we completely submitted to Christ?
By Richard Mansel (09 October 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are We One Person or Two?

by Richard Mansel Do we live two lives?
By Richard Mansel (02 October 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Paul: Man of God

We can follow Pau's courageous example and change our world.
By Richard Mansel (25 September 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are Members of the Church of Christ Too Judgmental?

by Richard Mansel, We reach people's souls with love, not with a club.
By Richard Mansel (18 September 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (4)

by Richard Mansel, We must be in the Church that belongs to Christ if we wish to enter heaven.
By Richard Mansel (11 September 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (3)

by Richard Mansel, Who Benefits the Most from Denominationalism? God or Satan?
By Richard Mansel (04 September 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (2)

by Richard Mansel, What Authority Does Christ Have in His Church?
By Richard Mansel (28 August 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are Members of the Church of Christ the Only Ones Going to Heaven? (1)

by Richard Mansel, Do we want an honest Biblical answer?
By Richard Mansel (21 August 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Whose God Do We Follow?

jeremiah.jpg Do we try to make God in our own image?
By Richard Mansel (14 August 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Are We in Denial?

badinfluence.jpg Why do people change everything they believe because of a new person or idea?
By Richard Mansel (07 August 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Culture Wars

dadprayer.jpg Will we stand against the attacks on Christianity?
By Richard Mansel (31 July 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Satan Doesn't Wear Dog Tags

dogtags.jpg Satan does not wear dog tags or a uniform. He fights in disguise so his enemies cannot see him coming.
By Richard Mansel (24 July 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Is Baptism Always the Right Argument?

baptism2.jpg Do people have a misunderstanding that prevents them from accepting the truth on baptism?
By Richard Mansel (17 July 2007, 03:00 AM)
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What Are Our Attitudes About Prayer?

lincoln.jpg Quotes often soothe the troubled heart. Yet, do we examine them for logic and truth?
By Richard Mansel (10 July 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Devastation of Adultery (4)

spiritual_eyes.gif Spiritual adultery is a violent act against Christ because we claim to have found a better Savior.
By Richard Mansel (03 July 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Devastation of Adultery (3)

marriagestorm.JPGThe pain of adultery is preventable with the proper focus and foundations. We must develop a plan and execute it no matter the circumstances.

The best defense against adultery is marital closeness.

By Richard Mansel (26 June 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Devastation of Adultery (2)

adulteryface.jpg Adultery is dangerous because it destroys lives. It is an aggressively selfish act that cares nothing for anyone else.
By Richard Mansel (19 June 2007, 03:00 AM)
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The Devastation of Adultery (1)

divorce.gif Physical adultery tears homes and lives apart. Spiritual adultery brings misery upon God and one's soul.

Adultery is a sexual sin that tears lives apart.

By Richard Mansel (12 June 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Losing Our Perspective on Sin

wedding.jpg Situations or relationships do not change what God has already said in Scripture. His truth never changes.
By Richard Mansel (05 June 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Rotting Lives

rottingapple2.jpg The spiritual garments of the sinner are corrupt, rotting, filthy and decaying. Put on, instead, the clean garments of righteousness.
By Richard Mansel (29 May 2007, 03:00 AM)
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God versus Culture: Modesty (2)

surprised.gif If we will be modest in actions, language and behavior then we will, as a result, be modest in our clothing. Immodesty can be an expression of our soul's standing before God.
By Richard Mansel (22 May 2007, 03:00 AM)
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God versus Culture: Modesty (1)

Modesty.jpg Modesty is much more than our manner of dress. It is a life lived with God in mind.
By Richard Mansel (15 May 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Water and Blood in the Plan of Salvation (3)

sikakaneBaptism.jpg Water and Blood meet in the remission of sins. Have you been to Christ to have your sins washed away?

Water and the blood of Christ meet when we are immersed into Christ for the remission of our sins.

By Richard Mansel (08 May 2007, 04:00 AM)
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Water and Blood in the Plan of Salvation (2)

longhorn150.jpgChrist's blood was shed so that man can be saved and justified before God (Romans 5:6-10). This is reinforced by the imagery from the sacrificial system of the Law of Moses. Christ is superior to the blood of bulls and goats and remains the only path to salvation (John 14:6).

Without the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, there remains no hope for man.

By Richard Mansel (01 May 2007, 03:00 AM)
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Blood and Water in the Plan of Salvation (1)

j0433149.jpg "But one of the soldiers pierced [Jesus'] side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out" (John 19:34). Scripture is filled with powerful lessons that can be learned in a study of the relationship of blood and water to the salvation of our souls.
By Richard Mansel (23 April 2007, 07:25 PM)
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How to Love Your Wife

couple2.jpgMen must learn how to be the type husbands God desires. Ephesians 5:22-29 offers powerful advice for husbands. God's plan is to create people that are the best spouses they can be.

We Must Love Our Wives as God Desires

By Richard Mansel (17 April 2007, 03:16 AM)
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The Author and Finisher of Our Faith

writing.jpg Christ supplies the meaning and motivation for our salvation.

Will we ignore Christ who offers everything for a world which offers nothing?

By Richard Mansel (10 April 2007, 07:20 AM)
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Are Christians Intolerant? (3)

judge.jpg Those who call Christians intolerant have a misunderstanding of the mission and calling of God's people.
By Richard Mansel (03 April 2007, 02:00 PM)
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Are Christians Intolerant? (2)

baby.jpgIf tolerance is defined as a passive approval of all ideas, then Christians are forced to be intolerant by the strict parameters of politically correct speech.
By Richard Mansel (27 March 2007, 10:00 PM)
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Are Christians Intolerant? (1)

bible2.jpg Are Christians intolerant? The answers are both yes and no, depending on the intent of the accuser.
By Richard Mansel (20 March 2007, 10:00 PM)
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The Sweetest Smell

nose_smell.jpg Service to God is described as a sweet aroma that will draw others to its fragrance.

Sacrifice to God is a Sweet-Smelling Aroma

By Richard Mansel (13 March 2007, 10:02 PM)
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Jesus Didn't Stay Dead!

tomb.gifThe Empty Tomb Testifies to the Risen Lord

The Resurrection of Christ is Fact

By Richard Mansel (05 March 2007, 10:00 PM)
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Are We Spiritually Blind?

blind.jpgHave We Lost Our Spiritual Eyesight?

Will We Accept the Clear Evidence of God?

By Richard Mansel (26 February 2007, 10:00 PM)
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Helpless Hands

This past Saturday night, while cooking spaghetti, I accidently spilled boiling water on my hands. A subsequent visit to the emergency room told me I had suffered first and second degree burns. Three shots and a lot of cream and...

Without hands, life is very difficult.

By Richard Mansel (20 February 2007, 10:00 PM)
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God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part Two)

Becoming one flesh is the secret to a lasting marriage. God's design for intimacy and connectedness creates the resilient bond couples seek. The one flesh concept in Genesis 2:18-25 appears to be a simple matter during the initial passion of...

Are We Staying Connected In Our Marriages?

By Richard Mansel (12 February 2007, 10:35 PM)
Continue reading: God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part Two)

God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part One)

Christians and non-Christians have differing motivations for their actions. Fleshly men are guided by pleasure and the dictates of culture. Righteous men are led by holiness and the purity of their Christian walk. The godly man is not resistant to...

God's Beautiful Plan for Marriage Will Work

By Richard Mansel (06 February 2007, 11:00 PM)
Continue reading: God versus Culture: Marital Commitment (Part One)

God Versus Culture: Marriage and Cohabitation

When we become a Christian, our perspective changes from the will of the flesh to the will of the Father in heaven. The old ways of pleasure cease to be the guiding light of our days. We have a higher...

Is it Acceptable to Live Together Before Marriage?

By Richard Mansel (30 January 2007, 11:11 PM)
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God versus Culture: Sexual Purity

God created man as sexual beings. Sex exists to provide procreation and unmatched intimacy. It is beautiful and expressive of a boundless love. Humans desire it and will overcome seemingly unsurmountable obstacles to pursue it. Limitations have been placed on...

God's Plan for Sex Makes us Healthier and Happier

By Richard Mansel (22 January 2007, 10:00 PM)
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What Needs to Go?

I worked for Wal-Mart for five years. During that time, I discovered a talent for "zoning," which means straightening the shelved items so the store is neat and presentable. I became quite adept at zoning and frequently trained people to...

Which Sins Are We Rationalizing?

By Richard Mansel (16 January 2007, 10:00 PM)
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A Living Heritage

On New Year's Day, my Father, Dalton, took my brother and me on a journey through history. We traveled from Florence to Waterloo, Alabama where he was born and raised. The trip will be one of my cherished memories. Waterloo...

We Walk with Those Who Have Walked Before Us

By Richard Mansel (09 January 2007, 10:00 PM)
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God's Tapestry

In Native American markets one can examine some of the most beautiful tapestries in the world. Delicately, they weave diverse colors of threads into one seamless whole. Individually, each are wondrous to behold. Together, they far exceed what any one...

God is the Essence of Diversity.

By Richard Mansel (02 January 2007, 10:00 PM)
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The Need for Brutal Honesty

Attaining heaven requires many sacrifices. The submission of our base desires, yielding control of our destinies, and the focus of our time and abilities are necessary in order to take up the cross of Christ (Mark 8:34). But, another serious...

We Cannot be Holy until we are Humbled.

By Richard Mansel (25 December 2006, 09:04 PM)
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Dealing With an Angry Conscience

Knowledge is power. It provides necessary insight into situations and problems so we can be better armed to deal with them. There are a host of dilemmas that we face that we have no chance of shaping into our desired...

An Angry Conscience Takes Vengeance In the Wrong Places

By Richard Mansel (19 December 2006, 09:51 AM)
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Understanding Discipline (Part Four)

Having studied discipline from the standpoint of parenting and self-discipline, we take the same points and apply them to church discipline. These points are clearly established when we examine them in the common areas of parenting and self-discipline. First, we...

What is the difference between homes without discipline and churches without discipline?

By Richard Mansel (12 December 2006, 08:00 PM)
Continue reading: Understanding Discipline (Part Four)

Understanding Discipline (Part Three)

In studying discipline in its various forms, we can attain a deeper understanding of the concept. Examining discipline in general and in the home, we take the same concepts used in the latter and apply them to self-discipline in our...

Can We Control our Sinful Passions?

By Richard Mansel (05 December 2006, 03:35 PM)
Continue reading: Understanding Discipline (Part Three)

Understanding Discipline (Part Two)

Examples of bad parenting are everywhere. Crime, failing students, sexual promiscuity, and the general hostility of today's youth are evidence of the epidemic. Discipline is desperately needed in our homes. The failure of so many parents to do their jobs...

How Should Parents Discipline Their Children?

By Richard Mansel (28 November 2006, 11:15 PM)
Continue reading: Understanding Discipline (Part Two)

Understanding Discipline (Part One)

Discipline is defined as, "Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement. Control obtained by enforcing compliance or order."/1 Discipline is tied to a standard or pattern so that...

Denying Self is the Heart of Christianity

By Richard Mansel (21 November 2006, 08:35 PM)
Continue reading: Understanding Discipline (Part One)

Wake Up!

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines "automatic pilot" as, "A navigation mechanism, as on an aircraft, that automatically maintains a preset course."/1 Pilots avail themselves of this technology when they are fatigued or have other duties to...

Are We Living on Automatic Pilot?

By Richard Mansel (14 November 2006, 10:00 PM)
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Stewards of Truth

When we contemplate stewardship, our minds turn to effectively utilizing the money God has given us. Yet, the word simply refers to one who properly handles what has been entrusted to him. We want to briefly examine one item entrusted...

Will we stand for truth to the death?

By Richard Mansel (07 November 2006, 09:42 PM)
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Trick or Treat!

On Halloween night children go door-to-door crying, "Trick or treat!" The resident of the home distributes candy, thus saving their belongings from mischief. With Halloween here, the phrase can be borrowed and application can be made to people's use of...

Are You Falling for Satan's Lies?

By Richard Mansel (31 October 2006, 10:00 PM)
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The Eternity We Choose

The ancient story is told of a young ruffian who caught a bird and brought it to a wise man. He asked the wise man if the bird were alive or dead. The older man stared at him silently for...

Our Destiny is in Our Hands

By Richard Mansel (24 October 2006, 10:00 PM)
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Why Do We Disobey God?

Why do men and women openly defy God? Why do we show contempt in the face of his warnings? The short answer is sin and human weakness. Yet, we feel compelled to dig deeper. God is all-powerful and formed the...

Do We Follow God or Ourselves?

By Richard Mansel (17 October 2006, 11:00 PM)
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Is Everyone Subject to the Gospel?

books.jpgThere is a belief that only Christians are subject to the New Covenant found in the New Testament. Non-Christians, they say, have a "law written on their hearts" and are not subject to the laws of Christ (Romans 2:14-15). Gentiles who lived in the Old Testament period were under "natural law" and not under the Law of Moses (Romans 1:19-20). Non-Christians are likewise outside of the Law of Christ and not subject to its laws.

Must Non-Christians Obey the New Testament?

By Richard Mansel (10 October 2006, 05:00 AM)
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Will Everyone Be Saved?

Universalism is the belief that everyone will be saved regardless of their lives. It sounds loving and compassionate. Yet, it is the complete opposite of God's scriptural plan for salvation. God is perfectly good and desires that all men be...

Is Universalism Taught in Scripture?

By Richard Mansel (03 October 2006, 10:00 PM)
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What Must I Do to be Saved?

The most important question ever asked is, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37,38; Acts 16:30). It exemplifies a concern for the status of our souls and a willingness to find a solution. The question deserves an honest...

Jesus is the Source of our Salvation

By Richard Mansel (26 September 2006, 10:00 PM)
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Will we resist God or submit to him?

By Richard Mansel (19 September 2006, 11:30 PM)
Continue reading: Are We Clay in God's Hands?

It's All About Christ

Christ gives life, breath, and purpose to the Christian. He is the Savior and sum total of our existence. Ephesians 1:3-6 meticulously enumerates the preeminence of Jesus and the extraordinary blessings found in him. Paul writes, "Blessed be the God...

Christ is the reason for our existence.

By Richard Mansel (12 September 2006, 01:29 AM)
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Do Not Think Beyond What is Written

Students of Scripture are warned, "not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other" (1 Corinthians 4:6, NKJV). This sobering reminder, represented throughout God's Word, serves as...

A Deep Respect for God's Word is Irreplaceable

By Richard Mansel (05 September 2006, 10:00 PM)
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What if They Won't Listen?

We have loved ones we want to be saved. No matter our prayers, pleadings, and petitions, they refuse to listen to truth. Accepting the false doctrines they have been taught without reservation, they settle their minds and eschew any further...

We Must Use Wisdom in Reaching the Lost

By Richard Mansel (28 August 2006, 08:43 PM)
Continue reading: What if They Won't Listen?

Must We Be Members of the Church Jesus Built?

The word "church" has become so corrupted in today's common usage that it has been stripped of most of its Biblical meaning. Almost any doctrine or practice can find a church that will condone it. Cynicism has blanketed the religious...

Christ does what he wishes with his church

By Richard Mansel (22 August 2006, 10:20 PM)
Continue reading: Must We Be Members of the Church Jesus Built?

The Mindset of the Truth Teller

The Apostle Paul told Timothy, "Preach the Word, be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching" (2 Timothy 4:2, NKJV). Paul added, "Woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel!"(1...

We must love the lost in order to convert the lost.

By Richard Mansel (15 August 2006, 10:26 PM)
Continue reading: The Mindset of the Truth Teller

Dealing with Enemies

Enemies are a fact of life for Christians who are living and proclaiming the truth of God (2 Timothy 3:12). We must love our enemies and pray for them (Matthew 5:44). This will be extraordinarily difficult. But one of our...

Will we give them their sweetest victory?

By Richard Mansel (08 August 2006, 10:00 PM)
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Why Do We Have Enemies?

Enemies exist in our world despite our efforts to eradicate them. While enemies can be accumulated in spite of our efforts, they can also be created by our bad attitude or actions. If the latter is true, we may very...

Will we fear God or men?

By Richard Mansel (01 August 2006, 07:00 AM)
Continue reading: Why Do We Have Enemies?

Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Part Two)

Magnifying Christ in our lives is sustained in hope because of the faith required. We are convinced that Christ is the one to follow. When we follow him we stay close behind on the road to heaven. When we do,...

Do We Show the Lord's Light to All Men?

By Richard Mansel (25 July 2006, 10:00 PM)
Continue reading: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Part Two)

Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Part One)

The Apostle Paul wrote, "according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by...

Hope is the Fuel of Our Lives

By Richard Mansel (18 July 2006, 10:00 PM)
Continue reading: Magnifying Christ in Our Lives (Part One)

Who Made Who?

minicityp.jpgA young man, by the name of Mike, creates an entire village in miniature in a field behind his house. He places streets, parks, houses, cars, people, trees, flowers and shrubbery within its borders. Mike is the master of his city and he spends all of his free time grooming it to perfection. Imagine, Mike sees anger, hatred, war, and crime in the city he has lovingly created. He can manipulate them, but this will be a temporary and artificial solution. Instead, he decides to ...

Why Does Weak Mankind Challenge an All-Powerful God?

By Richard Mansel (11 July 2006, 08:00 AM)
Continue reading: Who Made Who?

The Thanks of a Grateful Nation

wwii-mem.jpgMemorials are common to the history of men. Wars, tragedies, presidents, and leaders of all kinds are marked by memorials that dot the landscape. Our freedom was secured by those who spilled blood, sweat, and tears in our nation's wars. Their sacrifices on foreign fields should give us pause as we contemplate their selflessness. They deserve the gratitude of a thankful nation eager to remain free. A nation that vows never to forget its fallen heroes or forsake their vision.

God Blessed Us with Heroes of the Faith

By Richard Mansel (04 July 2006, 10:30 PM)
Continue reading: The Thanks of a Grateful Nation

Spiritual Atrophy

There are a large variety of forces working together to further stagnate the growth of the church. Worldliness, denominationalism, and the pervasive nature of sin are critical issues that we face each day. They erode the efforts of the church...

An Inactive Faith is a Dead Faith

By Richard Mansel (27 June 2006, 10:28 PM)
Continue reading: Spiritual Atrophy

God's Plan for Unity (Part Two)

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is [f]or brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1, NKJV). Unity is God's fervent desire for his children. The forces of God cannot battle the soldiers of Satan if they are too...

Unity in Diversity is a Flawed Process

By Richard Mansel (20 June 2006, 10:22 PM)
Continue reading: God's Plan for Unity (Part Two)

God's Plan for Unity (Part One)

In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, "I will build my church and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (NKJV). God has always had a plan for his church. First, that it would grow (Matthew 28:18-20). Second, that it...

Unity Will Only Occur If We Play by God's Rules

By Richard Mansel (13 June 2006, 10:19 PM)
Continue reading: God's Plan for Unity (Part One)

Characteristics of a Growing Church

A lack of concern for growth in the Lord's body is unacceptable. "It is simply biblical and theological nonsense to argue that God is pleased when churches, year after year and generation after generation, lose members."/1 To suppose that Christ...

Christ never intended for his church to be stagnant.

By Richard Mansel (05 June 2006, 10:00 PM)
Continue reading: Characteristics of a Growing Church

Satan's Empire of Dirt

You could have it all My empire of dirt I will let you down I will make you hurt. - "Hurt" by Johnny Cash Satan tempted Jesus in order to destroy his mission. "Then Jesus was led up by the...

Satan offers nothing while Jesus offers only blessings.

By Richard Mansel (30 May 2006, 10:00 PM)
Continue reading: Satan's Empire of Dirt

The Da Vinci Delusion (Part Three)

In the "Da Vinci Code," Dan Brown weaves a tapestry of lies. He claims Jesus was a "mortal prophet" until Constantine and the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. voted to make him divine. Moreover, the Council "shrouded [him] in...

Did The Council of Nicea Create a New Bible?

By Richard Mansel (23 May 2006, 11:00 PM)
Continue reading: The Da Vinci Delusion (Part Three)

The Da Vinci Delusion (Part Two)

"The Da Vinci Code," claims Jesus was a regular man who married Mary Magdelene and fathered a daughter. Then supposedly Emperor Constantine and the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. constructed the lie that he was the Son of God....

Where did Dan Brown get these teachings about Jesus?

By Richard Mansel (16 May 2006, 10:31 PM)
Continue reading: The Da Vinci Delusion (Part Two)

The Da Vinci Delusion (Part One)

Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code," is one of the best-selling novels of all time. It relates the story of Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu who race around Europe while hiding from the law and the Catholic Church. They hold...

Is the Da Vinci Code Simply Harmless Fiction?

By Richard Mansel (09 May 2006, 10:23 PM)
Continue reading: The Da Vinci Delusion (Part One)

Losing Our Voices

I recently suffered through a bout of laryngitis and a cold. This kept me from preaching, teaching, and worshiping with my brethren. Things taken for granted suddenly took on new life. Frustration reigned supreme as simple tasks became menacing foes....

Are We Losing Our Voices for God?

By Richard Mansel (02 May 2006, 11:00 PM)
Continue reading: Losing Our Voices

Why Study the Bible?

Picking up a Bible could be the beginning of the greatest journey ever conceived. Whether to open the book and become immersed in its contents or replace it on the shelf, is the dividing line between an activity and a...

The Bible is the Greatest Book Man Has ever Been Given

By Richard Mansel (25 April 2006, 10:50 PM)
Continue reading: Why Study the Bible?

By Many Infallible Proofs (Part Two)

Scripture clearly expects the reader to understand it is inspired and presents absolute truth (2 Timothy 3:16,17). Moreover, "much of the New Testament is evidentiary in nature" in order to verify its claims./1 Luke writes, "it seemed good to me...

Scripture Expects to Be Given the Benefit of the Doubt

By Richard Mansel (17 April 2006, 10:05 PM)
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