Gossip’s motivation is to smear another while building one’s self up and then escalates from there. It is information that can include the faults of others, private details of the lives of others, embarrassing information or shameful details of others, the inexperience of certain aspects of people’s lives that normally isn’t potentially damaging but gossipers speak in such a way to cause it to be, and normal day to day activities that are discussed just to have somebody to talk about. Gossip needs a teller - the victimizer, one or more hearers, and a victim.

This register or list of the saved, thus designated because of the sacrifice of the Lamb making it possible and the life secured thereby (2 Tim. 1:10; Jno. 14:6; 2 Pet. 1:19), comprehends all redeemed from all covenants, because the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was designed to effect the redemption of faithful saints under all economies (Heb. 9:15; 11:39,40). A similar book of remembrance was mentioned by the prophet in connection with God's people in whom He delighted (Mal. 3:16,17). An examination of this register reveals the following features:

I suspect that few of us would admit to living by the motto, "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (Matthew 5:38), but let's be honest -- there is something instead us that enjoys the idea of getting revenge. Some of the more popular movies throughout the past years have been those that opened with someone being mistreated. We spend the rest of the movie anxiously waiting for the hero to get the opportunity to exact his revenge -- and then we cheer!

What is the Lord’s Church? What is its function or purpose? What is the role God has designed for the church? These are questions should be asked by God's spiritual family.

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32). This passage demands that Christians forgive each other. It also sets a strict guide for this forgiving -- "just as God in Christ forgave you." God is the perfect standard for forgiving, but what does "just as God forgave " include?

A friend of mine recently made this comment, “Around here football is a religion!”  At first his words sounded like an innocent declaration of the passion and allegiance many of us have for our favorite teams.  But after a little reflection, his words seemed to burn a hole in my conscience.  Is football our religion?

There seems to be a natural tendency to concentrate on negative things and to overlook positive ones. In particular, we tend to deliberate more on the faults and failings of others, and to ignore the good things they are doing. This is especially true in the Lord's church. In fact, we are often more negative and critical of our brethren than we are toward complete strangers.

At least seven times in the New Testament (NASB) we are told how important it is not to lose heart (Luke 18:1; 2 Cor 4:1, 16; Gal 6:9; Eph 3:13; Col 3:21; Heb 12:3). Indeed, as Christians it is extremely important that we do not allow discouragement to weigh us down and cause us to give up.

When we read the parable of the wedding feast (Matt. 22:1-14), we find one who attended the feast not dressed in a wedding garment. The outcome of this event was for him to be bound hand and foot and cast into outer darkness. Why was the King angry at this guest? After all, He did invite the guest to come. Was the King unfair?

...and sin not" (I Cor. 15:34). Imagine playing ball with someone and they ask you to attend a Sunday morning church service with them. You say you can't. The person asking you responds back by saying he or she is good enough to play ball with but not good enough for you to attend church service with. What do you say?