New Articles

Paul's Message on Mar's Hill - Acts 17

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

When Paul came to Mar’s Hill in Athens during his second missionary journey, he was completely by himself. Timothy and Silas, his associates in ministry had been left in Berea, while he was sent away by the brethren due to the dangerous and escalating conditions there (Acts 17:13). The unbelieving Jews who had stirred up the crowds in Thessalonica were intent on doing the same in Berea and consequently the apostle had to flee the area for his own safety. Arriving in Athens, the apostle dis...

The Simplicity that is in Christ

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:3 One of the outstanding aspects of the Gospel is its simplicity. To understand that salvation is simply a matter of acknowledging our need of Christ and looking to Him through faith alone to remove the penalty of sin and to make us citizens of Heaven is nothing short of amazing. Well can we sing the wor...

The Requests and Bequests of Our Great High Priest - John 17

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

John 13-17 is arguably one of the most sublime passages in the entire NT. It is that portion of Scripture that contains the Upper Room discourse of the Lord Jesus—a discourse found in no other Gospel account. It is the tender farewell of a loving Savior as He prepares to return to His Father in Heaven. Directed toward His eleven disciples, it reveals a growing intimacy to those He now calls “friends” (15:15) as He unfolds many of the great truths of the Christian faith later developed in...

God at Work: The Imprisonment and Release of the Apostle Peter Acts 12

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

The account of Peter’s imprisonment under King Herod and his subsequent release through an angel of the Lord (Acts 12) is not only a dramatic example of what God can do in the life of a Christian, but also a powerful example of what He can do in the life of a non-Christian as well. Cast into prison along with James for his unswerving witness for Christ, Peter now became the prime target of Herod whose hope was to quash this new movement of faith. Herod promptly executed James with the swor...

Fruit-Bearing

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Every true believer has a responsibility to bear fruit for the Lord, a fact supported by the Scriptures, beginning to end. In Ex. 28, Aaron’s priestly robe was to be adorned on the hem with pomegranates and golden bells. The pomegranates speak of the visible aspect of our testimony—fruit-bearing—and the golden bells, the audible aspect in our testimony and service for Him. In Num. 17, Aaron’s rod that budded is a powerful picture of Christ as our Great High Priest in His resurrection m...

"All Things"

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

I have found that when it comes to studying my Bible, it is important to focus on "all things" in it and not just some. As a matter of fact, when we take "all things" into consideration, we come away with a completely different perspective about our life in Christ and our blessings in Him. Like the Psalmist, we are forced to pause and reflect on God's unchanging truth which should evoke in our hearts a whole range of powerful emotions. When we take "all things" into consideration, we should b...

Believers Beware! or Dangers in the Day of Famine, 2 Kings 4:38-41

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

As the return of the Lord draws closer each day, the need for spiritual discernment among Christians will be of the utmost importance. The devil knows that his time is short and as the last days come to a close, he will pull out every stop and utilize every device in his arsenal to waylay the saints and waltz the unsaved to their destruction. Paul reminded Timothy that in the latter times “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…”(1 T...

Our Stewardship in Christ

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

There are more than a dozen descriptive metaphors for the Christian in the NT. We are referred to as ambassadors, representing the Lord in this distant world and beseeching its inhabitants to be reconciled unto God (2 Cor. 5:20). We are sojourners and pilgrims—strangers in a strange land, passing through a barren wilderness en route to a heavenly destination. (1 Peter 2:11). We are also sons and heirs of God replete with all the privileges and responsibilities that come to those who are born...

The Danger in the Delay Exodus 32

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0600

When the Lord was with His disciples in the Upper Room on the night before His death, He gave them this wonderful promise: “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am there you will be also” (John 14:2-3). That promise—that He would personally return for His own has been the blessed hope and joyful expectation of believers everywhere from ...

The Need For Discernment in the Last Days

Mark Kolchin — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 00:00:00 -0500

BELIEVERS BEWARE!
THE NEED FOR DISCERNMENT IN THE LAST DAYS
2 KINGS 4.38-41
Mark Kolchin

As the return of the Lord draws closer each day, the need for spiritual discernment among Christians will be of the utmost importance. The devil knows that his time is short and as the last days come to a close, he will pull out every stop and utilize every device in his arsenal to waylay the saints and waltz the unsaved to their destruction. Paul reminded Timothy that in the latter times “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils…”(1 Timothy 4.1). Peter likewise warned: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you…” (2 Peter 2.1). There have always been false prophets in the world and false teachers in the Church, but toward the end of the last days their presence and power will intensify as Satan drags his own net across the sea of humanity and over a world system in which he has long held sway. Christians are to function as salt and light, but as the world grows increasingly corrupt and plunges more deeply into spiritual darkness, the Church’s testimony and influence in the world will be largely nullified unless spiritual vigilance is maintained. What can happen when believers are not spiritually discerning can be seen from an interesting episode in the ministry of the prophet Elisha.

THE SETTING

Spiritual FAQ's

Mark Kolchin — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 00:00:00 -0500

Spiritual FAQ's What are the different names for God in the Bible and what do they mean? “ The Names of God" The Bible speaks of the importance of knowing God. Daniel 11:32 "The People that know their God shall be strong and do great exploits" Phil. 3:10 : "..That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection" Hosea 4:6 warns "my people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge" God wants...

KTW Links

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500

// Devotional Devotional Practical Practical Doctrinal Doctrinal Expository Expository Gospel Gospel ...

KTW Music & Hymns

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0500

// Devotional Devotional Practical Practical Doctrinal Doctrinal Expository Expository Gospel Gospel Devotional Devotional Practical Practical Doctrinal Doctrinal ...

Rebellion of Absalom

Mark Kolchin — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0500

2 Samuel 15. 1-6. When the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was first exiled, he vowed that that he would one day return to rule the country of France. When the opportunity eventually came, he acted quickly to effect his ambitious plan. He launched his daring strategy by first approaching the king’s troops. Initially they jeered and railed at him — a check to his brash effrontery. But through his artful persuasion and inflated promises, Napoleon successfully turned their loyalt...

Spiritual Discernment

Mark Kolchin — Tue, 26 Jul 2005 00:00:00 -0500

The need for spiritual discernment in the Church is as great today as it ever has been. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy: "Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1) As the Lord’s return grows nearer, we are warned that spiritual deception will grow stronger as the deceiver of the nations intensifies his efforts to control the nations and keep the unsaved in darkn...

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Visit of the Queen of Sheba”

1 Kings 10:1-13

This is not only a great Gospel picture of how some find the Lord, it is also an example of how the Lord has raised up His people and “blessed them with all spiritual blessings” (Eph.1:3) as pictured by Solomon’s gracious treatment of his people. “Behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matt. 12:42)

1. Her Investigation (vv. 1-2)

The Queen of Sheba traveled a great distance and spent a great fortune to investigate the claims of others who had been talking about this great King concerning his God. Someone had been talking about Solomon! We should be talking about the Lord in the same way to raise interest in others about our God. (1 Peter 3.15, Psalm 45:1) Like the Queen of Sheba, many unsaved have weighty matters of the heart to pour out to the Lord.

Some Lessons on Casting

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

Some important lessons and reminders about casting... 1. A lesson about the sustaining power of the Lord. “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22 2. A Lesson about solace from the Lord ...

Are You Ready?

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“Ready”

1. Before I came to Christ, like Israel I came from a line that was ready to perish – “ And thou shalt speak and say before the LORD thy God, a Syrian ready to perish was my father…” (Deut. 26:5)

2. But thank the Lord, He was ready to forgive – “ For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (Psalm 86:5)

3. Now like the Apostle Paul, I am ready to save sinners through the preaching of the Gospel - “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.” (Romans 1:15)

The God of...

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The God of…”

He is the God who meets all our needs in every aspect of life:

He is the God of the Living and actively involved in the details of every day life – “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Ye therefore greatly err.” (Mark 12:27)

He is the God of patience and consolation who patiently helps and heals us in our emotional distress – “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus” (Romans 15:5)

He is the God of hope who lifts our hearts above hopeless situations – “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:15)

From Legalism to Liberty (Philippians 3)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“From Legalism to Liberty: The Affirmations of the Apostle Paul”

Phil. 3:1-21

Given to encourage the Philippian believers in the faith and to avoid the doctrine and attitudes of false teachers.

1. The Apostle’s Admonition (vv. 1-3)

To rejoice in the Lord—the theme of this epistle-repeated again in 4.4

It was not a tedious thing but safe for him to remind them of the need to avoid, false teachers who had mixed legalism with grace calling them “dogs”, “evil workers” and their work of circumcision as “mutilation” God’s strong attitude against those that oppose His grace. The true Christian worships God in the Spirit, rejoices in Christ, and does not trust in the flesh.

2. The Apostle’s Achievements (vv. 4-6)

If legality were the way to heaven, his credentials would easily exceed those who advocated this approach to salvation. Seven achievements are listed: four natural, three attained. Circumcised on 8th day as was Isaac (in contrast to Ishmael in the 13th year - Gen. 17.25) of the favored nation of Israel, of the faithful tribe of Benjamin, born of parents who were both Hebrew, of his own volition – a Pharisee, a persecutor, and perfect as concerning the law.

The Final Words of a Faithful Servant (2 Tim. 4)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Final Words of a Faithful Servant”

2 Tim. 4:1-8

These are the apostle’s final words to Timothy, his son in the faith. It was written just before his martyrdom at the hands of Nero, the Roman Emperor. (v. 6) It gives us a clear pattern for Christians to follow in their service for the Lord.

1. The Reminders for a Faithful Servant (v. 1)

Paul charged Timothy before God and the Lord Jesus Christ. This charge was given in light of having to give an account to the Lord in a future Day. Believers will have to give an account at the judgment seat of Christ, which will take place subsequent to His appearing for the Church. (Heb. 9:28) Unbelievers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment after Christ’s millennial reign.

The Call of Levi (Mark 2)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Call of Levi”

Mark 2:13-17

Recorded in three of the Gospels, the call of Levi (Matthew) was like all other conversions – a unique miracle of the new birth demonstrating the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. In contrast to the healing of the paralytic (2:1-12) in which others worked hard to bring a desperate man to the Savior, this account reminds us of the ability of the Lord to call men and women apart from human instrumentality.

1. A Surprising Call – v. 13

With no previous interest, Matthew was called by the Lord away from his sinful and consuming life-style as a tax-collector. Matthew was the least likely since he had not responded previously to the Lord even though He had regularly ministered in Capernaum and had recently taught the multitude, (v. 14) Matthew being absent.

2. A Sudden Call – v. 14

“As He passed by” – amazing that Matthew responded so quickly! One moment engaged in business, sitting at the receipt of custom the next minute following the Lord. Sitting (and going nowhere), now a follower of Christ and going somewhere. How quickly a person’s life can change.

3. A Simple Call – v. 14

“Follow Me” - No rituals required, no debate, no long discourse, no soul struggle on the part of Levi – just a simple call to salvation. Some people simply need to hear the Gospel to respond and “yes” is all that is needed.

From Gaza to Glory (Acts 8)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“From Gaza to Glory”

Acts 8:26-40

Here is an exciting account of the salvation of a man who while traveling on the road to Gaza became a traveler on the road to Glory.

1. The Worth of A Soul (v.26)

God sent His servant Philip into the desert for the sake of one individual whose heart had been prepared by the Lord.

2. The Witness of A Servant (vv. 27-30)

Philip unlike Jonah “arose and went” in prompt obedience to the Lord. Leaving the success of a fruitful ministry in the north, Philip ventured into the isolated wilderness and quickly drew near the eunuch, unconcerned about this man’s great authority and aware of the brief window of opportunity to reach this man with the Gospel. Unashamedly, he engaged the eunuch in spiritual conversation asking him a question that exposed his ignorance and opened the door of opportunity to witness. Not silent, Philip preached Jesus to him as he done to the crowds in Samaria. (v. 5) Philip — good in personal and mass evangelism alike.

Diligence in the Day of Salvation - Luke 19:11-27

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Parable of the Pounds” or “Diligence in the Day of Salvation” Luke 19:11-27 This parable deals with the responsibility of Christians to make good on the opportunities that the Lord gives to serve Him and represent Him in the world. It is similar to the Parable of the Talents (Matt. 25) but differs in many respects. This was given on a different occasion, at a different place and has a different emphasis. The parables of the Lord were often s...

The Rebellion of Korah (Numbers 16)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Rebellion of Korah”

Numbers 16:1-50

Introduction

Jude 11 reminds us that there will be three attitudes that will characterize last days’ false teaching: the way of Cain, (salvation by good works), the error of Balaam (reasoning that God cannot bless people unless they are without sin) and the gainsaying or rebellion of Korah (the disrespect and disregard for properly-appointed leadership). The last attitude has its basis in this portion from Numbers 16 and is practical in at least two ways: 1) to show how apostates will attempt to undermine divinely-appointed leadership and 2) to show even among the Lord’s people that disregarding and undermining the leadership of any local assembly is a serious sin and subject to the Lord’s discipline.

Discussion

The Strategy of the Enemy (2 Sam. 15)

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

The Strategy of the Enemy: The Rebellion of Absalom

2 Sam. 14:25-15:6

The conspiracy of Absalom against his father David depicts the worldwide effort by Satan and his followers to usurp the authority of the Lord Jesus, the true and rightful king.

1. The Attraction of Absalom - striking in his appearance. (2 Sam. 14:25-26)

Absalom was noted in Scripture as being praised for his good looks. (14.25) It was this feature that he used to his advantage in gaining the hearts of the people to rebel against his father, David. Ezek. 28 speaks of Satan before his fall as beautiful and perfect, until iniquity was found in him. The grotesque caricature of the devil is far from accurate, he is more the cunning serpent whose outward beauty and attraction calls attention to his “message”.

The Testimony of the Redeemed

Mark Kolchin — Thu, 23 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

“The Testimony of the Redeemed” Psalm 107 There is nothing like the power of personal testimony. It is one of the most convincing ways to witness for the Lord. Here is a Psalm that pictures four general ways in which God redeems His people from the hand of the enemy. (v. 2) It is part of a trilogy of psalms (105-107) in which God’s people are exhorted to give thanks to the Lord. It has a primary application to the nation of Isr...

Isaac at Gerar (Genesis 26)

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

Trials in the life of the Christian often reveal the true condition of the heart toward God. Just as a river takes the path of least resistance, so too many a believer in the midst of trial will look for the easy way around difficulties. The Scriptures remind us however that trials can be for our good. They can be used to uncover deficiencies and wrong priorities in our lives so that we redirect our spiritual course, establish a vital testimony for the LORD and thereby sense more fully His abiding presence. How trials serve to accomplish these purposes is vividly portrayed for us in the record of Isaac's sojourn into Gerar recorded in Gen. 26.

After being established in the land, a famine arose affecting Isaac and his family. The Bible records that this famine was different from the one experienced by Isaac's father who had lapsed in his faith under similar circumstances. (Gen. 12) Despite the matter of family record, Isaac sought the aid of Abimilech, king of the Philistines instead of seeking the LORD. Why he did not consult the LORD during this trying time is peculiar since he had done so previously when pleading on behalf of his barren wife, Rebecca. (Gen. 25:21) It serves as a clear reminder that one victorious episode does not ensure the next since the walk of faith is a day-to-day experience.

Finishing the Course (Act 20:24)

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

Understanding and Appreciating the Trials and
Triumphs of the Shepherds of the Flock

Mark Kolchin

During his third missionary journey the Apostle Paul stopped to bid a brief, but poignant farewell to the Ephesian elders. (Acts 20:17-38) The tearful parting on the shores of the Mediterranean was the dramatic culmination of a stirring address that he gave regarding their labors for the Master. His plan had been to sail past Ephesus in order to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost and the opportunities that it provided for the Gospel. But being so close to the city where he had spent nearly three years establishing and strengthening the assembly, it was hard for him not to make a contact. While at Miletus he called for the elders of the church and gave them his own testimony of the toils and tears expended for the sake of the Gospel. Testifying how he had not shunned to declare unto them the whole counsel of God, he charged them to take heed to themselves and to the solemn responsibilities entrusted to them by the Lord. The address that he gave and the example that he exhibited not only provides elders today with a valuable blueprint for shepherding the flock, but it also gives the saints a unique perspective into the arduous, yet often unappreciated work of the oversight.

The Day of Christ and the Day of the Lord

Mark Kolchin — Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 -0600

A number of references are made in the NT to the Day of Christ or the Day of the Lord Jesus. The Apostle Paul, seeking to encourage the Philippian Christians, stated in Phil. 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” He would go on to exhort them to “approve the things that are excellent that ye might be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (v. 10). Later in this same epistle, Paul stated that he hoped they would hold forth the Word of life so that he might rejoice in the day of Christ, so that he would not have run in vain neither labored in vain. (2:16) Likewise, to the Corinthian assembly — an assembly known for it’s blatant carnality, he could positively affirm the sanctifying work that the Lord would ultimately accomplish in their lives when he reminded them: “He shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 1:8)