By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier

Focal Passage: Acts 4:31-37

I have often heard people associated with churches make statements like, “We need to get back to the church of Acts.”

That is an interesting concept, but it is chronologically impossible. We cannot travel backward in time. I do understand what is meant by this statement and appreciate the intent behind it. Though we cannot go back there, our churches may experience the same spirit and unity of purpose that made that first church so effective for the kingdom of God. There are several principles mentioned in this Scripture that can help lead us to (or back to) that same unity. [Read more…]

By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier

Focal Passage: Nehemiah 8:1-8

The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” The writer of Hebrews says of the Word of God, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

There has been discussion among our Southern Baptist family about revival lately. One of the important elements of genuine spiritual revival involves a return to God’s Word and a response to its divine truth. Not just talk, opinion, or even passion for God’s Word, but the labor intensive spiritual discipline of knowing, reading, studying, memorizing, and applying God’s Word. [Read more…]

By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier

Focal Passage: Revelation 2:1-7

The influence of the term, “Christian” seems to be decreasing in our culture. The word “Christian” describes a person who has come to God through Christ for salvation, but that seems to mean less in our world than it once did. Love for Christ is ever present in a true Christian, although, it can fluctuate in intensity. This is the issue for the church, in Ephesus, throughout history, and today. [Read more…]

By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier

Focal Passage: Jonah 1:1-3; 3:1-5, 10

This week’s lesson begins a new unit of study related to awakening and renewal. The story of Jonah exhibits renewal in the life of Jonah, and awakening among the people of Nineveh. I like to think of the story of Jonah as it relates to the greatest commandment. Jesus quotes the Old Testament law, and then challenges His followers to go one step further, “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself,” (Luke 10:25-27).

Jonah is the story of Ninevite neighbors. All of us, if we are really honest, could think of at least one individual, or group of people, in our lives of whom we would say, “They don’t deserve to hear the good news of salvation.” That may be our own feeling, but it is NOT the feeling of God our Father. Peter says of Him, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) [Read more…]

By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier

Focal Passage: Joshua 22:11-12, 15-18, 26-27, 33-34

Some of us have a tendency to assume the worst. This can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. I have considered writing a book about some of the interesting disagreements that have happened in churches. In this account from the history of God’s people, an action that was intended as good led to the assumption that God’s law had been overlooked. The sons of Israel were concerned that the actions of the tribes east of the Jordan were going to bring judgment on the whole nation.

Jumping to conclusions (vv. 11-12). A well intentioned act on the part of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh was misunderstood by the rest of the sons of Israel. God had been very specific about worshipping false gods. Apparently a memorial had been set up near the west bank of the Jordan River (technically not the property of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh). [Read more…]