Abimelech was the son of Gideon (aka Jerubbaal), by a concubine (Judg. 6:28-32; 7:1; 8:31). Gideon had been chosen by the Lord to judge Israel (Judg. 6:11-14), and of whom “The angel of the Lord…said…The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior” (Judg. 6:12). Gideon is listed among those who “by faith conquered kingdoms,” etc.… Read More Judges: Learning From Abimelech — Roger Leonard
The prophet Haggai began his work in the second year of Darius I (1:1), 520 B.C. He played a vital role in the return of God’s people from Babylonian captivity. He had one goal given from God: “Complete the Building of the Temple.” But the people were only seeking their own well-being. When the Babylonian… Read More Truth From Haggai and Malachi — Roger Leonard
A covenant is a binding agreement between two or more parties. The terms of human covenants may be set by both parties or set by one and agreed upon by the other. The covenant terms between man and God are always established by God alone. God made a promise that through the seed of woman… Read More The Superiority Of The New Covenant — Roger L. Leonard
There is a sense in which our feelings are our friends. Fear can protect us from certain dangers or taking unnecessary chances. Crying can help us deal with loss, pain, and deep grief. Anger can even be a friend if it is righteous indignation. Consider all the wrongs that would go without a response if… Read More A Way That Seems Right About Salvation — Roger Leonard
In this article we will consider the kind of preaching needed today. A follow-up article will examine the definition of sound preaching in the next issue. What kind of preaching is needed today? Preaching that pleases God. When God sent Moses to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage, He sent him first to the Israelites… Read More The Kind of Preaching Needed Today — Roger Leonard
Our first child was born in August of 1988. Alisa and I had been married for just over three years and were excited about our baby girl whom we had already named Amanda Carol. I chose Amanda from Don Williams’ song by that title, and Alisa chose Carol after her mother’s middle name. Amanda had… Read More Helping Our Children Develop Their Own Faith — Roger L. Leonard
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for… Read More Christianity and Conflict Resolution — Roger L. Leonard
The book of Job addresses perhaps the most difficult of life’s questions: “Why does God allow human suffering?” This article deals with Job’s three friends who tried to answer this question. Some things they said were wrong and some right…but mostly they were wrong. We must also bear in mind that God allowed Satan to… Read More Job’s Miserable Comforters — Roger L. Leonard
Before one can love others, they must first love God with all their being. At this point one attains godliness as a fruit in their life.… Read More Adding Godliness To Steadfastness — Roger L. Leonard
Carolina Messenger 