Shame is a Good Thing
Western culture has done a masterful job of normalizing abnormal, unhealthy, and immoral behavior. This, in large degree, is due to the fact that we have sought to remove every ounce of shame from our society. Shame is a feeling of humiliation and embarrassment brought about by wrongdoing. Though our world rejects the notion, Scripture teaches that a feeling of shame and embarrassment can be a good thing because it prompts us to turn away from what is wrong and…
Let’s Stay Focused
Some things that we do in life do not require special attention on our part. We can successfully complete some tasks while we have the radio blaring and are talking on the telephone at the same time. Other tasks, however, require us to be completely focused on what we are doing. One that drives a school bus had better keep his attention on the task at hand. The same goes for a doctor that is performing open-heart surgery or a…
It Is Written
“And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead” (Acts 4:1-2). Persecution against Peter and John began because they announced the coming resurrection of the dead. How else could they preach Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)? Why would anyone oppose such preaching? The Jewish leaders must have known that Jesus raised Lazarus, and…
The Ambition of a Burmese Python in the Everglades
No, I have not gone geographically goofy! It’ll take more than a sack lunch to go from Florida to southern Asia, but because some pet owners have deposited their no-longerwanted pythons into the Everglade Swamp there have arisen some interesting ecological dilemmas. The most spectacular one I have seen had pictorial documentation to prove itself. There, in the black and white of today’s Richmond Times-Dispatch, was a burmese python that had bursted in its attempt to swallow… an alligator! What…
Droopy Eyes and Our Gospel Meeting
The apostles had a vision problem and did not realize it. I’m not sure if there is a name for it, but I would call it “droopy-itus.” This disease had been around for several years and was widespread among the Jews of the first century. As strange as it may seem it is often found among many Christians today. John chapter four records the time when Jesus and the apostles were traveling from Judea, in the southern part of Palestine,…
The Difficult Command
If someone should ask you what the most difficult command of God is, what would you say? Would you say it has something to do with loving one’s enemy? Or being a liberal giver? Or keeping one’s thoughts pure? Perhaps these are difficult. But the most difficult command is the command to repent. Acts 17:30-31 says, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men everywhere to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in…
Do We Also Have Eyes Which Do Not See?
When Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest” (John 4:35), His disciples really had trouble understanding what was being said. They were in Samaria and the apostles, because of their Jewish background, had never seen that Samaritans had souls. Jews avoided, as much as they could, any contact with this mixed race in Samaria. Jesus’ use of the word “already” shows that He saw Samaria as a field ready…
Has Your Religion Changed Your Life?
There are many religions in the world. Some are based on ancestor worship, some on philosophy, some on fabricated stories arising out of human imagination. God’s religion is based on his revealed word. A Christian’s source book is the Bible. A sad fact, though, is that many who profess Christianity do not use the Bible rightly, and some do not use it at all. A statement made to ancient Israel thousands of years ago could well apply to the U.S.A.…
Wrong is Wrong
In a time of sagging morals, Satan provides many rationalizations for improper behavior. Those who would live faithful Christian lives must not be “ignorant of his devices” (II Cor. 2:11). Wrong is wrong despite our efforts to excuse our actions. WRONG IS WRONG, EVEN IF YOU DON’T GET CAUGHT. From “little things” like littering the highways and breaking the speed limits to “more serious offenses” such as adultery and stealing, our society seems to think the only wrong is getting…
You Raise Me Up
Sunday greetings my friends, I pray for you many blessings on this first day of the week. Several days ago I shared one of the songs I like to begin my day with, after listening to one of my favorite passages. Today, I want to share with you another scripture and another song that jumpstart my day. Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives…
Does Jesus Care?
“Does Jesus care when my heart is pained, Too deeply for mirth and song. As the burdens press, And cares distress, And the way grows weary and long. Does Jesus care when I’ve said good-bye To the Dearest on earth to me, And my sad heart aches Till it nearly breaks, Is it aught to Him, Does He see?” For decades this song has touched the hearts and given comfort to many. It answers this important question by saying: “Oh,…
What Kind of People Go to Your Church?
Some might ask this question as they consider attending our worship services. While the question of course is incorrect, in that neither you nor I have a “church”, it is the Lord’s (Eph. 1:22-23). The reason they pose this question is because it is natural to enjoy being around people like yourself, so some look for a congregation filled with folks much like themselves. Some organizations are designed to include people who are alike, with similar backgrounds, abilities, education levels,…