What does it really mean to forgive? Forgiveness may be one of the least understood topics in Scripture, and yet God says our willingness to forgive others will have a direct impact on where we spend eternity (cf. Matt. 6:12-15). It’s one thing to talk about forgiveness, but really practicing it is a humbling, maturing,…
Our songbooks contain some beautiful and rich songs, many of which happen to have been written decades ago. Sometimes, however, the images and language are a bit difficult to understand. I am reminded of the story about the little boy who after services one Sunday morning asked his mother, “Who was Ebon Pinion, and what…
Some Bible stories seem to thrill the heart and imagination more than others. I enjoy meditating on Scripture, and the following is my own brief “top ten” list of days for which I would like to have been present. What days would be on your list? #10 — The day Paul preached in Athens (Acts…
When God instituted the family (cf. Gen. 2:18-25), he gave the responsibility for leadership to the father. Dads are to be the spiritual leaders and nurturers in the home, according to God’s ideal (cf. Eph. 5:22-33; 6:1-4). Dads are also imperfect, however. The Bible is literally filled with men who seemed to have their heart…
On November 11, 1620, about 102 settlers aboard the famous Mayflower arrived in the New World, and there was nothing to greet them except the harsh reality of a New England winter. Within five months, over half their number had died of starvation, cold, and disease. How amazing, then, that these “pilgrims” could still find reasons to…
I love college football. To me, few things are more exciting than watching the season unfold each Saturday afternoon during the fall. However, I freely admit that some fans are more devoted to college football than I am. You know the type I’m talking about. These loyal patrons can rattle off obscure and detailed statistics…
Our Fall Gospel Meeting with Freddie Anderson, Carl McCann, Josh Linton, and Bruce Morgan begins today. This is a week in which the elders have asked us to set aside our normal evening schedules to focus on eternal things. Indeed, abundant blessings come from seeking first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33)! Let’s focus on…
The Christian life is often compared to a race in the New Testament, and we all know that training to compete in a race or any athletic competition requires a degree of discipline and self-control by the one who competes. We compete daily to remain faithful to Jesus and to “walk in the light” (1…
One of the greatest blessings of Christianity is the fellowship we share with one another, but being a Christian also means we must limit our fellowship with certain people and works of the world. The fellowship of God’s people is important. It was one of the first activities mentioned in the newly established church of…
One of the things God has blessed us all with is time. Some of us are blessed with more of it than others, but it’s certain that it is a blessing the Christian should not take for granted. God created time for mankind (Gen. 1:14), and the way that we use that time is critical…