“As Ye Would That Men Should Do Unto You…”
“All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them; for this is the law and the prophets” (Matt. 7:12). Just as John 3:16 is called the “golden text of the Bible” so Matthew 7:12 is called “the golden rule.” Gold is perceived to be of […]
Astute Admonitions
Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 5:14, “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” These brief commands are written to all the Christians. “We exhort” is more authoritative than Paul’s previous “we beseech” (5:12). “Warn” is an injunction for the local body […]
A Strong Delusion
In 1877, Percival Lowell heard that an Italian astronomer had seen straight lines crisscrossing the surface of the planet Mars. Lowell spent the rest of his years squinting into the eyepiece of his giant telescope in Arizona, mapping the channels and canals he saw. He was convinced the canals were proof of intelligent life on […]
Weak and Worthless
The Old Testament uses the term “worthless men” several times to identify vain and idolatrous individuals. They were essentially meaningless, which is about the worst description that I could think of for a human being. Weakness goes hand in hand with worthlessness. And even though you don’t find “worthless” in the New Testament, the idea […]
Is Your Heart Big Enough?
So much of what it means to live for Jesus is summed up in the word love. Among other things, love is an essential ingredient in the recipe for unity among believers. The body of Christ builds itself up “in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Love is “the bond of perfection” (Colossians 3:14). The love which binds […]
Where Jealousy and Faction Are
James 3:16 says, “For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed”. Acts 3 records the first specific miracle of Peter: Healing a lame man at the Beautiful Gate. This was not the first miracle of Peter, for earlier than this (Acts 2:43) tells that the apostles (of which Peter was […]
As School Begins
Ready or not, it is time to begin another school year. It is an exciting time for kids, parents, and teachers. If you find yourself in one of these three categories, it is my earnest prayer that this coming school year will prove to be a time of joy, achievement, and prosperity for you. I […]
“Ask, and It Shall Be Given You”
“Ask, and it shall be give you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Mt. 7:7f). Some view these instructions as actions which increase in intensity. Perhaps. It may […]
Dealing With a Sinning Brother
In Matthew 18 Jesus gives step-by-step instructions on what to do when a brother sins: “And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the […]
A Simple Answer
Ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf? My mother used to tell it to me when I was younger whenever I would fabricate a story with the intention of getting my brother a whooping. It is a simple story that talks about a young man who would alarm the people in his […]
