Two Types of Workers
Someone suggested that, while there are many different kinds of jobs, they could all be broken down into two categories: a) the kind of jobs where you shower after you finish working; and, b) the type of jobs where you shower before you go to work. Obviously, the first sort of job involves more intense […]
Deterring Sin
The wise man said, “Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecc. 8:11). This is true in all areas of life: society, family and the church. Christians generally agree there is a problem in our […]
Descriptions of Who Christians Are
In 1 Peter there is much that is applicable to the life of Christians. It is not a book full of discussions of doctrine like the book of Romans and others. It is very much a book of encouragement to those who were suffering for the cause of Christ. Peter begins by addressing the Christians […]
A Definition of Faithfulness
God has great intentions for our congregation just like He has for all of the assemblies of His people. However, if we are to be effective, we must be involved in the work. As you consider the question of faithfulness, answer the following questions: Attending is one of the easiest ways to be involved. If […]
Deep Regrets
Once upon a time a godly girl was dating a boy who was not a faithful Christian. Their familiarity with one another increased until finally, with the young man leading the way, the girl’s will power was broken and they committed fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). The godly girl immediately realized her mistake, repented of the […]
Decision Time
Life is full of decisions, many of them small and a few big ones, including who to marry and what career to pursue. The biggest decision, of course, is what to do about Jesus. In Mark 10:17-27, the rich young ruler once came to Christ, wanting to know what he had to do to inherit […]
Reflections on Efficacy
Christians can go for a long time without having any evidence that what they do achieves anything. I’m currently using a prescription drug that has a 70% efficacy rate. That doesn’t sound too bad — unless you’re in the 30%. A lot of people you attempt to influence will be in the 30%, and it’ll […]
Deception
I recently saw a sitcom where a major character didn’t want to go through with a prior commitment, so he convinced another character to “make something up” to “cover” for him. If we were really honest, how many of us have used deception to get out of something we didn’t want to do, get the […]
Current Attacks on Decency
Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction,” Nicollette Sheridan’s towel malfunction and naked leap into the arms of Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens in a promotion before ABC’s “Monday Night Football,” and the recent Detroit Pistons/Indiana Pacers game melee are just the most recent signs of a new culture that has emerged among Americans, and I fear […]
Death From the Inside
A few years ago, large, majestic pine trees in Colorado, some of which were saplings when Columbus discovered the New World, have, over the centuries, been struck by lightning, braved great windstorms, and even defied earthquakes. In the end, however, they were killed by some rice-sized pine beetles. Boring under the bark, they chew away […]