“Let Him Deny Himself”
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me’” (Matthew 16:24). Disciples are followers. In going to the cross, Jesus was denying Himself and suffering for the will of the Father. If anyone will be the Lord’s disciple, they […]
Athletes Gone Broke
An online article reported that several athletes, some earning up to 250 million dollars, have see their financial worlds collapse. Athletes such as Mark Brunell, Bjorn Borg, Dorothy Hamill, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Lawrence Taylor have all sought bankruptcy protection to some degree or another. No one should ever rejoice in the suffering of […]
A Tale of Two Fathers
Although Abraham and Lot were righteous men (Romans 4:3-5; 2 Peter 2:6-8), the ways they conducted their lives and raised their families stood in stark contrast. Consider four questions that may help you raise a godly family. First, where am I looking? Lot looked toward Sodom and chose the plain of the Jordan because of […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 […]