Children Learn What They Live
The New Testament famously tells fathers to bring their children up “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). We are assured by the inspiration of God that if we bring our children up properly, when they are older they will not turn from it (Proverbs 22:6). But a part of raising children […]
Lowell’s Syndrome
In 1877, Percival Lowell heard that an Italian astronomer had seen lines crisscrossing the surface of 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 Mars. About the […]
Our Thrill-Seeking Culture
In recent years we have developed a thrill-seeking culture — a culture moved more by emotional stimuli than careful thought — that affects many facets of our lives. I have not been to a movie in years, but I have seen trailers on TV and digital video and heard people talk about them. I have […]
“Come and See”
I know how awkward it can be to visit a church assembly the first time. In fact, we’ve all been there. When Nathanael asked if anything good could come out of Nazareth in John 1:45, Philip said to him, “Come and see.” What will you find if you decide to “come and see” the Loop […]
One Thousand Days
Long ago the sons of Korah said, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Psalm 84:10). This morning, as you’re hopefully preparing for worship, what is your attitude? Do you feel like […]
“My Whole World”
One of my friends put a picture of their child on Facebook and captioned it, “My whole world.” I’ve seen this sentiment (which is not necessarily bad, by the way) several times. But if they’re being honest (and not exaggerating), this raises the question of whether there’s room for God in their world. Children (Psalm […]
Tennessee Tornadoes
On March 3, at least two EF-3 tornadoes struck Middle Tennessee and killed twenty-four people. As of this writing, seventeen people are still missing. Hundreds of structures were destroyed. Four of the fatalities included a couple who were Christians and their small child, along with another young child from parents who were Christians in Cookeville. […]
A Victorious Faith
David said in 1 Samuel 17:45, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied.” David’s faith in God was intensely real to him. Truly […]
Ten Attributes of a Great Teacher
God’s way has always been a way of learning. It is a way of seeking to understand His laws and His will for our lives. In an attempt to influence others for righteousness, God commanded the communication or teaching of His word (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 31:9-11). For this purpose, God has placed teachers in the New […]
People Will Fool You
In one sense, you could say Jesus loved the word “hypocrite.” But in another sense, He hated the concept because He warned of hypocrisy twenty times in the gospels. A hypocrite is an actor or one who plays a part. And the people Jesus had the greatest problem with were religious! People will fool you. […]