Paul told the church in Thessalonica that he was always “remembering without ceasing your…labor of love” (1 Thess. 1:3).  He had rejoiced at Timothy’s report, when he “brought us good news of your…love” (3:6).  If there was any church that really understood and practiced Christian love, it was the brethren in Thessalonica.  So much so, that Paul wrote, “But concerning brotherly love…

How many times have you heard it – “Patience is a virtue”? (Probably so many times that you might have wanted to smack the person who last said it to you.  Ah!  Maybe that’s why they were extolling patience.)  Patience is a hardy virtue, which entails constant endurance. Patience is a command from God.  “We exhort you, brethren…be patient with all” (1…

To the average American, what is Cinco de Mayo about?  Some might say it is a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day, but that day is not until September.  Some suggest it is a celebration of Mexican culture, but is that what the typical American partier is thinking?  Most Americans have come to admit that Cinco de Mayo is seen in the same…

The Bible does not indicate that the father of “The Prodigal Son” in Luke 15 ever wrote a letter to his son, while he was off in the far country, but if he had, perhaps it might have been like this: “My dearest son, I miss you so much!  While I could wish that all is well with you, I know that…

No place in the New Testament does it teach that Christians cannot approach God themselves but must have someone else to intercede with God on their behalf.  It is definitely helpful and encouraging to have others praying to God for us (cf. James 5:16; 1 Tim. 2:1), but that does not preclude our own right and ability to go to God directly…

Abraham and Abimelech were not friends.  They were not acquaintances.  They did not see each other often or hang out on the weekends.  In fact, Abimelech was the king of a foreign nation, who was deceived in his first encounter with Abraham (which showed that Abraham was not perfect).  However, there was something about Abraham that was obvious to Abimelech. “God is…

The account of Abraham searching for a bride for his son, Isaac, ought to impress upon us the serious nature of choosing the right person to marry.  Abraham chose his oldest and most trusted servant to find a wife for Isaac.  Before going on his search, the servant was required to make the most solemn of oaths, “Please, put your hand under…

The thought of conceiving, bearing and giving birth to a child, when she was 90 years old, was a laughable thought to Sarah.  But, to her skepticism the Lord asked, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” (Gen. 18:14).  Giving life is a simple thing with the Almighty God. Mary wondered, “How can I have a child when I am yet…