There is a lot of talk about different generations and their characteristics. If we took a look at the lost generation, would any of those traits describe us? What can we learn from them? It gets your attention to mention anything as lost, especially if it is precious or valuable. It is encouraging to see that we serve a Lord that would…

The Bible often mentions athletics. That first-century world had its “Olympics”—not with the ancient duplications of the marathon from Greek culture, but the Romans regularly had sporting events where athletes competed with one another. Paul speaks of one fighting (boxing) not as one just throwing punches into the air, but one who faced the opposition head on (1 Cor. 9:26). The writer…

There are “convenience stores” everywhere you go.  Some may not call them that anymore, but they are still “convenience stores” nonetheless.  Think about that name.  Why call it that?  The “convenience store” is a convenient place to stop and get something quick, without having to go out of one’s way or take more time than is absolutely necessary.  Here’s the question: Do…

It didn’t start with the bird, but it didn’t help. The whole trip wasn’t going as planned. I got to the island and found out that one of the members was gone and the other was leaving. Also, if I didn’t mind, could I take care of their house and animals while they were away? The studies didn’t happen as frequently as…

There was a time when America led the world in scholarship.  But, now we do not rank in the top ten and, in some lists, struggle to be in the top twenty. What is the cause of this? What has changed? Years ago, we emphasized the three R’s of learning—readin’, writin’ and ‘rithmetic, but these fundamental skills no longer seem to be…

Many Bible students would recognize the triad of “faith, hope and love” as the three things that Paul said would continue to “abide” among Christians after miraculous gifts “ceased” (1 Cor. 13:8-13).  But how do these abide among God’s people?  Are they merely matters of the heart? Paul frequently emphasized “faith, hope and love” in his letters (Col. 1:4-5; 2 Thess. 1:3-4;…

A main focus of Paul’s letter to Colossae was to “present every man complete in Christ” (Col. 1:28). As he closes the letter, we able to see some of those who have been instrumental in the work of the church and the detriment that one was to the work. Paul was not a one-man band. He would be the first to tell…

I am a long way from being an accomplished sailor, but the apostle Paul spent many days aboard ships throughout his life. He understood nautical terms and used one of them three times in the Bible. The Greek word is hupostello and refers to what happened whenever the captain of the ship sensed troubled waters ahead. It was used to describe what…