There is an amazing truth found in Paul’s second letter to Corinth. The church there was collecting funds for the needy saints in Judea, and Paul writes to them encouraging them to be liberal. We often hear some of his words in our assemblies before the collection is taken. “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly…

Are you a saint?  The word “saint” has been so misused in the religious world that many cringe at the idea of being thought of as a saint.  But, if you belong to God, you are a saint.  If you have longings to abide with God in heaven for eternity, you must be a saint.  How does the Bible use that term?…

We are all creatures that need approval. We may have different tolerances for rejection but at some point, we all need approval and validation. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Whose approval am I seeking?” If I am seeking God’s approval, then I am setting myself up for a healthy relationship with Him. If I am seeking God’s approval in…

Since it is Thanksgiving week, let me ask you, what are you truly thankful for? As strange as it may seem, the answer you give is likely the very opposite of the answer Paul would give. Read his words, then read them again, slowly. “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake” (2…

Too many pulpits these days are filled with stand-up comedians, motivational speakers and professional salesmen.  Well, maybe not literally, but that appears to be the case in many places.  A man gets up to speak during a worship service and he tells a funny joke, he shares some moving stories, he offers some advice for life, and oh, he sprinkles a couple…

We are all creatures that need approval. We may have different tolerances for rejection, but at some point we all need approval and validation. The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Whose approval am I seeking?” Consider the following as an evaluation. I might be seeking the approval of others if I… 1. Take disagreement personally.2. Change or adapt because of…

The last chapter of John describes the third time Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection. He had manifested Himself to them when Thomas was absent, then again when Thomas was with them. This chapter describes how seven of the disciples (including Thomas) had spent the entire night fishing and had caught nothing. They did not recognize the Man who told…

Where would we be without the Bible?  The answer is, “Nowhere good!”  Without the Bible, we would have no direction from our Creator.  We would have no idea how to live a life pleasing to Him.  We would not know how to prepare ourselves for life after death. But, with the Bible, we have God’s all-authoritative Word (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Cor.…