Too many people approach the Bible as some kind of book of do’s and don’ts.  They go through the Bible, as it were, making a list of the things they can do and making a list of the things they cannot do.  As they do this, they are often looking for the verses that specifically tell them that they can’t do something…

When I was a young child, there were a few Sunday mornings when my brothers and I made the mistake of asking the question, “Do we have to go to church today?” Without exception, my dad would reply swiftly with, “No, we don’t have to…we GET to!” Thankfully, rather than severe punishment, this response usually resulted in us having a little laugh…

It is remarkable to watch the growth of Peter. When this fisherman was first called to follow Jesus, he struggled. Jesus once said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Mark 8:33). You see this struggle as he denied, cursing and swearing that he did not even know…

Sometimes you can set up the greatest of opportunities for someone, having done most of the work yourself and offering them some wonderful benefits, but then they choose to reject your efforts and all that you are providing for them.  It doesn’t make sense.  They are turning their back on the best of opportunities.  All you can do is let them go.…

What does it take to be a good father? When you consider your own father, maybe you remember him being funny, loving, a hard worker, wise or gentle. Any of these qualities would make an unforgettable dad. But what makes a truly good father? In 1 Timothy 5:8, the Bible tells us, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and…

As Paul begins his letter to the church at Rome, he uses words which clearly focus on the resurrection of Jesus. He said that Jesus was “…declared to be the Son of God with power…by the resurrection from the dead” (1:4). In his letter to the church at Philippi, he spoke of his great desire to “…know Him and the power of…

Similarities and differences.  In any group of people, you will probably find similarities and differences.  This is true in a third grade classroom, in a boardroom of executives, on a football field, in a grocery store, etc., etc.  This was also true of groups of people that Jesus encountered.  In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus met ten men.  Now let’s consider their similarities and…

“What kind of Christian are you?” is a question I have been asked countless times. I’m a big fan of the response, “Hopefully a good one.” But, this question is asked for a very good reason. According to Livescience.com, “Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S and… 45,000 globally.” Is this what Jesus wanted? In Matthew 16:18,…