The Jews and Gentiles were bitter enemies and would not have anything to do with one another. Yet, God had an “eternal” plan, once kept as a “mystery” to Himself, but then revealed through Christ. That mystery was that “the Gentiles” were to be “fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ” (Eph. 3:6). How in the world was God…

Everyone wants to be the “greatest.” We love it when someone tells us that we’re the “greatest cook” or the “greatest friend.” We give trophies for the “World’s Greatest Teacher” or the “World’s Greatest Grandma.” Even Jesus’ disciples were interested in being the “greatest” (Mark 9:34). What does the Bible have to say about being the “greatest”? Three key uses of the word “greatest” in the…

Was it right of the Jewish leaders in Jesus’ day to “approve” (Greek: suneudokeo) of their forefathers killing God’s prophets (Luke 11:47-48)? Of course not! Was it right of Saul of Tarsus to “consent” (Greek: suneudokeo) to the murder of Stephen (Acts 8:1; 22:20)? Of course not!  That same Greek word is found in Romans 1:32, after a long listing of “unrighteous”…

Sometimes in friendships, there is “the giver” and “the taker.” “The giver” is the one who goes out of her way to check on her friend, to be there when times are tough, to be available at a moment’s notice, to lend a listening and sympathetic ear, to help whenever and whatever the need might be, etc. “The taker,” on the other…

You’ve experienced it, haven’t you? You call the “Customer Service” line for a company to get some help, and you are immediately put on hold. You listen to the soft and easy music for minutes upon minutes. The music is only occasionally interrupted by a recorded message that says, “Your call is important to us. We are currently assisting other customers. The…

They wiggle. They squirm. They sometimes have a tough time sitting still and being quiet. But that’s ok! Having little kids in worship is one of the best things that can happen–for the church and for the kids! Parents, please know that while you might have a tough time keeping them quiet and still in those first couple years, if you keep…

David needed forgiveness. After David had lusted for Bathsheba, sinned with Bathsheba, deceived Uriah and murdered Uriah, he was in a very bad place. Having added “sin to sin,” he desperately needed God’s saving grace.  But David asked for more than forgiveness. In Psalm 51, he immediately asked the Lord, “Blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse…

Some expiration dates probably get your attention more than others. What about expiration dates on coupons? If you had a coupon for a free meal, would you pay attention to that expiration date? If you had a coupon for a free car, would you pay attention to that expiration date? The expiration date indicates the last day you would have an opportunity…