“I think the church ought to be more loving.” “I think the church should reach out to our visitors better.” “I think the church members should invite each other into their homes.” “I think the church members should write cards of encouragement to each other.” “I think the church should learn to greet one another and see people at services outside their…

It used to be that individuals were arrested for public drunkenness. That’s very rare anymore. Rather we seem to find great amusement and are brought to laughter at the sight (and sound) of such today. It used to be that sex outside of marriage (i.e., adultery, marriage) was frowned upon and looked at with public shame. Again, that’s very rare anymore. Rather…

I started reading a “religious” book this morning that is written (supposedly) for “Christians” to help them have a closer relationship with God and a better understanding of grace. The very first sentence of the book in chapter one states, “The Law makes rebels of people who want to love and be loved.” My one-word commentary of that statement is: WRONG! There…

Think about all of the protective measures that we take in our lives in various applications. We put up “baby gates” to protect our kids from falling down the stairs. We put up “Beware of Dog” signs to protect our neighbors from our K-9 friends. We wear seatbelts to protect ourselves in the event of an accident. We take great steps to…

The New Testament of Jesus Christ teaches us through inspired commands that God’s children are to “love” our fellowman (Matt. 22:39), “love” our “enemies” (Matt. 5:44), “love one another” in the church (John 13:34), “love” “all (not just some of) the saints” (Eph. 1:15), and “love” our spouse (Eph. 5:25; Tit. 2:4). In other words, we are to exhibit love for all…

In a rather broad brushstroke, Christians are instructed “that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1). ALL men! Does that really mean “all”? Well, in James 5:16, we are told to “pray for one another” (without any qualifiers limiting those prayers), and in Matthew 5:44, we are told to “pray” for our “enemies” and…

All sorts of things today bring trouble into our homes. What would you put on a list of things that “trouble” our homes today? Immorality, gambling, pornography, certain family members, lack of discipline, etc.? God says, “He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house” (Prov. 15:27). We may list all sorts of things that trouble our homes today, but how…

How many Christians have fallen away and left the Lord over the years? What percentage of those who have fallen away and left the church do you suppose have done so because of what a fellow Christian did to them or because of what a fellow Christian did not do for them? People let us down. And, unfortunately, our fellow Christians are…