Growing up in South Florida, the roads and highways were littered with construction signs and barricades. And, if anyone asked whose name was on the barricades, everyone knew the answer–“Bob’s Barricades.” There was no other name, at that time, in barricades than Bob! But, now, that name has lost its significance and is just one of the many that are out there.…

In the last chapter of the book of Romans, Paul sends greetings to the brethren. This was a common practice in Paul’s letters, and it was common in personal messages of that day. But Romans 16 is unique in this way–Paul had never been to Rome, but he greets 27 brethren by name. Then, he mentions eight people by name who were…

A preacher moved with his family into a new home and decided to go door-knocking in the neighborhood, to introduce himself and possibly make some positive contacts for future studies. At one door, a lady very abruptly flung the door open and blurted, “I’m not interested!” The preacher calmly replied, “But, ma’am…I haven’t even introduced himself. I’m just a preacher for a…

A favorite hymn begins by asking this question, “What can wash away my sins?” What a tremendous question! There is nothing that could be more critical! Every accountable creature desperately needs the answer to that question! So, what does wash away my sin? Feeling guilt for my actions will not wash away my sin. Doing a host of good deeds will not…

Do you know that guy who nearly ran into you this morning while texting and driving? Do you know what he has in common with the lady who is teaching your children at school? Do you know what she has in common with the guy who took your money at lunch today? Do you know what he has in common with the…

The book of Proverbs teaches us that “a harsh word stirs up anger” (15:1), and “an angry man stirs up strife” (29:22), and “a hot-tempered man stirs up strife” (15:18), “an arrogant man stirs up strife” (28:25) and “hatred stirs up strife” (10:12). It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it, that “any fool can start a quarrel” (20:3). Question: Are you “any fool”? Some…

When Jesus came to John the Baptist “to be baptized by him,” John at first “tried to prevent Him,” because he understood the purpose of baptism (“for the remission of sins,” Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38) and he understood that Jesus had no sins of which to be remitted (Matt. 3:13-14). But Jesus insisted that it must be done, in order “to fulfill…

John Calvin’s doctrine of Total Hereditary Depravity has become so ingrained in the minds of various religious groups that it is hard for them to see anything in Scripture other than Calvin’s idea that individuals are born into this world condemned in the eyes of God, having inherited sin from previous generations. But, the doctrine of Christ must prevail over any man-made doctrine.…