Go back 2,000 years and imagine explaining to someone all of the different brands and styles of paper that are available today. If someone is looking for plain white, 20 Lb., 8.5″ x 11″ paper, there are over 20 different brands (at least from my brief search). What! It’s just plain, white paper! Why are there so many different varieties? Why can’t we…

When Moses came off of Mount Sinai and caught sight of the golden calf, his “anger became hot”  (Ex. 32:19). Was Moses wrong to be angry at Israel’s idolatry? When Jesus came into the temple and caught sight of “those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables,” “He made a scourge of cords, and…

“Mom, I thought you loved me!” “I do love you, sweetheart!” “Then, why did you spank me? If you loved me, you wouldn’t spank me!” “I disciplined you because I love you! If I didn’t love you, I wouldn’t discipline you!” How many parents have had a conversation like that? Discipline, to a child and some outsiders, seems so unfair and so unloving.…

For more than 50 years, the question has been raised as to whether it is proper for the church to hire full-time “Youth Ministers.” This article is not about that question. For nearly 2,000 years, the church has desperately needed more and more “youth ministers.” Please notice the difference in spelling between the first and second paragraphs. The responsibility of Christians is…

Jesus taught that “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21). So, the question is, “Where is your treasure?” Note a few things about this. First, Jesus says you only have one treasure (not more than one). A few verses later He emphasizes that “no one can serve two masters” (6:24). You only have one master. You only have…

Each year we are presented with a “State of the Union” address from the President. If a person knew nothing else about our nation and only listened to the “State of the Union” address each year, he might have some very confused ideas about our union. That’s the nature of “grand  speeches”–they don’t always present a full picture and often lean in…

Do you know how easy it is develop within our hearts and be fully convinced, “I am better than others”? “I’m more educated than you, so I’m better.” “I have more money than you, so I’m better.” “I’m older than you, so I’m better.” “I’m younger than you, so I’m better.” “I have more experience than you, so I’m better.” “I’m more successful…

We’ve all probably experienced one at some point in our lives, whether in this country or in another–a parking lot with no lines, bumpers or marks of any kind to designate the individual parking spaces. What usually results is each driver parking wherever he wants and however he wants, which often leads to a disorderly mess. How can simple lines make that much…