The expression, “when all is said and done,” is often used to “cut to the chase” and state the conclusion of a matter. The idea is, “When all is said and done, here’s what is left.” When all is said and done, what will be the end result? Think about this for a moment. When all is said and done, what will…

There are growing efforts in this nation to silence Christians, eradicate Christian values and expunge Christianity from all public venues and discourse. The “easy” thing for Christians to do is to comply and remain silent–“go along to get along.” However, that is not the path that the Lord has chosen for us! Christians are called to be lights to the world (Matt.…

Have you ever seen this message: “Access Denied”? Sometimes it appears on a door, to limit (or deny) access to individuals who do not meet certain requirements. Very often it appears on computer or web applications when a person’s credentials (i.e., username and/or password) have not been entered correctly. Bold, red letters will appear: “Access Denied”! How wonderful is the thought that…

John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 4). If that is the “greatest joy,” what would be the “worst sorrow”? Would he say, “I have no greater sorrow than to hear that my children do not walk in truth”? I cannot think of anything worse than that! Much discussion has taken…

Paul’s desire for the church in Rome was his desire for the church everywhere. His desire for the church should be our desire for the church. It should be our desire for the younger people and the older people of the church. It should be our desire for our homes, for our children, for our grandchildren, for our entire family. The church…

Did you ever receive a gift that you didn’t want? Why didn’t you want it? Each person has their own tastes, likes, preferences, etc. If a sushi-lover excitedly gives his favorite sushi to a sushi-hater, it does not mean that the gift will be as excitedly received as it was given. For a gift to be appropriate, it must take into account…

During the ministry of Jesus on this earth, demons–who were under the sway of Satan, “the ruler of the demons” (Luke 11:15)–were permitted, by God, a certain (but limited) exercise over individuals. The purpose of allowing demon-possession seemed to be to prove Jesus’ power and authority over all things, including the spirit realm (cf. Matt. 12:28; Mark 1:27). Demon-possession ceased when the…

As of March 10, 2015, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is the largest Presbyterian denomination, is only seven votes away from changing its definition of marriage to include same-sex unions. Amazing that some think man’s vote is the deciding factor in various matters. This got me to thinking. Some congregations of the church of Christ are only seven votes away from using…