And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 I have often heard that the Great Controversy between God and Satan is about whether we can keep God’s law, and … Continue reading –>
“…make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, NIV Several years ago, while attending church potluck after services one Sabbath, I noticed a visitor … Continue reading –>
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Sounds simple enough, right? No problem – just think about the … Continue reading –>
Years before ever becoming, or even thinking about becoming a Bible Worker myself, I found myself on a church softball team, captained by the new local Bible Worker. I failed to eat breakfast before running off to play. Not too bright. In the middle of the game, I began to get dizzy and lightheaded. My … Continue reading –>
Do you remember when ‘friend’ became a verb? I know it was sometime after the beginning of Facebook. About the same time, our definition of ‘friend’ changed a bit, didn’t it? All of a sudden, a friend can be someone you’ve never spoken to or met in person. A friend is someone with whom you … Continue reading –>
Whether we like it or not, someone is always watching us. Have you ever thought about that? Even when you think you’re completely on your own, in a place where you think you don’t know anybody and nobody knows you, people are watching. Being a Christian only increases the number of people watching. Why do … Continue reading –>
Mike Howerton remembers the two vastly different ways two of his high school coaches approached encouraging the team. Howertown remembers that in one game, his team was losing. During halftime, the two coaches would give two very different pep talks. “Coach Crow [came] in growling, spitting disdain in his words at us: ‘What a bunch … Continue reading –>
Yesterday I was so mad at my father! He took this beautiful little lamb out behind the house and he killed it. Can you believe that? He said this guy, Moses, told him to, for some dumb reason. Dad tried to explain it to me, but I didn’t want to hear it. Especially when I … Continue reading –>
Do you know what a “wall flower” is? Someone, at a party who spends most of his or her time standing and watching, rather than participating. In the online world, “lurkers” are the folks who go into chat rooms or on discussion boards on the internet and just read what everybody was talking about, but … Continue reading –>
Have you ever tried to learn how to play a new game by just reading the directions? It’s pretty hard to do, isn’t it? It’s much easier if someone in the group already knows how to play the game and they walk you through the first couple of times. Have you ever wondered how skateboarders … Continue reading –>
Our key thought for this week’s SS lesson is, “In all evangelism and witnessing, it is important that we first present the simple truth of the gospel.” Is this true in the last days with so many pressing issues confronting the church and world, as Bible prophecies reach their climax? Yes it is! “More people … Continue reading –>
We’re having a Julie Andrews moment here. I’m sure you remember that song: “Let’s start at the very beginning; a very good place to start. When we read we begin with a, b, c; when we sing we begin with doe, ray, me…” But when we’re sharing the gospel of Jesus with someone, where do … Continue reading –>
What was it that made Jesus so different from any of the other religious leaders of His time? Well, His message was clearly different – keeping the rules can’t save you, be a servant, love your enemies. That was all new stuff to the people of Jesus’ time. I think sometimes we forget how really different … Continue reading –>
“The heart must receive the divine current, and let it flow out in rich streams of mercy and grace to other hearts. All who would win souls to Christ must be winsome.”1 “Winsome,” that’s an old fashioned word, isn’t it?2 It’s certainly not one we use very often. Here are some synonyms for the word, … Continue reading –>
I’m embarrassed to admit that I have always been a hopeless romantic. I spent several years reading anything I could find that involved a love story. I loved fairy tales long after they were considered age appropriate. Then I would watch and re-watch those sappy old romantic movies.1 I think that most of us (guys, … Continue reading –>