For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Colossians 1:19-20 NLT Why did God need to make peace with heaven? This verse right here may … Continue reading –>
Several years ago, when I first became a literature evangelist, I was attending an awards banquet for the best sales persons in the Southwest. I was awe struck by the nice shiny plaques and trophies the winners were receiving for leading the region in sales, hours worked, and other categories. I was so impressed that … Continue reading –>
Critics of Christianity will often argue that Jesus knew beforehand that, though He would die, He would be resurrected to life. Thus, they ask, what was the big deal about His death when He knew it would be only temporary? My mother knows that flying in an airplane is safer than traveling by car. She … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Cost of Discipleship March 26, 1014] 1. A promise of persecution. Have you ever been persecuted? What do you think of Paul’s admonishing us with these startling words: “All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”? (2 Tim 3:12). What would you say if Peter … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for The Cosmic Conflict Over God’s Character December 18, 2013] 1.The big picture. Can knowing about the great controversy between Christ and Satan bring meaning to your own existence? How? The sanctuary is a living example of the plan or strategy to win this controversy. Do you see this plan in every symbol … Continue reading –>
Around a hundred years ago, when I was a teenager, a country singer by the name of Barbara Mandrell, sang, “He grew the tree that He knew would be used to make the old rugged cross.” The song brought out, that even at creation Jesus was planning our redemption. This song could not be any … Continue reading –>
I have been known to be kind of a klutz … not altogether undeservedly, I’m afraid. Well, this week I cut my finger while fixing lunch. The sad part thing was that I knew it was going to happen, but could not seem to make my hand move out of the way of the knife. … Continue reading –>
[Thought questions for Salvation: The Only Solution October 24, 2012] 1. Salvation the only solution. Since we can’t have a solution without a problem, what is the problem that salvation addresses? If you said, “sin,” what sin or sins are you including? Did Satan’s sin and rebellion long ago define the need and set the stage … Continue reading –>
A surprise inside the cover “What a surprise that is!” Susan held the lesson guide above her head. “There’s a surprise in the lesson guide for the final quarter of the year?” “Yes, dear, there is.” “Do we get a balloon or a lollipop?” “No, it’s not that. It’s just that when I saw the title to this … Continue reading –>
Has Satan ever tried to ruin your day? Well let me tell you about when I ruined his day. Years ago, I was driving in the middle of the night across country to see my sister and see about a job. I had just quit a job that was not working out and had no … Continue reading –>
