The contrast was striking. Just a short time before, descriptive words such as possessed, wild, untamed were used to describe the Demoniac of the Gadara. Now, as the people of the city crowd about him, he is simply described as clothed, and in his right mind. Luke 8:35 A wild man beyond the help of … Continue reading –>
I’m starting this week’s lesson by asking a riddle. What do Gideon, a lad, and widow have in common? Here are some clues: Gideon lost over 99% of his army before a big battle. Judges 7:3-7 A young lad had a boy’s lunch of five small fishes and two small loaves of bread. Matthew 14:15-20 … Continue reading –>
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Luke 22:31-32 Those were the cautionary words spoken to Simon Peter on the eve of the most terrible day of his life. Jesus was … Continue reading –>
The Missing Ingredients This week as we continue our study of stewardship by focusing on offerings, we are reminded of some of the reasons why we give. Using some of the biblical examples of people expressing their gratitude to Jesus, we affirm that the best motivation for giving springs from a love of God. But … Continue reading –>
I’m going to take the long way around today in discussing the topic of this week’s study, “God or Mammon.” I know I could have gotten there quicker by starting with the Widow with two mites and the Rich Young Ruler. Those two stories are packed with much insight into our relationship with money. Instead … Continue reading –>
I disagree with the title of this week’s lesson. I never start a post in this manner but the implication of the title I find contrary to the truths we are discussing. The title paints a picture of lawlessness where everyone is simply taking from others the things they want. I don’t find that to … Continue reading –>
His name was Hiroo Onoda. In 1944, at the age of 23, this young Japanese soldier began one of the strangest odysseys in all of history. For twenty-nine years he lived, dreamed, planned, and struggled under the illusion that he was at war – a war that had long ago ended. Living deep in the recesses … Continue reading –>
Escorted to the scene of his worldly demise, the prisoner’s approach is announced with the dreadful term of “Dead Man Walking!” The freedom that was once his, has been replaced with the ultimate physical bondage. Sentenced to death for the crimes of his past, the prisoner is incapable of changing his plight. His power over … Continue reading –>
What a timely lesson this week. Each day the headlines report the despicable news of another person of influence or power indulging in deviant behavior. We read stories of men who risk everything to satisfy their lusts and passions. We wonder how such things can be. The answer is really quite simple – they are … Continue reading –>
WHERE’S THE BEEF?! I remember the popular fast food restaurant commercial where three senior ladies were staring at a less-than-adequate hamburger. As one lady peered at the sandwich she asked: “Where’s the beef?” Her question was a statement that, regardless of all of the trappings and accompaniments, the bottom line was that a hamburger should … Continue reading –>
