When my dog Fred and I stepped into the park for an evening stroll last night, I noticed the pocket where I’d stuck my iPhone had gone empty. Don’t panic, I thought, you’ve only taken a few steps; certainly you’ll see it there on the ground. A traipse back and forth yielded nothing, nor did … Continue reading –>
The beatitudes, sometimes referred to as be-“attitudes,” are building blocks to a complete conversion. Each be-“attitude” gives us a glimpse of Christ, and what we may become when our attitude is converted to His attitude. Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 NKJV The poor in spirit … Continue reading –>
My ninth-grade algebra teacher graded our tests on the curve. This meant that the highest grade would be counted as 100%. So if the highest grade was 80, our 70 would be considered 70/80 instead of 70/100, thus raising our percentage and grade considerably. There was only one problem. The same girl got 100% right … Continue reading –>
“Hang the heretics!” the angry mob shouted, shoving my neighbor and me toward a makeshift gallows. Rough hands slipped a noose over my head and shouted, “Now will you repent?” “No!” I said, and the noose drew tighter around my neck. Months earlier I noticed a man reading a Bible on a bus. He saw … Continue reading –>
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,” James 1:2 Have you ever considered how completely foreign that philosophy is to pretty much every other way of thinking on the planet these days? Most folks spend considerable time and money to avoid any kind of trial. Our lives (in the United … Continue reading –>
Introduction Can we modern-day computer-saturated Christians even imagine what communication was like in Paul’s day? Today we consider it a disaster if we’re without electricity for an hour or two. Once current is available, we can flash a message to a relative or friend thousands of miles away and in seconds the message is being … Continue reading –>
As I sit here, comfortable, in my climate-controlled home, my glass of clean, drinkable water beside me, I cannot, in any way, describe myself as persecuted. I believe I could describe myself as “bothered” sometimes, but not persecuted. I don’t believe I can think of anyone I know that could be described as being persecuted … Continue reading –>
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1 Peter 4:12. NIV In the early 15th century, over a hundred years before Martin Luther opposed the Vatican, a Catholic priest named Jan Hus opposed abuses by the church … Continue reading –>
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” 2 Timothy 3:12, NIV When I awake each morning, I can enter my den and open my Bible for morning Bible study with nary a thought that anything should prevent me from enjoying this time in the Word. I … Continue reading –>
The following thoughts and questions are provided to help Sabbath school teachers and others in a small group discussion of the lesson for the week. [Thought Questions for Friends Forever August 8, 2012] 1. The bond of friendship. Is there any doubt about the affection Paul felt towards the believers in Thessalonica? What does Paul anticipate more than … Continue reading –>
