Someone asked me a question recently. They asked who my influences were I told them about a few preachers and my parents. Later, I thought about four men, four men who, in my opinion, attained celebrity status. Four men who had an impact on my life from my earliest memories. The first man let me … Continue reading Your Influences

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the … Continue reading Expected

One major Christian group reported that the average church membership role is 176 people and that the average Sunday attendance is 69. If this is typical of conservative Christians, it is an indication that most feel that attendance or commitment to a local congregation is optional or at least not a priority. This attendance pattern … Continue reading Are You Part of a Church?

What ONE WORD do you want to be remembered by? That was the question on the radio one day this week. There were some really good answers, the most popular answer being, "Caring." Some of the other answers were Loving, Loyal, Fun, Genuine (real), Gentle, and Consistent. One host said the first word that came … Continue reading What One Word?

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the … Continue reading Your Prejudice is Showing

This is a picture of a note on my desk. I have had it for years and see it every day. I do not recall if I outlined the verse myself of if it was from a note I made from someone else. The note is on 1 Chronicles 28:9 as David is charging Solomon … Continue reading Knowing God

Hermeneutics - How e interpret and apply God's Word to our lives. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15 - NAS77) I admit I have struggled with the practical application of scripture for my life … Continue reading Hermen-what?

Last night in our Bible class we studied the Monday of the Passion Week, the last full week of Jesus' life on earth. On that Monday, Jesus chased people out of the Temple in Jerusalem (Mat 21:12-13). Apparently, people were using the court of the Gentiles as a shortcut through Jerusalem and others had turned … Continue reading Respecting the Temple

Parents should be their children's first and primary teachers.  Both in classical and Biblical education.  Churches and schools (private or public) are aids to help parents do their job of teaching.  A good education begins, continues, and culminates at home.  That was the idea of the SHEMA in Deu 6:3ff.  The Law of Moses commanded … Continue reading Positive Parenting Points

Why? I can answer that in one word - inconsistency. Inconsistency! Children and teenagers are intelligent enough to see our mixed messages. We saw the inconsistencies in the generation before us, the generation behind us sees our inconsistencies. When our instructions and corrective discipline say one thing and our actions and lifestyle are opposites, how … Continue reading Why are We Losing the Next Generation?