Author Archives: ThePreachersWord

(Note: While we take a holiday break from writing new blog posts, we’re reblogging the top 10 most-read posts in 2025.  This post was in the top 10 in 2019 and comes in at #8 this year. Year.  It still speaks to an important issue and offers Scriptural counsel regarding sexual relationships.)

Why is sex before marriage a sin?” asked Linda, one of our regular readers, in response to a recent post.

Linda added, “I can see how extramarital affairs, sex outside marriage, can be (sinful).” She further suggested the only dangers to sex before marriage might be “unwanted sexual diseases or an unexpected or unplanned pregnancy.” However, she opined that “thankfully, these days many people have access to safe birth control and condoms so they do not have to suffer heart-wrenching, punishing consequences.” Continue reading →

(Note: This week, we’re taking a holiday blogging break and reposting the top 10 most-read posts of 2025.   This post from April of 2017 garnered the 9th most hits.  It has a great story and an excellent application for all Christians.)

While writing yesterday’s post about ability, I came across this old parable by an unknown author entitled “Cracked Pots.” Those of us who are less than perfect can appreciate this piece and be encouraged by it.

A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on each end of a pole, which he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master’s house, the cracked pot arrived only half full. Continue reading →

(Note:  We’re taking a blogging break during the holidays.  We’re reposting the top 10-read posts of 2025.  Interestingly, all of these are from past years.  This post, coming in at #10, was published in February 2024.

For the past several weeks, I have been teaching a Wednesday night class on the book of Ecclesiastes.

The Preacher in Ecclesiastes searched for what is good in life. For true happiness. And ultimate satisfaction. He pursued pleasure. Possessions. Wealth. And wisdom. Yet, all of these were fleeting. And found wanting. Continue reading →