Tonight, I’m concluding a meeting in Marion, Indiana, and preaching from 1 Corinthians 15 about death and the bodily resurrection.
Death.
It is a sobering word. A cold word. A frightening word. We don’t even like to say it. We prefer euphemisms. We say, “She passed away.’ “He expired.” “She’s gone.” In a lighter vein we speak of someone “pushing up daisies”, or “kicking the bucket,” Or being “six feet under.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Warren W. Wiersbe, a well-known Bible scholar, and the author of over 160 books and Bible commentaries shared this motto from one radio listener sent him several years ago.
“Look at others and be distressed. Look at yourself, and be depressed. Look to God, and you’ll be blessed.”
“This may not be a piece of literature,” Wiersbe opined, “but it certainly contains great practical theology.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder, Psalms
Eric Carle is the author and illustrator of a very cute and clever children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
The story is about a caterpillar whose voracious appetite could never be satisfied. He was always hungry. Always eating, day after day. Never filled.
But one day something changed. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Plaque on a preacher’s desk:
“I’m just a NOBODY telling
EVERYBODY
about SOMEBODY
who can save ANYBODY!”
This succinct sign summarizes our responsibility to share the Good News about Jesus with others. Today’s passage speaks to that wonderful challenge and blessed opportunity.
We call it “The Great Commission.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Steve Shepherd tells a story about a well-known Christian businessman in his local community who was visiting a church and asked to give his testimony.
“I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation,” he began. “I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. Many organizations want me on their board of directors. I have good health and almost unlimited opportunities.”
He then asked, “What more could I ask from God?” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Charles Allen, in Victory in the Valleys, tells a cute story about 5-year-old Johnny helping his mother make supper.
At one point, she asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup.
“It’s dark in there and I’m scared,” Johnny objected.
After repeating her request and Johnny continuing to express his fears, she said, “It’s ok, Jesus will be in there with you.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Recently I was watching the Andy Griffith Show that taught a wonderful lesson called, “Opie’s Charity.”
The episode from 1960 begins with Annabelle Silby coming by Andy’s house while he and Opie are playing catch. She’s soliciting help for the annual children’s charity drive.
When Andy and Annabelle go to the courthouse to discuss the status of the fund-raiser, she compliments Mayberry’s children for their willingness to help. Andy uses this opportunity to brag on Opie, suggesting he’s probably one of the biggest contributors in the class. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Several years ago a Missouri preacher, Steve Shepherd, related a story about a woman who was in the grips of severe depression.
She felt helpless. Hopeless. And afraid. For weeks she wept constantly. She didn’t want to be left alone for fear she would take her own life. When she went to bed, she hoped she would never wake up.
Her Bible Study class intervened and purposed what they called “The Brave Christian’s experiment.” In desperation, the woman decided to try this plan which basically called for God to be at the center of one’s life.
The plan consisted of these five steps. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship, Passage To Ponder
“Big things come in small packages” is an American idiom that implies that the value of something is not always determined by its size. Such is true of books in the Bible.
For a book to be noteworthy it doesn’t need to be large like Psalms with its 150 divisions. Or filled with intriguing prophecies like Isaiah. It doesn’t demand apocalyptic images jumping off the page like Revelation. Nor does it require riveting historical narratives like Genesis. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“Preaching must be marked by three elements, advised Warren Wiersbe. “Conviction. Warning. And appeal.”
In other words, “Reprove, rebuke and exhort.
To quote an old rule of preachers, “He should afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
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