One Sunday, a preacher took two jars to the pulpit and set them on a table. They looked identical. “These jars,” he told the congregation, “came from the same factory. They were made of the same materials, and they hold the same amount of liquid. But they are different.” Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
In an article in the New York Times, Robert D. McFadden writes about “Charles Feeney, Who Made a Fortune and Then Gave It Away,” and died at age 92.
Feeney was raised by working-class parents who struggled during the Depression to pay a $32 monthly mortgage. Continue reading
Filed under Be Zealous. 2025 Theme
Greetings from Jacksonville, FL
This week, Norma Jean and I have been the guests of the Cypress Grove Church, where I’m holding a meeting.
Russ Roberts preaches for this wonderful group of Christians. His ministry has been greatly enhanced by the loving involvement of his wife, Liz, the daughter of the late Ed Harrell. The church has about 50 members, with many young couples and around 20 children. So, the atmosphere is lively, enthusiastic, and welcoming. We’ve been warmly received this week and encouraged by their reception of the lessons. If you’re ever in this area, we recommend you pay them a visit. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
My friend and preaching colleague, Warren Berkley, has a blog called Berksblog. Recently, he posted a quote on his Facebook page by J. C. Ryle, a 19th-century British preacher and writer.
Ryle’s words speak to a pressing need that is real and relevant for our 21st-century culture as well. Read it slowly, thoughtfully, and personally, then consider a few observations. Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
In looking for some sermon illustrations the other day, I stumbled across this headline that captured my attention: Is it morally wrong to be “filthy rich”?
The article revealed a joint research study by the University of Southern California and the University of Massachusetts Amherst that examined how people across 20 countries judge excessive wealth.
The study exposed an interesting paradox. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Imagine a man commuting to work on the train every morning.
He sits in the same seat, often surrounded by the same group of people. He never preaches a sermon or hands out Bible tracts, but over time, his fellow passengers notice something about him. He’s patient when the train is delayed, kind to the conductor, and quick to give up his seat to someone who needs it. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
I frequently use ChatGPT for research and creating graphics for ThePreachersWord, as well as for occasional PowerPoint presentations. However, I never thought about having a “relationship” with AI.
Apparently, for one man, Chris Smith, that’s not the case. Chris created a chatbot he named Sol, developed an emotional relationship with it, and even asked Sol to marry him. Continue reading
Filed under Discipleship
Lord, help me to live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer will be for–Others.
You may recognize these words as the first stanza from the hymn “Others” written by Charles D. Meigs. According to some research by Jeff Mowery, Meigs’ inspiration for the hymn came from General Ballington Booth. Continue reading
Filed under Be Zealous. 2025 Theme
Greetings from Beverly Hills, FL
This week has reminded us that we live in a dark world. A world of hate. Vindictiveness. Vengeance. A wicked world of sin that seems to know no shame. We hope that, in some small way, our posts provide a respite from all the negativity around us. It’s our desire to offer a perspective that sheds light and gives you some help, hope, and peace. Continue reading
Filed under Weekly Recap
Filed under Discipleship
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