GREAT VERSES OF THE BIBLE: Ephesians 2:8

Ephesians2.8

In The Gift of Forgiveness, Dr. Charles Stanley relates an unforgettable story of his college professor who illustrated the concept of grace in a very practical and memorable way.

“At the end of his evangelism course he would distribute the exam, and caution the class to read it all the way through before beginning to answer it. As we read the test, it became unquestionably clear to each of us that we had not studied nearly enough.”

“The further we read, the worse it became. About halfway through, audible groans could be heard throughout the lecture hall. On the last page, however, was a note that read:” Continue reading

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“Grey Divorce” Rates Rising

It wasn’t easy for 59-year-old Margie White to ask her husband, Dick, for a divorce after 37 years of marriage.

“It really was the most courageous thing that I had to do,” she said. Continue reading

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Word of the Week: Holy

HolyLiving

“Seeking holiness rather than happiness is a hard thing to do in the culture in which we live,” wrote John Maxwell, “because so much is geared to happiness—whatever makes you feel good.  In a secular society, happiness is the aim of life.  In a spiritual society, holiness is the thing that we strive for….Happiness is really found in holiness.  But if we try to bypass holiness in our search for happiness, we’ll miss it altogether.  Happiness is a by-product of holiness; it’s a benefit of living a pure life, rightly related to God, self and others.” Continue reading

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Slow Down

My late friend David Lewis once told a story of a wealthy American entrepreneur who went on a hunting safari in Africa. He chose a seasoned guide and hired local natives to carry the necessary gear. Aggressive and driven, the business mogul wanted to go much faster than his guide from the very first day. Continue reading

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IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! He was Dead. Now He’s Alive!

After six grueling hours of vicious taunts, mental torture, and physical torment, Jesus cried with a loud voice, breathed his last breath, and “yielded His Spirit.”  The centurion guards standing by saw that he was dead. Continue reading

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Filed under Christ, It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!

How Obstacles Help Us Grow

      Obstacles are a part of life everyone encounters them.  They may come in the form of financial reverses, family problems, spiritual challenges, or physical ailments.  But one thing is certain, obstacles will come into our lives.

But why?  Why do we have to endure obstacles?  How do they add value to our lives?  And why does God allow Christians to endure obstacles? As an answer consider the following story. Continue reading

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Post #1300. Should This Be The Last?

quitting-blogging

Good morning!

It was 56 months ago that we launched this blog, ThePreachersWord, as a means to expand our ministry. We started with no readers, no posts, and no “hits.”

Today, according to WordPress we have 3,673 followers and 156 topics categorized for easy reference. ThePreachersWord has been read in 190 countries and territories around the world! Our posts have been reblogged. Copied for bulletin articles. Used for short talks. And delivered as Lord supper devotions.

Now, we have reached another milestone. This is post #1300. So, I wonder is it time to quit. Let me share a few reasons why it makes sense to discontinue this endeavor. Continue reading

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God Has Called Us to “Be” Something

Be all you can be

John Mason wrote a fine little book entitled “Conquering an Enemy Called Average.”  Each chapter is only two pages, but it is filled with wonderful nuggets of wisdom.  In chapter 42 he simply lists some things we should be.  In looking at these again I noticed how each one involves a Biblical command or principle. So, I’ve added some verses to these for your consideration and encouragement. Continue reading

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Word of the Week: Forgiven

Forgiven

 

Earnest Hemingway, in The Capital of the World, tells a popular Spanish story about a father and his son named “Paco.”

Paco was rebellious. Disobedient. Defiant. And irresponsible. Unwilling to follow his father’s rules, he preferred his own way of living. One evening in the heat of an argument, Paco hurled some hurtful and hateful words at his father. Packed up his few possessions. Stomped out the door, slamming it behind him. And traveled to Madrid. Hoping to never see his father again. Continue reading

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Surrender

In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren writes, “The heart of worship is surrender.” He suggests that the idea of surrender is both unpopular as well as disliked. We are taught NOT to surrender. Never give up. Never give in. Fight to the bitter end. Continue reading

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