“Conscience tells us that we ought to do right, but it does not tell us what right is–that we are taught by God’s word,” once wrote the 19th century editor and author H. C. Trumbull.
This text deals with matters of conscience, Christian freedom, and personal responsibility. It speaks to our relationship to fellow Christians to respect their conscience, while not allowing others’ conscience to be our guide. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
John W. Gardner, who wrote the book “Excellence” says we have the potential to make a difference, not only in our own lives. But also in the lives of those we meet.
Gardner illustrates that point by relating the true story of a cheerful gentleman who invested his life in others.
When the old fellow met people he never asked the conventional questions that we usually ask such as “What do you do for a living?” He always asked, “What have you done that you believe in and you are proud of?” Continue reading
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Names mean something.
For instance in America when you hear the name Patrick Henry, you think of patriotism, heroism, and courage. “Give me liberty, or give me death!” he proclaimed.
On the other hand, Benedict Arnold conjurers up thoughts of betrayal, treason and disgrace. Continue reading
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Good Samaritan Hospital. Good Samaritan Clinic. Good Samaritan Society. Good Samaritan Inn. Good Samaritan Community. Good Samaritan Church.
Good Samaritan Academy.
All of the above plus Samaritan’s Purse, Samaritan Project, Samaritan Ministry and many more institutions of mercy derive their name from today’s text and its hero, identified for all time as “The Good Samaritan.” Continue reading
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Today’s text reminds us of the popular hymn penned by Julia H. Johnston (1849-1919), “Grace Greater Than Our Sin.”
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt {shed}
In Ephesians 2:1-10, Paul takes them (and us) from the depths of despair and Satan’s snare to the heights of greater hope and infinite glory. Continue reading
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Remember the Ukrainian born comedian Yakov Smirnoff who began his career in Russia, then migrated to the United States? He’s actually still performing in Branson.
When Smirnoff first came to the US he said that he was not prepared for the incredible variety of instant products available in grocery stores. “On my first shopping trip, I saw powered milk. You just add water, and you get milk.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Sunday our family visited the Skyview Church in Pinellas Park where Charles Murray serves as one of the pastors as well as a preacher.
His sermon text was from Psalm 136 on the topic of “Thanksgiving,” which is a wonderful passage for us to ponder prior to our American Thanksgiving Day. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder, Psalms
Bob Russell, a Kentucky preacher, recalls a class when his 5th grade Bible class teacher told about a King who was looking for a new chariot driver.
Three men sought the job and were taken up a winding mountain road to a dangerous precipice. As a test of their driving skills they were each asked, “How close could you drive your chariot to the edge of this cliff?”
The first replied, “I think I could bring the wheel of the chariot within six inches of the cliff.” Continue reading
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There’s an old saying regarding Biblical interpretation that “a text taken out of context is a pretext.” In other words, it speaks to the perils of proof texting, making the Bible say whatever you want it to mean.
In today’s passage (highlighted in Mark Robert’s 5 Day Bible Reading program this week) many have lifted verses from this section to apply them in ways Jesus never intended regarding the work of the Holy Spirit. Continue reading
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While revered and respected in history, Winston Churchill had his share of opposition as indicated by his personal and political enemies. However, he was the master of a witty rejoinder to his critics.
George Bernard Shaw once invited Churchill to the opening night of one of his plays. Shaw sent him two tickets with the note, “One for yourself and one for a friend–if you have one.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
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