I haven’t counted them, but Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe notes that the Jews identified 613 commandments in the Old Law—248 positive and 365 negative.
Supposedly, they had also divided the commandments into two basic categories: “heavy” or important commandments and “light” or unimportant commandments. Thus, one could focus on the “heavy commandments” and not worry as much about the “light” ones. Continue reading
Filed under Love More. Give More
“From sunrise to sundown, yesterday was not a particularly great day for many reasons,” posted my Facebook friend and Norma Jean’s second cousin, April Aiken. “If it could go wrong or be disastrous, it certainly did and was, and I was in no mood to socialize or smile.” Continue reading
Filed under facebook friday
This week I’m teaching the adult Bible class at the Wellandport Church in Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada.
Our theme is “The Name of Jesus.” It highlights His greatness by considering 5 names of Jesus that identify Him in a unique and special way. Messiah. Nazarene. Lord. Almighty. And Savior. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
In Perry Hall’s book “Grace Does That?” he relates a neat story about Charles Bradlaugh and Hugh Price Hughes.
Bradlaugh was the most prominent atheist in 19th century Britain. On one occasion he challenged the evangelist Hughes to a debate on the validity of Christianity. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
Missouri minister William Hooper tells a story about a mother working in the kitchen and hearing her 7 year-old son screaming at the top of lungs.
When she ran into the next room to see what was wrong, she discovered her 2 year-old daughter was pulling her brother’s hair.
After unclenching the baby’s hand she says to her son who’s very angry, “You have to overlook this. Your sister doesn’t know what it feels like to have her hair pulled.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
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
Filed under Discipleship, Passage To Ponder
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
Filed under Passage To Ponder
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
“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts,” wrote A. W. Tozer, in The Pursuit of God.
“The primary purpose of reading the Bible,” opined James Merritt “is not to know the Bible but to know God.” Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing,” opined Oscar Wilde the Irish poet, playwright, and novelist.
Since Wilde lived in the 19th century, I wonder what he would think today?
In an age of ethical relativism, moral degradation, and spiritual malaise, it almost seems as if everyone and everything has its price. But there are some things that are priceless. They have value beyond monetary measure. Beyond a price tag. Continue reading
Filed under Passage To Ponder
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