Western culture has the emphasis backwards It has been my immense privilege to officiate at the weddings of several couples, to be right there with them at the moment a miracle happens—when God takes the two individuals and makes them one in His sight “as long as they both shall live.” The joy and anticipation […]
Each characteristic of our corporate life and responsibility has its corresponding picture. In Matthew 16:18, our Lord promised, “I will build my church,” and, believe me, He’s an experienced builder. His résumé includes the entire universe. Thousands of years later, we’re still discovering and learning about His handiwork! When He commanded Moses to build the […]
One hallmark of a true servant is disdain for notoriety. According to the website www.city-data.com, the population of Needham, Alabama at the last census was 87. Southeast of Needham is Toxey (pop. 135) and a little farther south is Gilbertown (locally pronounced Gibbertown) with 167 inhabitants. The big city near Needham is Butler, 16 miles […]
The sheep of His pasture Shortly after moving to a rural county in Georgia, I purchased seven ewes and a ram. We raised sheep for eight years and had many eventful experiences—some quite humorous and others heartbreaking. One thing in particular stands out in my mind: being called a sheep is not a complimentary term. […]
The removal of a lampstand Some proclaim that all is well in Christendom by pointing to the growth of mega churches. But the truth is that mega churches often grow by pulling people away from smaller churches. People might be attracted to a larger church by the professional musical program, the elaborate facilities, or the […]
We love because He first loved us. In a perfect world, everyone would know what it’s like to be part of a healthy, loving family. But the enemy has waged war against the family, and, as a result, many are born into troubled homes where they experience few, if any, of the blessings that ought […]
Exceeding. Abundant. Above. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph’s story is enough to drive one to a therapist. And his suffering was made worse by its contrast to earlier days. Once a loved and favored son from a prestigious and wealthy family, Joseph had even had dreams of a bright […]
The Lord Jesus has priority in time, in dignity, and in power. The term firstborn is used three times of the Lord Jesus Christ in relation to others: the Firstborn of every creature (Col. 1:15); the Firstborn from the dead (Col. 1:18); the Firstborn among many brethren (Rom. 8:29). An excellent definition of firstborn is […]
They might be giants. The one event that shaped the world more than any other during the last century was World War II. Conservative estimates place the number killed during the conflict as well north of 55,000,000.1 In Europe, the war officially began in September of 1939 with Germany’s invasion of Poland. Over the succeeding […]