Category: Life Issues
Finding Friendship in the Church: A Starting Place
Recently I read a clever question on social media: “When are we going to talk about the miracle of Jesus having 12 close friends in his 30s?” It was meant to be humorous, so I smiled, but inside I was frowning because the comment hit a...
A Church Without Love?
Seven messages from the Lord Jesus to seven local congregations in 1st-century Asia form the bulk of the opening chapters of the book of Revelation. They are a mix of warning, encouragement, rebuke and commendation, with each church receiving its own personalized blend from the sovereign...
Four Truths for Stressful Days
After more than a year of wrongful imprisonment, Adoniram Judson, 19th Century missionary to Burma, was unexpectedly released. But the damage was irreversible. His wife Nancy had nearly killed herself trying to provide him food and care while he was being mistreated. This led to rapid...
When I Am Afraid…in the Airport
I enjoy following along on social media as different pastors and church groups travel to various countries for ministry. Pictures, updates, videos—never have we had such colorful, immediate knowledge about the efforts of other believers. I especially like to look at the faces of the people...
Regarding No One According to the Flesh
I take notice when something isn’t properly maintained. It’s a blessing and a curse. While driving down the road, it’s common for me to make comments about grass. “Man, that grass is long…they should get out there and mow…someone should have mowed last week!” My wife...
Let Brotherly Love Continue . . . and Increase!
Brotherly love (meaning the love Christians have and express for other believers) heads the list of characteristics that ultimately distinguish real Christians from those who falsely profess to follow Christ. Also residing in this list, of course, are belief in biblical truth and rejection of error,...
The Circle of Your Affinity May Cost You Everything
In the 1950s, on the popular “Candid Camera Show,” several people were set up by the director to face the rear of an elevator. Then we watched as unsuspecting persons were filmed entering into the elevator without any knowledge that this was a setup. As you...
Imprisoned by Peers: Releasing the Captives
Here’s a valuable question to ask those who have not believed in Christ: “How can you ever believe in Christ if you accept praise from your peers, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from God?” That was the question Jesus asked religious...
When It Seems Like God Doesn’t Love Me
Certain sufferings can make us ask hard questions about God. “Is it really true that there is a God who loves me? I have thrown myself on the Lord, I have prayed with real trust in him. But nothing, no response. Why am I still suffering?”...
Didn’t Jesus Come to Bring Peace on Earth?
I like to be at peace with people. If I sense there is conflict in a relationship, I’m stressed. But according to Jesus, his followers are not meant to always be at peace with others. This is how he put it. Do you think that I...
