Oct 1, 2014 | 1 & 2 Corinthians, Family, The Bible
There are not many things in life that will make me beg. Sue and I have seven children and seventeen grandchildren.* I can say with confidence that, if my wife were to threaten to leave me, I would beg her to stay–not only for the sake of our family, but also...
Sep 24, 2014 | 1 & 2 Corinthians, The Bible
In 2 Corinthians Paul gives a sustained defense of his apostleship. He had received quite a number of “slaps in the face” from the Corinthian congregation, and from certain opponents in Corinth. Though Paul was the founder of the Church and had spent some...
Sep 17, 2014 | Christian Living, Family, Philippians
Years ago, the first pastorate I ever had was at a little church in a farming community south of Waco. It’s not there anymore, but I’ll never forget the wonderful experiences I had there—ministering to those people, learning from them, and being blessed by them. I...
Sep 10, 2014 | Christian Living, Culture, Philippians
Some people become wealthy by expending their gifts in good and faithful ways. At the same time, others remain poor even though they also expend their gifts in good and faithful ways. As Christians, we must consider what the Bible says about money and finances. How...
Sep 3, 2014 | Christian Living, Philippians
The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while he was cold and hungry in Roman imprisonment—yet he was able to say with confidence, I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how...
Aug 27, 2014 | Christian Living, The Bible
In worship, we have the opportunity to experience the presence of God, to hear His voice, and to have Him speak to us. This is an awesome opportunity and a great privilege. The Lord can speak to whatever need, hurt, pain, or aspiration you bring Him. It’s such a...
Aug 20, 2014 | Christian Living, Philippians, Psalms
What a blessing it is to know that the God with whom we have to do is not a God who is remote. No, He’s the God who is near. He is present. “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” (Philippians 4:5) Why did Paul say “The Lord is near” at this...
Aug 13, 2014 | Christian Living, Philippians
I’ve already explained that Paul borrowed some terms from the Psalms when he wrote his letter to the Philippians. He also used some terms that his readers would have recognized as coming from the secular, Hellenistic culture around them. Think about that fact for a...
Aug 6, 2014 | Christian Living, Philippians, The Bible
We live in a world today where there is increasing pressure upon the church. We can give God thanks for the enormous freedoms that we have in the United States. We’ve been an island of freedom for over 200 years, but make no mistake, there are many places in the world...
Jul 30, 2014 | Christian Living, Family, Philippians, Psalms
2My wife Sue and I love to tell stories about our 17 grandchildren, but we can never say we have 17 grandchildren when we don’t also know that two of our grandsons are already in the presence of the Lord.* One of those little boys lived nine days, and the other little...
