As people in Ephesus heard the gospel and received Christ, their lives were radically changed for the better. However, not everyone was happy with the changes. It resulted in a loss of revenue for the metalworkers who fashioned small idols of the goddess Diana. Because she was no longer worshiped, the clientele of the metalworkers […]
Not only has this COVID pandemic unearthed financial sinkholes for many business owners and their employees, but there has been a serious fallout in many people’s personal lives because of the isolation. Like the strewn debris that follows a tornado’s path, lives and families have been torn apart and scattered by the winds of suicide, […]
I have no desire to teach Revelation. Even after all these years, the symbolism is confusing to me. Thankfully, the early part that deals with the churches seems clear. And the end is also clear: Jesus wins! But today, as I was reading chapter 16, it was as though I heard a shout from Heaven, […]
Kevin Kinard had been making his annual visit to Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park for over twenty years, when he discovered a 9.07 carat diamond. This past Labor Day, Kevin picked up a crystal, thinking it might be glass. To his amazement, it turned out to be the site’s second-largest diamond found in its […]
“Do not be afraid little flock, it is the father‘s good pleasure to give you the kingdom “ (Luke 12:32) Today Jesus wants to tell those of us who believe in him to not be afraid. The devil is the master of fear and he uses many people and entities to do his work of […]
Do you remember the popular television program, “Cheers”? The theme song was, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name.” Regulars entered the bar, not to drown their sorrows in drink, but to enjoy some camaraderie with some friends who didn’t try to “fix” all their defects and problems, or shower them with condemnation. Nick Stumbo shares in […]
You’ve heard of kids turning 180 degrees away from the values of their parents? Well, this is one of those situations. Hezekiah was a good leader of his country. He began his reign at 25 and was king of Judah for 29 years. But after he died, his son, Manasseh, became king. Manasseh was only […]
When I was in high school (a long time ago), our sports rival was a town twenty miles to the north, just over the border between California and Oregon. The Bible also speaks of rivals, but not of towns and sports teams. These two rivals are each vying for your heart, kind of like politicians […]
Ever felt like you’ve sinned too much? Feel too ashamed to face God again and confess the same sin one more time? Think He’s tired of hearing you, rolling His eyes and doubting that you really mean it since you keep repeating the same sin? Feel like giving up? Let me share three verses and […]
The book of Hebrews in our Bibles is a remarkable letter, written in the first century by an unknown author to Jewish Christians. As such, they faced persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. Knowing that the pressure was great to abandon Christ and return to their friends and family in Judaism, the author encourages […]