The big question before us this week is a focus on the two ways in which we conduct our lives. In Ecclesiastes 10 Solomon uses a number of individual statements and comparisons to illustrate for us the dramatic difference between one who is a “fool” and one who is “wise”, and in doing so I...
You have likely heard the statement, often offered as a subtle critique, of someone being “so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” After spending an entire chapter on the glory of the resurrection and the sure hope of our own glorious resurrection, Paul takes opportunity in closing out his letter to the...
I recall the “olden” days of classrooms with chalkboards and the task generally assigned to a student every couple of days to take the erasers outside and ‘bang them’ together in order to clean them. Of course, with the advent of computers and the recognition that chalk dust isn’t healthy for students or computers, we...
I am reminded of some years back hearing from my doctor that the 5 pounds I was gaining a year would end up really being a problem health wise. Through the course of a long season of time I endeavored to watch what I ate (no more Twinkies or Chinese buffets twice a week), and...
What if someone promised you they could show you “a still more excellent way”, would you believe them or think they’re just trying to sell you something? But what if it was the Apostle Paul who said those words, are you a bit more intrigued…Come find out about that “more excellent way” this Sunday, as...
I liken Paul’s discussion of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 to that of “opinions”—everybody has one! Seriously though, Paul sets forth for us this week an extended discourse on spiritual gifts, which like all good things, if used improperly, will bring harm and not benefit. Our focus will be upon how we are to...
Up to this point we have seen Paul emphasize the necessity of reflecting God’s glory in our everyday lives. The sad reality that chapter 11 addresses is that despite Paul’s encouragement and exhortation, the church of Corinth actually failed to do so when they gathered for public worship. Paul addresses two of these areas specifically,...
When you think of the word idols, what do you immediately think of? Do you think you have idols in your life? What if everything that you value and cherish on this earth is actually hindering you from being closer to God? God has given us so many wonderful things, but when we seek our...
Many of us are familiar with the idea of recipes, which describe to us how to properly mix something together that results in a delicious treat or meal. And it is likely that if you have spent any time in the kitchen pouring over a recipe card, you know from experience how important it is...
I am very confident that no one reading this finds it distasteful or offensive to receive gifts, especially from those who love and care for us. That is in large measure why all of us, young and old alike, look forward to birthdays and Christmas, for these events are generally characterized by the receipt of...
