God does not intend for His Word to be subdivided, excerpted, and wrenched out of context. The Bible speaks with consistent authority and perpetual relevance in all matters. It does not require correction, innovation, or editorial oversight.
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Dr. Roger Birkman would often make this statement: “The reality of life is that your perceptions—right or wrong—influence everything you do. When you get a proper perspective of your perceptions, you may be surprised how many other things fall into place.”
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In our society of instant communication—cell phones, text messaging, etc.—we have lost the significance and meaning of words. We rarely think about the significance of the words we use to get our message across. This was not always the case. In earlier writings throughout history, men labored to be exact in their choice of words so as to be clear in their meaning and intent of their message. An example ...
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You invest more than one-third of your life at work. Punch the clock, turn on the computer, start your engines at 8 a.m., rest a few minutes at noon, but keep your mind and body in gear till the sun has set. Then tomorrow—repeat. Sound familiar?
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So what are you thinking about as this new year begins? Are you excited? Are you looking in the mirror and thinking about the new health club membership or diet you’re about to begin? If you are like me, you may have a love/hate relationship with New Year’s resolutions. I like the idea of a fresh start, but I have far too many past experiences that go something like this ...
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The Apostle Paul gave us the answer in the book of Romans. The main message of Romans is that the righteousness of God is available to anyone who trusts in Christ for salvation. Romans 1:16–17 says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness ...
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Warmest Christmas Greetings! It is a privilege for me to receive so many letters—even if at the same time, I bemoan the fact that I am able to respond to so few of them. Perhaps one day, when I am no longer in the pulpit, it will be possible for me just to enjoy corresponding with you!
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This may come as a shock to some, but Christmas is not about love, peace, harmony, and sipping hot cocoa with family around a crackling fire. Christmas is actually about conflict. It always has been—and it always will be.
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I have some happy memories of Christmas as a child. Early in December we’d decorate our freshly cut tree with white lights and colorful ornaments and place a ceramic manger scene under the tree, complete with the Three Wise Men (whom we’d place away from the Nativity scene). After December 25, each child in our family would take turns moving the three kings closer and closer to the manger to ...
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The difference between wanting to be completely rid of guilt and wanting to be completely rid of sin is no small thing. Every normal person desires to not feel guilty. But to desire not to be sinful? That’s an entirely different matter. This is part of what makes the good news so good. In the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we not only have the atoning blood provided, which ...
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