I’m so thankful God is in charge of making the big decisions! I just know how I often I get smaller ones wrong. In particular on my mind today, is the concept of God knowing who deserves rewards versus punishments.  Everyone likes to think about the rewards and very few like to think about the punishments, but I would argue those have to handed out correctly for things to go well. What if there were no judges who fairly handed out even the most straightforward of sentences? Our roads would be even more full of drunk, reckless drivers. Our streets would be filled with known murderers and worse!  We are…

I was recently involved in a conversation with a brother in the Lord. We used to live in the same town, but that is no longer the case. In fact, it has not been true for over a quarter of a century. Thankfully, we haven’t let a “little thing” like geography keep us from having a close relationship with one another.   Part of that conversation had to do with a congregation with which both of us are very familiar. As the conversation moved along, the name of one particular man came up. He is now in eternity and has been for some time. Even though he is no longer a member of that congregation, his…

It is true that not everyone can, or even should, teach a Bible class (see James 3:1). Some do not have a desire while others do not have the skill. To be honest, though, more can teach a Bible class than probably think they can! No matter if you are a seasoned teacher, someone who is nervous every time you walk into class, or someone who is not sure you can do it, there are some things you can do to make your class a wonderful environment. Whatever your “skill level” of teaching, here are 4 things you can do. Be Early. It is a great encouragement to children (and…

I read something recently that caused more than a little concern for me. Various people were being interviewed about an issue that is clearly dealt with in the Bible. There is absolutely no ambiguity in that divine volume about the fact that people who engage in a particular activity are in direct violation of the will of God. I know that I’m going to be criticized for using an old-fashioned and outdated word, but the Bible is clear that this activity is a sin. The primary focus of the material I was reading had to do with how people involved in this sin should be treated. One man who was interviewed would, in…