By Brent Smith Prepping has become so popular that there are television shows devoted to it. There are companies that specialize in food packages with a long shelf life, heirloom seeds, and hidden bunkers. And people are prepping for different “doomsday” scenarios: nuclear war, social upheaval, the zombie apocalypse, a modern plague, a weather disaster,…

[The Supreme Court vacancy created by Anthony Kennedy’s retirement is reheating the abortion debate. I wrote the following article in April of 2013. Please read it – and remember it every time you see someone on TV hyperventilating about losing the “right” to kill babies.] Kermit Gosnell is currently on trial charged with several counts…

The word “apostles” describes the 12 special representatives appointed by Jesus. He sent them first to the people of Israel and then to all the world — to speak in his name, confirm the message with mighty signs, give testimony to his resurrection, and build up his church. After the suicide of Judas, the number…

Jorge Mario Bergoglio became Pope Francis on March 13, 2013. Celebrating Mass a couple of months later, he made news with the following statement: “The Lord has redeemed all of us, all of us, with the Blood of Christ: all of us, not just Catholics. Everyone! ‘Father, the atheists?’ Even the atheists. Everyone! And this…

In his letter to the Romans, Paul described Abraham as “the father of all who believe” (4:11). The patriarch deserved this honor, for trust in God characterized his life. He believed the amazing promise that postmenopausal Sarah would bear him a son (v. 19). He even trusted God when commanded to present this precious son…

Twice in the same verse, John speaks of an anointing: “The anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him” (1 John…

In 2013, my friends Robby and Kirsten had a yard sale. Their little girl set up a lemonade stand. But Nora wasn’t selling. She was giving. And refreshing drink wasn’t her only gift. Nora offered every customer a copy of John Moore’s DVD “Searching for Truth.” An older gentleman approached the Stocksdales’ house the following…

Psalm 23 is the best loved chapter in the Bible’s best loved book. The pastoral language of the Shepherd Psalm implies abundance and contentment. The person who trusts the Lord will never lack a thing (v. 1). God provides green meadows and streams of water to rest by (v. 2). The Lord also gives renewal…

Mothers often feel guilty. Did I harm my baby by giving him cereal before the time recommended by pediatricians? Have I permanently impaired my toddler’s immune system by letting him have too many junk food snacks? Have I warped my grade schooler’s psyche by saying no so many times in a sharp voice? Have I…

On Wednesday evening (April 25) I taught an adult Bible class about the Syrophoenician woman and her demon-possessed little daughter (Matt. 15:21-28). This Gentile mother was incredibly persistent. She continued to plead with Jesus for the healing of her child, even though he seemed to be indifferent to her needs and feelings. It’s a popular…