The only narrative in the Bible describing tongues in detail appears in the book of Acts. Luke said that the apostles “were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). The people who witnessed this sign were shocked: “Are not all these…

Brent Smith      Solomon says to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22.6). Some commentators suggest that this proverb has to do with each individual child’s talents and natural abilities. Others think that Solomon is talking about a…

Teaching Rocket Workshop Last fall (on October 15, 2017) Michael Whitworth presented his Teaching Rocket seminar. His messages were superb and inspiring. And so he’s been invited back to present Part 2 on September 23. Below are a few of the glowing reviews posted on his website: “I want to thank you again for an…

In one of his letters Peter speaks of the “madness” of Balaam (2 Pet. 2:16). This foolish prophet was hot-tempered, violent, stubborn, and greedy. But why does Peter mention him? Peter’s second letter is a warning against false teachers ready to take advantage of unsuspecting Christians. “False prophets also arose among the people,” Peter says,…

I don’t have any friends” is a complaint that makes a parent’s heart ache. Mom and dad can provide lots of things—food, clothes, medical care, a loving home environment. But they can’t force other children to befriend their kids. How do children (and adults) make and keep good friends? Jonathan’s relationship with David suggests an…

“Father Knows Best” was a popular sitcom with a six-season run (1954-60). The show portrayed the life of the middle class Anderson family. Jim was in the insurance business. He and Margaret had three children—Betty, Bud, and Kathy. Human fathers don’t always know best, though. But our Father in heaven always does. Hezekiah’s experience is…

Peter invites us to come to Jesus and be built up like living stones “as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God” (1 Pet. 2:5). This appeal presents the church as the reality anticipated by the old covenant temple and priesthood. What does this word picture imply?…

Searching for someone who preaches the truth is like looking for an icicle in August. Most false prophets rattle on for 30 minutes or so without ever opening the Bible. Determining that such men are merely expressing human opinion is fairly easy. But other false teachers tell Bible stories and cite numerous scriptures. This preaching…

A hermit may be able to live for years without ever saying an unkind word to anyone. Of course, no one is around to test his patience. It’s fairly easy to be nice to myself. But the Bible knows of no hermit Christians. We are called to live in relationships with other people, which means…

society encourages us to obey our own impulses. There’s no truth, nothing absolutely right or wrong for everyone, everywhere, all the time. What is right for me may not be right for you. If I’m wrestling with a moral decision, I should follow the feelings produced by my personal experiences. a great flaw in this…