By Jerrie Barber Do you know a toxic elder, preacher, deacon, or Bible teacher (male or female)? Toxic leaders exhibit attitudes and behaviors such as these: They know everything, refuse to listen, gossip, betray confidences, criticize constantly, label everyone who disagrees with them a false prophet, attend church activities irregularly, act independently even though they…

In 1992, Gary Chapman published his popular book “The Five Love Languages.” He wanted couples to understand that people express and interpret love in different ways. One woman feels cherished when her husband buys roses, but another wife prefers help with the dishes. One husband feels most loved when his wife pays him compliments, but…

“Husbands,” Peter says, “in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Pet. 3:7, NIV). This teaching came to mind several years ago when…

My friend Sam, a Christian brother in West Virginia, is blind, deaf, and mute. His wife called me about 10 years ago, introducing herself and describing Sam’s situation. Judy wondered if I could help them locate Bible-related braille resources. Sam was especially eager to find a copy of the Old Testament. After learning that his…

The Bible’s amazing consistency is strong evidence for its divine inspiration. The 66 biblical books were written on three continents by about 40 people over a period of approximately 1,600 years. These authors, writing in three different languages, had widely varying life experiences. Some were wealthy, influential, and scholarly; others were fishermen, shepherds, or farmers.…

In their book “Comeback Churches,” Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson emphasize the connection between church renewal and prayer. In a comeback church, the leaders devote themselves to prayer and assemble the congregation for special prayer services. Does this connection surprise us? Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly…

To Whom Honor is Due By Marty Kessler There are currently three holidays in the United States of America that honor military service. Armed Forces Day is observed on the third Saturday of May, honoring all those who are CURRENTLY SERVING in any branch of the military, whether Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast…

A gentleman once told me that he had left the Christian Church to join his wife’s denomination. “I miss partaking of the Lord’s Supper every week,” he said. “But you know how it is. If you do something regularly, it loses its meaning.” Oh? Then why do you miss it? Isn’t it true that even…

In one of his radio programs, the popular preacher David Jeremiah said that he grew up in a rigidly fundamentalist home. And sometimes he would hear preachers say, “You don’t want to be doing something wrong because the Lord may return and catch you in that place.” Mr. Jeremiah’s audience laughed uproariously. What was so…

Leadership expert and author John Maxwell says that “the pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails.” Great point. Many circumstances are beyond our control. But our response to them is up to us. A Bible search for terms such as “adjust” or “adapt” may leave us…