One time I saw a TV commercial promoting laundry detergent. The ad promised that the product gave sheets a wonderful lavender scent. The stuff worked so well that a married couple going to bed angry would find themselves in an entirely different mood as soon as they got a whiff of the clean sheets. How…
Carrying tablets engraved with God’s own handwriting, Moses descends from Mount Horeb and commands Israel to “remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exod. 20:8). Some denominations maintain that this commandment is still in effect. One church has even named itself after belief in the seventh day as the true day of Christian worship.…
Although Daniel procured government posts for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, their positions failed to protect them from the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar. The Babylonian king built a golden idol and commanded all his officials to worship it (Dan. 3:1-5). When these three friends refused to obey the edict, Nebuchadnezzar threatened them with death. Believing that the…
As a child I loved the “Sesame Street” character Oscar the Grouch. This green muppet, whose housing preference is a garbage can, always lives up to his name. He complains about everything and resents all social contact. Oscar’s role is amusing because he is a caricature of people we actually know. We all have a…
Avid football fans always relish the coming of August. Friday night high school games, Saturday college games, and Sunday afternoon NFL games make for a perfect weekend (unless you don’t know a fumble from a touchdown and wish that your husband would pay more attention to HGTV or the Hallmark Channel). The most exciting contests…
On September 12, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI delivered a lecture at the University of Regensburg in Germany. His speech outraged Muslims around the world. And why? The leader of the Roman Catholic Church quoted Manuel II Palaiologos (1350-1425), a Byzantine emperor who condemned “holy war,” charging that Muhammad spread his faith at sword point. The…
Eric Welch [Eric preaches at Hamburg Pike in Jeffersonville, IN.] When Jewish families commemorated Passover, they drank four cups of wine at intervals. They began the meal with a prayer and a cup. A dish of herbs and sauce was served. The Passover story was told. Psalm 113 was sung, followed by a second cup.…
A Christian invites his neighbor to worship. With a tolerant smile the man replies, “I appreciate the invitation, but I don’t go in for organized religion. I feel closest to God when I’m walking in the woods or sitting on the riverbank.” How does such a response mesh with what the Lord himself has said…
God’s unique Son extended a tender invitation to everyone burdened by sin and sorrow: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For…
Last Sunday morning we heard the alarm, rolled out of bed, showered, dressed, and made our way to the building. At 9 AM we gathered for classes. We smiled at each other, laughed and talked together, and studied the Bible. That same day, July 17, was Gavin Long’s 29th birthday. The former Marine sergeant…