In one of his letters, Paul says that we have been saved “by grace” (Eph. 2:8). But what is grace? On the one hand, some church-goers see grace as a sort of sin license. This is why so many ministers preach funeral sermons aimed at sending godless people right into heaven. This viewpoint dominates in…
Brent Smith When it comes to church growth and evangelism, volumes have been written about various methodologies. While there is nothing wrong with studying methods of spreading the Gospel and building up the church, we as God’s people must not get bogged down with the “how” to the extent that we just don’t share the…
One Saturday morning the doorbell rang. I guessed it was a mail carrier delivering some expected books. But the visitors on the front stoop were a young woman and her 12-year-old son. She said that they were going through the neighborhood and asking people how an angel became Satan. Carolyn invited them in, and we…
Brent Smith Lately, a lot has been out there to catch – flu, stomach virus and common cold. We understand that via germs certain illnesses are contagious. In much the same way, certain virtues and dispositions are contagious. That contagious aspect is sometimes referred to as influence. For example, exhortation and destructive criticism are contagious.…
Matthew 21:21 21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done.
Several years ago my good friend Eric Welch forwarded me a funny list of reasons why it’s good to be a man: 10 You know stuff about tanks. 9 You can go to the restroom without a support group. 8 If someone forgets to invite you, he can still be your friend. 7 You can…
Seizing Opportunities to Shine the Light to Strangers Benjamin Franklin said, “If you want to be remembered after you’re dead, write something worth reading, or do something worth writing about.” Are you currently doing something worth writing about? Marcus Aurelius Antoninus said, “The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects…
Introduction In American culture February 14 is associated with happy and sweet things – chocolates, cards, roses, good meals at special restaurants, gifts of jewelry, marriage proposals. “Happy Valentine’s Day” is our greeting. But for the host of people bereaved, injured, or traumatized by the shooting in Parkland, Florida, it’s going to be very difficult…
Our mission as Christ’s church echoes steadily in our ears from the lips of Jesus, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16.15). We know that Jesus is coming back with flaming fire and will take vengeance on those who did not obey the gospel (II Thess. 1.8). It…
Ephesians 4:22 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
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