Sermons and Biblical Studies

In Ezekiel 16:20-21, the Lord accused the Israelites of having sacrificed their children to idols. This is only one of many references to this abominable practice recorded in the Old Testament (cf. 2 Kings 16:3; 2 Kings 17:17; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 28:3; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 57:5; Jeremiah 7:31; Jeremiah 32:35; Ezekiel 20:26) … Continue reading “Are We Sacrificing Our Children To Idols? – Bible study”

Sir Francis Bacon once said, “I do not believe that any man fears to be dead, but only the stroke of death.” Woody Allen was heard to say, “I’m not afraid to die. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” As Paul faced imprisonment and the prospect of dying in a jail … Continue reading “The Fullness Of True Life – Bible study”

On January 10, 2008, the Associated Press reported that Sir Edmond Hillary, the New Zealander who achieved worldwide acclaim by successfully climbing Mount Everest in 1953, died at 88. I have high respect not only for Sir Edmond, but for all brave men and women who climb rugged mountain peaks. These fearless climbers have to … Continue reading “Christians Are “Belayers” – Bible study”

Someone has said, “A Bible in the hand is worth two on the shelf.” Let’s carry that saying a step farther and say, “A Bible in our hand isn’t worth much if it is not”: Opened because we can’t read a Bible that we do not open (Nehemiah 8:5). Read because we can’t understand the … Continue reading “Let's Open The Book! – Bible study”

The problem has been vexing me for the past two months. I thought about it while traveling, searching for a house, and even while eating Thanksgiving dinner. What am I going to write in the bulletin? What am I going to say on the last day? What words of spiritual support and advice can I … Continue reading “Last Words – Bible study”

Comedian and actor Woody Allen once observed that “ninety percent of life is just showing up.” Unfortunately, many Christians take this approach to worship. They figure that if they simply “show up” at the appointed hour and occupy a pew until the last “Amen” is spoken, they have fulfilled their obligation to worship God. Because … Continue reading “Making Our Collective Worship More Meaningful – Bible study”

How different an individual’s life would be if everything were done with a view to glorifying God every thought, every word, every action directed toward this one goal. Such direction would mean that all conscious decisions would be weighed carefully to see what kind of results they would produce (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:5). Hurtful words … Continue reading “Giving Glory To God – Bible study”

Following the news reports during and after the destructive wildfires in southern California, I was struck by three intriguing parallels between the southern California fires and another firestorm prophesied by the inspired writer Peter: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away … Continue reading “When God's Firestorm Falls – Bible study”

The origin of the phrase “silence is golden” is unknown, but its sentiments are much needed in our society today as we live in a very noisy world. Many folks can’t even drive without music blaring from their car, or the beat of the bass section vibrating their vehicle. Unfortunately, many denominational church services are … Continue reading ““Wait Silently For God Alone” – Bible study”

A few years ago, it was reported by a major news agency that a woman in London must have had a strong chocolate craving, because she stopped at a Woolworth’s store and asked for every Mars bar in stock. She paid cash for over ten thousand candy bars. Nobody bothered to ask why she wanted … Continue reading “Developing Our Spiritual Tastebuds – Bible study”