Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Advent; Christmas; Humility; Incarnation References: Isaiah 40:1–11; Philippians 2:5–11 In London, looking toward the auditorium’s royal box where the queen and her family sat, I caught glimpses of the way rulers stride through the world: with bodyguards, a trumpet fanfare, and a flourish of bright clothes and flashing jewelry. Queen Elizabeth II had recently … Continue reading “PRICING
A ROYAL VISIT”

Topics: Anticipation; Christmas; Hope; Light References: Matthew 4:16; Luke 2:32 A house near the entrance of our subdivision kept its Christmas lights burning long after the season was past. They burned through January and then into February. Finally, I became a bit caustic. “If I were too lazy to take my Christmas lights down, I … Continue reading “KEEPING
THE LIGHTS ON”

Topics: Advent; Christmas; Death; Grief; Light; Loneliness; Loss; Mourning; Peace; Redemption References: Matthew 4:16; John 8:12 It looked like Stella Thornhope would be alone at Christmas. Her husband had died of cancer a few months before. Now she was snowed in. She decided not to bother with decorating the house. Late that afternoon, the doorbell … Continue reading “RETRIEVING
THE JOY”

Topics: Anger; Changed Heart; Children; Christmas; Love; Mercy; Receiving Christ Reference: John 1:12 I once taught a Bible class at the home of Barbara Holmyard, the Champion Spark Plug heiress. Princess Alexandra of Greece was invited to come, and she did. Rose Kennedy came with her. When I saw that Rose was present, I immediately … Continue reading “MAKING
A DEAL WITH GOD”

Topics: Humanity; Significance; Worth References: Job 7:17; John 3:16; Romans 8:31–32 Many years ago, I purchased a Christmas plate for my wife, Judy. The price was $21.95. It was the first Christmas plate produced by Hummel in Germany, and the store clerk assured me it would increase in value. Recently Judy and I attended an … Continue reading “BREAKING
THE MOLD”

Topics: Children; Christmas; Desires; Gifts; Grace; Humanity; Manipulation; Prayer; Will References: Isaiah 55:6–9; Hebrews 5:7; 1 John 5:14–15 A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he wanted. “I’ve been good for six months now,” he wrote. After a moment’s reflection, he crossed out “six months” and wrote “three.” After … Continue reading “REVISING
THE WISH LIST”

Topics: Christmas; Healing; Miracles; Supernatural Occurrences References: Matthew 8:17; Hebrews 2:4 Patti White Bull, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was in a coma for sixteen years. But on Christmas Day, she awoke and resumed normal activities: she dressed herself, walked without support, and talked in complete sentences. Unlike most coma patients, who awaken gradually, White Bull … Continue reading “WAKING
UP ON CHRISTMAS”

Topics: Advent; Attitudes; Celebration; Christmas; Happiness; Holidays; Joy References: Matthew 8:17; Hebrews 2:4 I was waiting to see my doctor in June when an older couple arrived. “Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!” the gentleman said to everyone in the waiting room. His enthusiasm was infectious. Most of the patients ignored the outburst, but I decided to … Continue reading “CELEBRATING
CHRISTMAS ANYTIME”

Topics: Advent; Christmas; Distractions; Priorities; Worship Reference: Matthew 6:1 Evangelist Luis Palau tells of a wealthy European family that decided to have their newborn baby baptized. Dozens of guests were invited to the elaborate affair, and they all arrived at the mansion dressed to the nines. After depositing their elegant wraps on a bed in … Continue reading “LOSING
THE BABY”

Topics: Birth of Christ; Christmas; Favor; Grace; Love; Salvation; Savior References: John 3:16–17; Ephesians 2:1–10 There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you. He likes having you … Continue reading “FINDING
HIS SWEET GIFTS”