Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Apology; Forgiveness; Reconciliation; Relationships References: Matthew 5:23–24; 18:15–18; 1 John 1:9–10 “As a society, China lacks the spirit of apologizing,” says Zhou Xiaozheng, a sociology professor at People’s University in China. That difficulty has given rise to the Tianjin Apology and Gift Center, a company that delivers apologies and attempts to facilitate reconciliation. The … Continue reading “APOLOGY
FOR A FEE”

Topics: Inspiration; Jesus Christ; Leadership; Presence of God; Vision References: Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17; John 6:68–69; 7:46; Acts 9:1–22 “I had never known such a man as he and never shall again,” said journalist William Allen White after meeting President Theodore Roosevelt in 1897 for the first time. “He overcame me. And in the hour … Continue reading “INSPIRED
BY TEDDY”

Topics: Acceptance; Compassion; Consideration; Cooperation; Friendship; Kindness; Love; Mercy; Politics; Respect References: Romans 15:7; Colossians 3:13; Titus 3:2; James 3:17–18 As lunch ended in the ornate United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee conference room, Senator Jesse Helms stood to bid farewell to the guest of honor: U2 singer Bono. Bono stayed at the conservative patriarch’s … Continue reading “BONO
BONDING”

Topics: Church; Conflict; Cooperation; Division; Unity References: John 17:11; Ephesians 4:4–6; James 1:5–8 The English Channel tunnel connecting England with France, later called the Chunnel, was a two-headed beast from the start. Two mammoth firms were heading the project—one charged with finance and operation, the other responsible for building the chunnel. Each of these companies … Continue reading “CHUNNEL
CONFLICT”

Topics: Arguments; Attitudes; Church; Community; Conflict; Cooperation; Fellowship; Marriage; Reconciliation; Spouses; Teamwork References: Romans 12:9–21; Ephesians 4:1–6; 1 John 3:11–18 The best arguers don’t point their fingers. That’s according to a study reported in Psychological Science. The study also said the person who says “we” the most during an argument suggests the best solutions. Researchers … Continue reading “THE
BEST ARGUERS”

Topics: Behavior; Cheating; Community; Crime; Dishonesty; Honesty; Morality; Neighbors; Self-control; Shame; Stealing; Values; Vigilance References: Psalm 44:13; 133:1; Proverbs 26:18–19; Romans 12:17; 14:12; Hebrews 12:14–15 Paul Feldman has a bagel business. He delivers bagels to companies and allows individuals to pay on the honor system. Over the years, Feldman has kept meticulous records, which show … Continue reading “PAYING
FOR BAGELS”

Topics: Busyness; Community; Evangelism; Fellowship; Food; Friendship; Hospitality; Kindness; Loneliness; Time References: John 13:35; Acts 2:42–47; Romans 12:13; 16:2–3; Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:10; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 1:8 How hospitable are we? The following responses to the question “How often do you entertain guests for dinner?” in a May 2005 … Continue reading “CLOSED
FOR DINNER”

Topics: Acceptance; Attitudes; Communication; Double-mindedness; Fear; Friendship; Hospitality; Prejudice; Racism; Reconciliation; Unity References: 1 Samuel 20:42; Luke 10:5–8; Acts 10:24–28; Galatians 3:28; 1 John 2:9–11 It was my third year with the ministry. I got a call from a prominent white Christian leader asking me to go to lunch with him. As we’re sitting down … Continue reading “COSTLY
RECONCILIATION”

Topics: Accountability; Apology; Conflict; Cursing; Forgiveness; Hypocrisy; Insensitivity; Reconciliation; Remorse; Sincerity; Speech; Tongue; Words References: Psalm 32:5; Matthew 6:14–15; Ephesians 4:32; James 3:1–12; 5:12 Insincere apologies may be worse than none. Take note: “It has come to the editor’s attention that the Herald-Leader neglected to cover the civil rights movement. We regret the omission” (July … Continue reading “HOLD
THE APOLOGY”

Topics: Commitment; Community; Companionship; Friends; Love; Neighbors; Patience; Priorities; Time References: Matthew 22:39; John 13:34–35; 15:12; Acts 2:42–47; Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 6:9; 1 Peter 1:22 While a college student, Heidi Neumark took a year off to serve in a volunteer program sponsored by Rural Mission. She went to Johns Island off the … Continue reading “NO
SHORTCUTS TO LOVE”