Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Children; Communication; Reputation References: Proverbs 21:23; James 3:1–12 My wife was busy one evening making porcelain dolls at a doll-making class, leaving me at home to watch our two children, Melinda, seven, and Craig, five. While I was chatting with a neighbor on the front porch, the phone rang. Craig answered the phone promptly … Continue reading “WHY
MOM’S NOT HERE”

Topics: Christian Culture; Humor; Love for Christ; Youth Reference: Matthew 18:1–4 Katie, three, had the flu and had to be taken to the pediatrician. As the doctor examined her ears, he asked, “Will I find Big Bird in here?” “No,” Katie said. Before looking at her throat, the doctor asked, “Will I find Cookie Monster … Continue reading “KATIE’S
CHECKUP”

Topics: Doubt; Faith; Unbelief References: John 20:24–31; Hebrews 11:1–3; 1 Peter 1:6–9 A missionary family was visiting my aunt and uncle. When the missionary children were called in for dinner, their mother said, “Be sure to wash your hands. Get the germs off.” The little boy scowled and said, “Germs and Jesus. Germs and Jesus. … Continue reading “GERMS
AND JESUS”

Topics: Arrogance; God’s Holiness; Humility; Pride References: Psalm 18:24–27; James 4:5–12 A pastor walked into his church and felt an overwhelming sense of God’s holiness. He went to the front, knelt at the altar rail, and began to beat himself on the chest, crying out, “O Lord, I am nothing!” Moments later, the minister of … Continue reading “COMPETING
IN HOLINESS”

Topics: Authority; Bible; Future; Prophecy References: Deuteronomy 18:21–22; 1 Peter 1:23–25; 2 Peter 1:21 Some of the worst predictions of all time: •     “Inventions have long since reached their limit, and I see no hope for further developments.” Said by Roman engineer Julius Sextus Frontinus in AD 100. •     “The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will … Continue reading “AUDACIOUS
PREDICTIONS”

Topics: Attitudes; Experience; Failure; Foolishness; Money; Pessimism; Procrastination; Success; Wisdom; Work Reference: Colossians 3:23 A few observations on life and work:      1.     Nothing is foolproof to a talented fool.      2.     The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.      3.     Borrow money from a pessimist; they don’t expect it back.      4.     If at first … Continue reading “ON
LIFE AND WORK”

Topics: Comfort; Complaining; Convenience; Hardship; Laziness; Suffering References: 2 Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 6:11–15 Comment cards given to the staff members at Bridger Wilderness Area in Wyoming in 1996 included the following: •     Trails need to be wider so people can walk while holding hands. •     Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill. … Continue reading “ASKING
FOR IT”

Topics: Baptism; Cleansing; Forgiveness; Grace; Punishment; Sin References: Romans 6:1–14; Titus 3:3–7 Rena, age three, sat with us during the baptismal service last Sunday night, which was a new experience for her. “Why did Pastor Bob push that guy in the water?” she asked. My wife quietly tried to explain, but Rena wasn’t satisfied. Later … Continue reading “EXPLAINING
BAPTISM”

Topics: Death; Life; Mortality References: Job 8:9; 14:1–2; Psalm 39:4–6; 90:12; Isaiah 40:6–8; 1 Peter 1:24–25 A man had his annual checkup and then heard from his doctor a couple of days later. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you,” the doctor said. “You have only forty-eight hours to live.” “That is bad … Continue reading “DEATH
NOTICE”

Topics: Dependence; Faith and Works; Grace; Salvation References: Romans 3:20–28; Ephesians 2:8–9; Titus 3:5 I took Abby and Flannery out for something fun to drink. Abby got an apple juice, and Flannery got a Mango Surprise. Despite my insistence that I would pay, my daughters were prepared to be generous with the contents of their … Continue reading “SHORT
ON MONEY”