Sermons and Biblical Studies

Those Who Complain First A heavy wagon was being dragged along a country lane by a team of oxen. The axles groaned and creaked terribly, when the oxen turning around thus addressed the wheels, “Hey there, why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we—not you—ought to cry out!” Those … Continue reading “Complaining”

Results of •      Complacency is a blight that saps energy, dulls attitudes, and causes a drain on the brain. The first symptom is satisfaction with things as they are. The second is rejection of things as they might be. “Good enough” becomes today’s watchword and tomorrow’s standard. Complacency makes people fear the unknown, mistrust the … Continue reading “Complacency”

Big Egg A farm boy got a white football for Christmas. He played with it awhile and then kicked it over into the neighbor’s yard. The old rooster ran out, looked at it, and called the hens to see it. “Now look here,” the rooster said, “I don’t want you girls to think I’m complaining, … Continue reading “Competition”

Arthritis Imagine that you are a world-class concert pianist at the peak of your career, someone who has spent years studying and practicing to develop your art. Your fingers respond instantly to your mental commands, flitting along the keyboard with grace and speed. Then one day you feel a stiffness that wasn’t there before. You … Continue reading “Compensation”

God’s The most common verb used in the Greek New Testament to refer to God’s compassion is splanchnizomai. This verb is used twelve times. Once it is used of the Samaritan’s compassion for the wounded man (Luke 10:33). The other eleven uses refer to God’s compassion. In two separate parables Jesus uses this verb to … Continue reading “Compassion”

Resource •      C. Swindoll, Growing Strong, p. 281.

Late for Work Hearken unto my voice, all of you, and learn from my misfortune. For I have dallied too long over “Good Morning America” and now I pay the price. Yea, verily, it is rush hour. And though I falleth upon my steering wheel and weep most piteously, I goeth not forward upon the … Continue reading “Commute”

Character •      One can acquire everything in solitude—except character. Stendhal in Fragments, I, Christianity Today, November 22, 1993, p. 37.

Law of Distribution Marxist Law of Distribution of Wealth: Shortages will be divided equally among the peasants. J. Gustafson, source unknown

Tradition A small country church in Wisconsin has a special tradition that they have used at the close of their communion services for a number of years. It is adapted from an ancient Jewish closing of the Passover meal. Since it is the hope of every devout Jew to celebrate the Passover at least once … Continue reading “Communion”