One of my favorite books in the New Testament is 1 John, one of those little letters tucked near the back of the Bible along with James, 1 & 2 Peter, the two other letters by John, and Jude. They’re all placed between the heavy books of Hebrews and Revelation, like little snacks between two…
Read MoreCategory: Bible Study
Lessons and studies from the Bible
The Grace of God and Learning to Walk
There are a couple of myths that are common when it comes to our relationship with God. Here’s one: “I have to straighten out my life before I can ask God to forgive me.” I’ve heard this response several times when talking to people about salvation. They recognize both their sin and God’s holiness, but…
Read MoreThe Grace of God and Used Cars
Years ago, our family found ourselves in need of a second vehicle. The car I drove, a real clunker, had given up the ghost. So we began to pray, asking God for the means to purchase a replacement vehicle. A few days later, one of the sweetest couples I’ve known came to me with a…
Read MoreThe Grace of God and Gifts Under Pews
How does a salad say grace? “Lettuce pray.” I know, I know, that’s an old dad joke, but I’m an old dad, so I get to say that. Come on, some of you have already decided to tell that one. You’re welcome! Plus, I couldn’t think of another way to introduce a post about grace….
Read MoreBringing Humility Back in Style
One day a leader of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner at his home. The Pharisees were the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’s day, and it wasn’t just a friendly invitation. The Bible says, “they were watching carefully.” They were checking him out to see if they could catch him breaking their rules. Jesus…
Read MoreLess Anger and More Kindness
In our discussion of positive attitudes that need to come back in style, this one’s a change of pace. I’m not talking about a positive attitude here, but a negative one. Or at least it could be negative. It’s something that I’ve noticed more and more these days, and it’s a real problem. I’m talking…
Read MoreThe Lost Attitude of Contentment
We live in a culture that says no matter how much we have, more is always better. We have plenty of clothes, but more is better. We have a pantry full of food, but more is better. We already have plenty of books, but more is better. (Okay, that’s not a good example, because I…
Read MoreThe Attitude of Gratitude
No one would accuse me of always being in style. It’s hard for me to keep up with what’s in and out of style. I know what I like, and if something I like goes out of style, I keep wearing it. I’d still be wearing my Members Only jacket if I hadn’t gained a…
Read MoreWhen God Seems Distant (continued)
In the previous post, we looked at those times when God is silent. Some of us have experienced times when it feels like God has abandoned us. We know he’s with us always, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. It feels like he’s gone away, that he’s forgotten us or left us alone to…
Read MoreWhen God Seems Distant
Those of you who know me probably know that I love watching old movies. I’m talking about movies from the 1930s through the 1950s. I’m also one of the few people who like watching silent movies. I know, I know, you probably think that’s strange, but just think about what it took for those filmmakers…
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