For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. With the advent of Disney’s new streaming service, I’ve been going through some of the…
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. I was reminded the other day of a classic episode of the early ’80s sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. The plot centers on a promotional stunt the manager of a radio station has organized for Thanksgiving. Part of his plan is to release live…
Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. When I was small, I remember getting so frustrated with life that I informed my parents I would soon be running away from home. My Dad, most likely suppressing a hearty chuckle,…
So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. A Quick Disclaimer… Before we jump into the application of today’s text (and it’s a doozy), I have to make a confession. I’m not quite…
Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. According to my parents, when I was a toddler I developed an obsession with firetrucks. I have no reason to doubt this, although my tastes have matured greatly since then. I’m…
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Here in Maranhão excitement is building among our churches as we prepare for the first teen retreat at the Mount Zion Baptist Camp, scheduled for November. Excitement,…
Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. For our around-the-table reading, our family just finished up the Mark Twain classic, Tom Sawyer. One of the iconic scenes of that book, of course, is when the title character dupes his friends into whitewashing a fence for him. Using techniques that any self-respecting used car salesman would…
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. The day was sunny, and the prospects bright. Itacyara and I were beginning a long-awaited, much-needed vacation in the company of very good friends. It was our first day in the beautiful Chapada das Mesas region…
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. If you by any chanced happen to have reached this point in your life without ever having watched the TV show Family Matters, an introduction to Steve Urkel is in order. Steve was a nerdy kid who was always…
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. James 1:13 While in Bible College, I spent a couple semesters as the president of the Student Missions Fellowship. Among my responsibilities was the scheduling of speakers for our…