A major reason why people say they don’t want to be Christians is the hypocritical nature of people in the church. Corrupt preachers and perverted priests only make the problem worse. During most of my first year in college, I wanted nothing to do with the church because of hypocrisy I saw portrayed. The…
In 1642, young students learned moral lessons from the Bible within the Massachusetts Bay Colony. In the 1800s, public schools used McGuffey Readers, which followed the teachings of the Bible teaching students how to read as they developed traits of honesty, kindness and courage. Character education continued to shape America’s public school system until the…
We all know two-career couples who love new clothes, new cars and all the luxuries a comfortable lifestyle brings. If he or she wants to move up the career ladder, they have to increase their hours at work. Time between them suffers so their marriage takes a hit. They are between a rock and a…
During my youth in the 1960s, one of the signature songs was “I Am A Rock,” by Simon & Garfunkel: . . . I am a rock, I am an island. I’ve built walls, A fortress deep and mighty, That none may penetrate. I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain. It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain. . . I…
Just as there are three important factors in real estate (location, location, location), there are three important factors in living a Kingdom lifestyle. I often think it’s about my efforts. As a result, I don’t take time to pray. If we want to model the life of Christ in living a Kingdom lifestyle, what are…
Growing up, I attended a church that emphasized ethical codes and didn’t believe in miracles. After becoming a Christian in college, churches I chose were conservative, but the rituals present sometimes obscured one’s relationship with Christ. We must avoid these two extremes, which were present when Christ walked on earth 2,000 years ago. Matthew lists…
I did not like church growing up. Sitting in my pew, my stomach reminded me of lunch and then visions of watching a NFL football game. Lastly, I would think about my homework, which was put off until Sunday night. If someone mentioned God’s kingdom, I would stare at them and ask, “So what!” It…
Each person has certain possessions or assets where they place great value. Our families form a special place in each of our hearts. A rare family heirloom will be greatly prized, especially if it has been passed down many generations. Can you imagine losing your house or job! Our culture places special worth on celebrities,…
I grew up in a church that focused on compassion and justice with hurting people. After I became a believer in an evangelical, Bible church, proclaiming the gospel and discipling people toward spiritual maturity was our sole concern. Who’s right? Both! In Matt. 11, Christ emphasized sharing the gospel. In this study from Matt. 12,…
I became a Christian in 1970 at Iowa State University during the Jesus Movement through the ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ. Their emphasis was preaching the gospel of Christ. We saw many people come to faith in Christ because the gospel was preached. Over the years, I have observed many great programs, but the…
My parents divorced while I was graduating from college so have some understanding of family dynamics when trouble hits a home. Not only is divorce ravaging homes, many fathers abuse their children physically and emotionally. More stress comes when people lose their jobs in a poor economy. How do we minister in this climate of…
When I was 10 years old, I dreamt of being an archeologist. However, I gave up that dream because of the discouraging voices of adults and friends. I know of others who gave up their dreams of being doctors or even president of the US because adults around them said, “Let’s be realistic. You could…