One author concludes, 'Practice isn't the thing you do once you're good. It's the thing you do that makes you good.' This describes our spiritual walk as well.
John Ritenbaugh, reflecting on an aged bearded Middle-eastern imam's sermon on the laziness of his people, comparing them to the western European countries and the Israelis, contrasts this appraisal with the American media's portrayal, depicting Israel as . . .
Fourteenth-century conqueror Tamerlane learned a valuable lesson from a tiny ant, motivating him to turn defeat into victory. Mike Ford explores Proverbs' admonition to observe the ant, concentrating on the qualities of initiative.
Without well-defined plans, projects become quickly derailed. Both time and energy are wasted in the absence of carefully established goals.
Terrorism is commonplace today, yet we may be causing just as much destruction spiritually as the average terrorist through negligence and passivity.
Bill Onisick, holding a cluster of grapes which had prematurely dried because of a fungus infection, laments that this blight could have been stopped by proactive maintenance rather than reactive maintenance. In Proverbs 24, we read an allegorical portraya. . .
John Ritenbaugh emphasizes that the three principles taught by Scripture towards acquiring prosperity (diligently working, wisely managing what one has earned, and meticulously saving) all militate against laziness or sloth. In various translations, Prover. . .
We tend to put matters behind us once we are finished with them, but we cannot afford to do this with the lessons we learn from the Days of Unleavened Bread.
John Ritenbaugh, analyzing the abuses of the welfare system in America, observes that many welfare recipients use the assistance that is intended to buy food for tattoos, smartphones, and internet service, taking advantage of the average taxpayer's generos. . .
The Parable of the Talents is often confused with the Parable of the Pounds. Martin Collins brings out their differences, showing that these parables illustrate Christian responsibilities from different angles.
Bill Onisick, focusing on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25, which describes two highly productive servants and one wicked, unproductive servant, observes that the term talent has generalized (metaphorically) from a weight of precious metal to the a. . .
John Ritenbaugh, citing an article by Judge Napolitano, warns us that under the Patriot Act, an FBI Agent can serve a hand written warrant and threaten imprisonment if one speaks out, plainly or truthfully, about a political issue, demonstrating the absolu. . .
Laziness and fear are the greatest challenges to love. When Protestant theologians disparage "works," connecting them to salvation rather than sanctification and growth, they encourage spiritual laziness. If we are lazy, we might still be saved, . . .
Solomon provides these comparisons to indicate the choices we should make to live better lives in alignment with God, even in an 'nder the sun' world.
John Ritenbaugh uses an impelling example of some Ukrainian Jews who applied foresight and sacrifice to escape from the impending onslaught of the Nazis, saving themselves from certain destruction. The sermon then focuses upon the dangers of sloth and proc. . .
It is beyond question that Christians should be compassionate toward the needy. We are to lend a hand to those who have stumbled. But how far does this go?
John Ritenbaugh, reflecting upon escalating energy prices, urges caution and self-control in spending and taking on debt. If the supply of oil should be drastically cut, all vital services would shut down, and our quality of life would deteriorate. In 1971. . .
Martin Collins, reflecting on the writing of II Peter, a document composed in prison during a time of intense persecution and a time of false teachings which condoned a virulent sexual permissiveness and moral relativity, asserts that this epistle was used. . .
Drawing an analogy between kudzu and the thorns in the Parable of the Sower, Mike Ford shows how we have to "weed out" detrimental habits that choke our lives. If we want to produce quality fruit, we must weed the garden!
The Parable of the Talents teaches the need for diligence in using the gifts of God. God expects us to use our talents to His glory and in the service of others.
John Ritenbaugh, stating that Ecclesiastes 3 expresses awesome possibilities for the future, also points out that Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that there are harsh realities for those living under the sun, making compromise with the world inviting. Many of Go. . .
John Ritenbaugh, focusing upon the metaphorical aspects of work and walking, suggests that these activities play a major role in overcoming and sanctification. We must have a higher regard for Christian works than our everyday job, realizing that work is a. . .
Richard Ritenbaugh observes that the noble trait of self-sufficiency, or the "can do" mentality, long associated with the American spirit, has sadly been eclipsed by a disgusting, rapidly emerging, spoiled brat, whiney, "gimme" welfare . . .
Both food and information are readily available in the West. What is our approach to them? Our attitude toward and application of them makes all the difference.
The modern church stands in danger of allowing salvation to slip away. Hebrews gives warnings to help us turn our lives around so we do not fall short.
Some scriptures seem to say that all one needs to do is ask God in prayer for whatever the heart desires, and He will grant it like a genie rubbed from his lamp.
Waiting is a foundational aspect of faith, hope, and love, and is sometimes one of the hardest works of all. ...
Most of us have been brave on occasion, but perhaps other times we have been timid. What can we do to avoid being a coward when it matters most?