On the heels of the current trend toward impersonal forms of communication is a dramatic increase in disrespect. It is so much easier to sit behind a keyboard and rattle off messages that we would never dream of saying to someone’s face. The levels of sarcasm and unkindness have increased […]
In John 5, Jesus discloses some profound insights into the difference between physical and spiritual life—and shows the relative unimportance of the former by comparison. “For as the Father raises the dead and giveth them life, even so the Son also giveth life to whom he will,” (John 5:21). This […]
Almost everyone agrees that friendliness is a great asset in life. Although there are rare, highly-focused exceptions, the vast majority of successful, influential people are friendly. They are likable. They are popular among their peers, and people actually enjoy being around them. If you want to have friends, the Bible […]
Successful, enduring companies understand the value of a good name. They guard their name with patent and copyright protections, and they aggressively oppose any serious violations of their name. They understand that the name is often the first thing customers see, and it summarizes what the company is all about. […]
The gospel writer, Mark, tells of an incident in the life of Jesus where he fielded an interesting question about fasting: “Why don’t your disciples fast like disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees?” Jesus explained that it was not yet the appropriate time for them to fast since […]
Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain, (Ps. 127:1KJV). Qualified home builders everywhere understand the need for following architectural drawings, specifications and plans in the construction of houses. Reputable contractors do not […]
There are several passages which speak of “dying” with Christ. Obviously, these are not teaching that we literally and physically died at the time Jesus was nailed to the cross. But Christians have surrendered control of their lives to Jesus in recognizing him as their Lord. They have “died” to […]
As I write these lines, it is Inauguration Day in America – a very important thing. It is important on many levels, including the fact that it represents the peaceful transfer of power in our blessed republic. It has been occurring every presidential term for nearly 250 years. It is […]
We note in Gal. 5:22 the absence of an “s” after “fruit.” Paul did not say, “the fruits of the Spirit are…” but, “the fruit of the Spirit is…” The use of the singular rather than the plural suggests an aggregate or total package. It’s like a recipe where all […]
There is an interesting detail included by the inspired historian, while describing a part of Paul’s Second Missionary Journey in Acts 16:11. Luke records that after setting sail from Troas, “we made a straight course to Samothrace.” Making a straight course in those days meant they took advantage of favorable winds—the sailing […]
Communicating With Respect