Donna and I often walk through MacNeil Park by the East River and see men fishing. Those fisherman don’t throw a bare hook in the water. That wouldn’t fool the fish. They disguise the hook with bait, so the fish will take the bait without noticing the hook. By then it’s too late. Satan is…

I realized in a recent men’s small group the need to clarify the four ways Satan uses to outwit Christians. We don’t want to be unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). 1. Temptation. We’re tempted with sinful thoughts and actions – pride, envy, anger, greed, lust, gluttony, laziness. “Do this. Say that. You’ve earned…

Gwang Hyuk Rhee was a Korean artist who drew Bible word art. In one drawing he wrote all the words from the Gospel of John line-by-line with shaded letters, some thick and some thin, so when you stand back they reveal a picture of Jesus Christ praying. He expressed in art what is the focus…

Many efforts have been made to communicate with intelligent life on other planets. Scientists, astronomers, and other enthusiasts have sent out messages through various radio signals and even tweets. They’ve set up satellite dishes and radio telescopes to listen for any messages. People want to know: “Is anybody out there? Is anybody listening? Is somebody…

Since the author and architect of the Bible is God the Holy Spirit, we would expect to find a consistent unified pattern. And we do! The Bible emphasizes this consistency as truth. The psalm writer affirmed, “Your word, LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them by the…

The Bible was written over a period of about 1500 years by about 40 different writers. But the behind-the-scenes “author” and “architect” who inspired both Old and New Testaments was the Holy Spirit. The Bible is not just an inspirational book. The Bible is inspired by God. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for…

The Bible is a different kind of book. A book that stands apart from other books. It’s unique, living, active. It’s amazing! The Bible was the first great book printed on a printing press. China invented woodblock printed books during the Tang Dynasty. Metal movable type was later developed in Korea. Then in 1454, Johannes…

In worship I celebrate God’s character, God’s name, God’s creation, Christ’s work through the cross, and God’s work in me. I worship God on my own. I also worship God together with others. “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3). How can you cultivate a spiritual discipline of worshiping…

Remember a time when God . . . • poured out his Holy Spirit upon you in a dynamic way. • gave you a profound sense of peace during a difficult season of life. • answered some long awaited prayer. • supernaturally provided for your needs. • healed your body. • spoke to you through…

Many in the world today probably think that our preoccupation with the cross of Christ is peculiar. That’s not surprising. Paul wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). Celebrating Christ’s work through…