Some people have control issues. They need to feel the need to maintain power over their relationships, family, and workplace. As Christ followers, we give the control of our lives over to God. We invite the Spirit of Jesus to live through us in our relationships, family, and workplace. Still, we can unwisely “give the…

People have a tendency to believe something is true when it is not. Or they believe something is false when it is true. How can we sort out between true and false? We are commanded: “But test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). In other…

Satan is described as the accuser of brothers and sisters in Christ (Revelation 12:10). He continuously claims that we have done something wrong or belittles us into thinking we ourselves are wrong. “You’re not important. You’re not qualified. You’re no good.” When we have sinned, the Holy Spirit convicts us, moving us to humble ourselves,…

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…