God created the world to follow rules. Science was based on the Christian notion that if God is a God of order, then his creation must also be ordered, and thus, Creation should be predictable. Pagans and other religions had always believed creation was controlled by random chance or the cavalier whims of uncaring gods. Continue reading “You Reap What You Sow. Leviticus 26:3-8.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
The Bundle of Sticks
Can a man own land? The English enshrined property above all else. An Englishman holding title could sell land, rent it, sell some rights and reserve others—anything a seller could conceive. Land ownership was compared to owning a bundle of sticks. A man walking home with firewood on his back might sell you one stick,Continue reading “The Bundle of Sticks”
Provision.
I paid bills yesterday. First I sent money to the church. And it was sort of hard. I thought about the way that I feel disconnected from my church: I don’t teach Sunday school, many worship from home, I attend the Cypress campus for convenience but not out of a sense of calling. I’m inContinue reading “Provision.”
Holidays and Celebrations.
Do you ever wonder what God thinks about all our celebrations? Isn’t our calendar full of holidays, covering topics from the sublime to the ridiculous? Many Americans decorate their yards nearly year-round: Valentine’s, Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Advertisers go even further: President’s Day Sale!, April Fool’s Folly!, Cinco de MayoContinue reading “Holidays and Celebrations.”
Why Do We Obey?
God provides reasons to obey His laws. Most obvious? To avoid punishment. Consider: These punishments are SEVERE and are a warning that God takes them seriously. He knows we need the fear of consequences. When we are tempted, sometimes only the fear of horrible consequences can stop us. But as we grow in Christ, aContinue reading “Why Do We Obey?”
“Do Not Be Partial…”
Can you be neutral? Can you listen to both sides before reaching a decision? Can you be objective when every friend and family member and church member, work associate,—EVERYONE is on the same side? And they expect you to join them? Can you RESERVE JUDGMENT? Most cannot. But here is a Biblical principle that willContinue reading ““Do Not Be Partial…””
Your Parents May Be Out of Touch, But God is Not.
It is easy to think parents have no idea what the world and its temptations are like. Parents talk about things like not drinking (you mean “AT ALL”?) or remaining a virgin until marriage, or not smoking, or not skipping classes, or whatever else—and it is easy to think these old people are out ofContinue reading “Your Parents May Be Out of Touch, But God is Not.”
Boundaries.
Throughout Leviticus, God provides laws that should not have been necessary. In 17:15, He says don’t eat roadkill (tempting, right?): “Every person … who eats an animal that died or was mauled by wild beasts… will be unclean.” God is realistic—He knows people will take things too far and push the boundaries. The same isContinue reading “Boundaries.”
Do Not Add a Second Sin to the First.
It is easy for the naïve to assume the best. But God is not naïve. “Jesus knew what was in the heart of man” John 2:25. In situations where well-meaning parents or teachers might think minimal guidance is enough, God spells things out in detail. Consider sexual sin, for example. Most of us think there’sContinue reading “Do Not Add a Second Sin to the First.”
God Knows How to Muck Out Your Hurricane-Ravaged House.
After Hurricane Harvey, I thought I’d seen it all. In my rubber boots I had slogged through a dozen Houston-area houses with water dripping from carpets and insulation. As the sun rose toward noon, you could feel the steam coming out of those swampy damp caverns of mold and moisture. It was interesting, but grossContinue reading “God Knows How to Muck Out Your Hurricane-Ravaged House.”
Household Words: 