This picture generated with AI. We are family–each person begins life as part of a family. We inherit traits from our parents. But shouldn’t we focus on today and forget the past? Does ancestry matter? YES. The Bible contains over 25 genealogies, and while readers often skim them, God put them there for a reason.Continue reading “FAMILY RESEMBLANCE. 2 Timothy 1:3-5.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Inherited Faith. 2 Timothy 1:5.
Yesterday I found a copy of a detailed family tree that I thought was lost. It goes back nine generations! It is mostly Germans, Brits, and a single line of Frenchmen. Most common vocations? Teachers, farmers, lawyers, and business owners. I suppose you can inherit leadership and the gift of gab. I’m sure you canContinue reading “Inherited Faith. 2 Timothy 1:5.”
The Death Penalty: Pros and Cons. Numbers 35.
The death penalty is controversial, but it is not unbiblical. The United States is not ancient Israel. We do not enforce the 613 laws of the Old Testament, nor should we. We pick and choose among them, using them only as guidance and a role model. We clearly do not follow dietary laws, sanitation rules,Continue reading “The Death Penalty: Pros and Cons. Numbers 35.”
Thoughts on the New Year. Psalm 90.
Have you ever been moved by time? It is staggering. NASA says the star Earendel is 28 billion light years from earth, meaning the light has traveled 28 billion years to reach us. But God has been seated on His throne LONGER than that. He is the Almighty. Nothing in our world surprises Him. NoContinue reading “Thoughts on the New Year. Psalm 90.”
CORRELATION. Hebrews 12: 5-11.
Correlation. n. A statistical measure of the degree in which two variables move in relation to each other. There are correlations between freezing temperatures and snow on the ground, between hard work and achievement, selfishness and loneliness, kindness and optimism. Several powerful correlations involve everyone’s favorite topic: DISCIPLINE. There are correlations between parental love andContinue reading “CORRELATION. Hebrews 12: 5-11.”
Hard Work Leads to Success. Hebrews 12:11
Self-discipline always pays off. It comes with its own rewards, whether dieting, sports, studying, or spiritual disciplines. Think about that as you begin a new year, a new semester in school, or simply a new week. If you are a student–or NOT a student–the discipline of reading and studying and turning off the TV andContinue reading “Hard Work Leads to Success. Hebrews 12:11”
THE ROLL CALL OF THE FAITHFUL. Hebrews 11:2-38.
Are you familiar with Hebrews 11? Hebrews 11 is known as “the Faith Chapter” for its litany of people who lived by faith—people whose lives should inspire us. It is one of the great chapters of the Bible that everyone should know. It begins with a definition of faith: “the reality of what is hopedContinue reading “THE ROLL CALL OF THE FAITHFUL. Hebrews 11:2-38.”
FINISH WELL. Hebrews 10:36.
King Asa took the throne following two generations of idol-worshipers. Unlike his father and grandfather, Asa was devout: “Asa did what was right in the Lord’s eyes, as his ancestor David had done” 1 Kings 15:11. “Asa’s heart was completely devoted to the Lord his entire life” 1 Kings 15:14. “Asa did what was goodContinue reading “FINISH WELL. Hebrews 10:36.”
Who Needs Church Anyway?Hebrews 10:25.
Why go to church? Does it make any difference? Can’t you be a good person without it? And have good friends? And be encouraged? Sure. So why bother getting involved in a local church? Because God commands us. It is not a request. “Do not forsake the assembling together of ourselves, as is the habitContinue reading “Who Needs Church Anyway?Hebrews 10:25.”
SACRIFICES. Numbers 7:87-88; Hebrews 9.
(Picture generated by Artificial Intelligence.) Did you know that cultures all over the world use sacrifices? Many feel guilt and think if they sacrifice something they love, “the gods” will forgive. People have sacrificed fruit, grain, animals, even children. God implemented a sacrificial system in ancient Israel, including sacrifices of grain, oil, doves, sheep, goats,Continue reading “SACRIFICES. Numbers 7:87-88; Hebrews 9.”
Household Words: 