Every house has so many bowls, “some for honor, some for dishonor.” In the House of God, what sort of bowl do you want to be? According to Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, it is up to you. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels ofContinue reading “Soup Bowls or Toilet Bowls? 2 Timothy 2:20-21”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
Does what you say matter? Does Jesus care about language? Ephesians 5:4
God forgives people for huge sins, right? If God can forgive the worst of humanity, surely He is not worried about the small things? There’s grace—and He can handle words. Of course He can. Language is one of the ‘small’ issues, right? It’s not like adultery or being an alcoholic or deserting your family orContinue reading “Does what you say matter? Does Jesus care about language? Ephesians 5:4”
What Can You Say About Slavery? What Can You Say About Politics? Ephesians 6:5-9.
The Apostle Paul took on one of the most controversial topics in history: slavery. Did he argue for the abolition of slavery? Or did he argue—as some American preachers once did—that certain people are better off slaves? Let’s look: “Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, asContinue reading “What Can You Say About Slavery? What Can You Say About Politics? Ephesians 6:5-9.”
HOPE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO “QUALITY OF LIFE.” Ephesians 3:10.
Joni asks hard questions—What about the quadriplegic on a ventilator? What about that person who can communicate only by blinking? How do you respond to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? What hope is left when disease has spread and pain is increasing? Why hang on? What about those who live their entire lives trapped inside bodies andContinue reading “HOPE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NO “QUALITY OF LIFE.” Ephesians 3:10.”
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE? Philippians 1:21-24; 2:12-15.
People love to ask, “what is the meaning of life?” It has become a cliché. Homer asks God the question on the Simpsons and just as God is about to tell him, the credits begin to roll. On Monty Python a man opens an envelope labeled “the meaning of life,” and it says: “Well, it’sContinue reading “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE? Philippians 1:21-24; 2:12-15.”
Is Your Life Driven by a Purpose?Ephesians 2:10.
Rick Warren’s 2002 book THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE was a hit, selling over 50 million copies in over 85 languages. People are looking for purpose! Another way we say it is ‘What is the Meaning of life’? Have you noticed how many books and movies ask the big question: “What is the meaning of life?” PeopleContinue reading “Is Your Life Driven by a Purpose?Ephesians 2:10.”
YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT. Ephesians 1:4-13.
Was it God’s will that Jim’s mother got pregnant when she was 19? Was it God’s will that Jim then fathered a child at 17? God wills that we save sex for marriage. But God also wills that sex results in children, even difficult, unplanned pregnancies. Now what? Now Grace! Grace is God stepping “outside”Continue reading “YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT. Ephesians 1:4-13.”
“SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE” Colossians 3:2.
The Middle Ages: Disease. Cities filled with sewage, rats, and dirty water. Physicians practice bloodletting (draining up to 80% of a patient’s blood), purging (meds to cause vomiting or diarrhea), and extreme sweat treatments. (Such so-called ‘heroic medicine’ often hastens the patient’s death.) You are better off poor—poor enough to avoid doctors, that is, butContinue reading ““SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE” Colossians 3:2.”
THE SLAVERY WORK ETHIC. Colossians 3:22-23.
Slavery, as a rule, does not produce hard workers but people who LOOK LIKE hard workers. People will not work hard if they believe they have no control over their work. But slaves will say “yes sir,” and hustle and SMILE as though thrilled with their work. But once they’re out of sight, the smileContinue reading “THE SLAVERY WORK ETHIC. Colossians 3:22-23.”
Do You Get Tired of Working? Colossians 3:23.
The Bible encourages us to work hard and to shake off the weariness. You can do it! Unbelievers are sometimes quite lazy. Sometimes people are poor because they are unwilling to work in a regular or disciplined manner. Laziness is tempting. It’s hard to get out of bed, to hustle, to stay motivated. And thatContinue reading “Do You Get Tired of Working? Colossians 3:23.”
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