Is the Bible literature, a work of art? Some find the idea offensive, as though we were arguing the Bible is ONLY literature, when it is much more. But as a work of art, as a carefully-crafted collection of words, the Bible is UNPARALLELED. Consider Genesis 1, Psalm 23, John 1, or Luke 2. IContinue reading “THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE. Isaiah 22:17-18.”
Author Archives: Steven Wales
SIGN OF THE TIMES. Matthew 24:6
American Evangelicals are steeped in conversations about the End Times. Ever since Hal Lindsay published THE LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH in 1970, Christians have been reading, writing, preaching, and making movies about the end of the world. There are so many films about it, my pal Robb Brunson was even in one–he has his ownContinue reading “SIGN OF THE TIMES. Matthew 24:6”
What About All This Free Time? Isaiah 55:11.
God once sent a punishment that sounds like the year 2020: “Joy and rejoicing have been removed from the orchard: no one is singing or shouting for joy in the vineyards. I have put an end to the shouting.” Isaiah 16:10. In 2020 there was no cheerful shouting. Stadiums were quiet. Weddings were quiet. GraduationsContinue reading “What About All This Free Time? Isaiah 55:11.”
The Devil. Isaiah 14:12-15.
Satan. Beelzebub. Lord of the Flies. Prince of Darkness. Lucifer. Mephistopheles. Lord of the Dungheap. Where did this enemy of our souls come from? Most of our ideas about Satan come not from the Bible but from Milton’s PARADISE LOST (same place we get our notion that Adam & Eve were felled by an apple. Continue reading “The Devil. Isaiah 14:12-15.”
What is the Worst Sin? Isaiah 14:12-15.
Contrary to popular belief, all sins are NOT equal. In fact, the Bible ranks sins. Some are far worse than others. But is there one sin that is the worst of them all? If there is, it is probably the devil’s first sin: pride. WHAT PRIDE IS NOT— Pride is not simply knowing your strengths. Continue reading “What is the Worst Sin? Isaiah 14:12-15.”
What are Your Goals? What Are You Chasing? 2 Kings 17:15.
Did you know there is a connection between the pursued and the pursuer? One will take on the traits of the other. Remember playing tag? All the children darting this way and that? Remember being “IT” and trying to anticipate the moves people would use: you tell yourself, if he pivots left, I’ll be ready,Continue reading “What are Your Goals? What Are You Chasing? 2 Kings 17:15.”
GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS. Micah 7:18-19; 2 Kings 17:8-26.
I read good news and bad news this morning: In Micah 7, the prophet praises God for His mercy: “Who is a God like You, removing sin and passing over rebellion? … He does not hold on to His anger forever, because HE DELIGHTS IN FAITHFUL LOVE. He will have compassion on us. You willContinue reading “GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS. Micah 7:18-19; 2 Kings 17:8-26.”
HOLINESS. Micah 6:6-7.
Close your eyes and imagine. Imagine a world WITHOUT JESUS. Imagine that you are going to HELL unless you can make up for your sins. What will it take? What does it take to please God? Micah suggests several answers: “Should I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord beContinue reading “HOLINESS. Micah 6:6-7.”
Let Jesus Wash You Clean—Again and Again, Forever. Micah 7:19.
Hogs like to wallow in the mud. The muddy places they frequent are called “hog wallows.” But we are not hogs. People like to be clean. We shower every day, sometimes two or even three times. We wash our hands so often we stop counting. We have one type of soap for hands, another forContinue reading “Let Jesus Wash You Clean—Again and Again, Forever. Micah 7:19.”
BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. Micah 4:3-4.
The ability to resolve conflicts is a gift. Being a peacemaker does not mean compromising everything. Peacemakers have integrity—they won’t yield the key point, but they will yield pride and anything else that might get in the way of peace. Ronald Reagan never compromised on SDI, but was able to make peace with Mikhail GorbachevContinue reading “BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS. Micah 4:3-4.”