Why Did Jesus Die?
The trial was illegal, the charges were false, and the witnesses were paid to lie. From every human point of view, the death of Jesus Christ was a triumph of injustice and inhumanity. Yet–He died willingly. He could have commanded the armies of heaven to rescue Him, but He refused. Instead, He surrendered Himself into the
Life Is Short
I recently read a story that was printed in the New York Times of a Swiss man who was celebrating his eightieth birthday. He had kept a detailed diary of notes of his life, and he observed this special occasion in a most unusual manner. He took stock of his life by looking at himself statistically with
From Alaska to Albany…and Back
A few weeks ago Terri and I had the privilege of speaking at the Alaska State Evangelism Conference in Anchorage. After three planes, two layovers and more hours than we could count, we landed and were greeted by the smiling face of Jimmy Stewart (not THAT Jimmy Stewart) and -4° weather. To say the least,
The Medicine of a Merry Heart
A doctor friend of mine used to cry on my shoulder occasionally. One day he said to me, “You know what’s wrong with this world? I’ll tell you what’s wrong–people expect me to solve their problems with pills. All you can do is relieve the symptoms, but the problems are still there.” Then he added,
Prayer Evangelism (Part 2)
How should we approach praying for the lost? First of all, we need to believe God. Mark 10:27 says, “With God all things are possible.” Genesis 18:14 says, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” God can save the uttermost and the guttermost. He came to redeem lost man. His death paid the price for
A Land of Hills and Valleys
For some reason, I have never enjoyed geography. Perhaps I didn’t study hard enough in school. But as I study my Bible, I find myself becoming greatly interested in God’s geography, particularly something that God said about the Promised Land He was giving to His people, Israel. “But the land you are going over to
Blind Spots
By 1985, Jose Cubero had become one of Spain’s most spectacular matadors. At only 21 years of age, he was enjoying a celebrated career that even matadors with seasoned years of experience could only dream of having. His future appeared limitless. However, during a 1985 bullfight, Jose made a tragic mistake. He thrust his final sword
Prayer Evangelism (Part 1)
Years ago, I picked up a small tract from Back to the Bible entitled, “How I Learned To Pray for the Lost.” It was the first time I had ever seen anything, in print regarding prayer and evangelism. Much of what I had heard regarding evangelism dealt with methods and programs. There was little in
Psalm 31b
Like a LeperPsalm 31:9-13 You and I can’t help what others do and say. We can help what we do, because we are responsible. But when others start talking about you or fighting against you, you may not be able to control that. It’s difficult when people start to slander the righteous. But this is what David
How to Cheat on Your Minister’s Taxes
Tips for pastors willing to take a chance.. The following are the five most common ways ministers cheat on their taxes: 1. Hide your honorariums. Pastors get honorariums for weddings and funerals. The relatives never report this income to the IRS so ministers can easily tuck the cash in their pocket (or turn the check into
Psalms 30 – 31a
Never Be Moved?Psalm 30 One little phrase is repeated seven times in Psalm 30–“You have.” David was praising God for what He had done for him. Are you doing that today? “You’ve seen that plaque that says, “Prayer changes things,” and that’s true. I’ve also seen a plaque that says, “Praise changes things,” and that
It’s a Wonderful Life
As a child, I was always intrigued by the storyline in the classic film, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. In the movie, Jimmy played a character named George Bailey who was frustrated and discouraged with the life he was living. At the height of his frustration, he makes a hasty