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In the years I have been in ministry, I have learned that people have a vast number of ideas about what the purpose of the church is. Some of our religious friends have a concept in mind that is more akin to a country club or a social organization. They go to church primarily to mingle and fraternize. To others, the church is a family identity. Phrases like, “Our family has always been, and will always be (fill in the…

There are many verses in the Bible that people like to quote that are actually a misuse of the verse, completely misunderstood, or simply do not exist. One such verse is Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” This verse is frequently cited to validate small gatherings of disciples, suggesting that even if only a few people are present, the Lord is still among them and it is therefore a…

In late 2007, a young college football player was selected to receive the most prestigious award of the sport, the Heisman Trophy. Usually, being the recipient of such a high honor brings a lot of attention and opportunity. But by that year, Tim Tebow had already received a great deal of national attention and had even been subject to controversy. What was so polemical about this talented athlete? Was it because he was named Florida’s Player of the Year before he ever…

Revenge is often considered one of the strongest human emotions. When we are hurt or betrayed, our hearts can quickly become overwhelmed by anger, resentment, and a strong sense of injustice. Seeking revenge may feel like a way to regain control and restore balance, but it’s not! Sampson is good Biblical example of what happens when we let emotions drive retaliation (Judges 15-16). Spoiler: it ends badly! Sadly, in our dark and fallen world, many believe they have the right to take…

On the eve of March 5, 1836, a letter was read aloud to a rag-tag group of men made up of soldiers, European immigrants, colonists, “Tejanos” (local Mexican natives), politicians, and many other volunteers who had gathered at an old mission site outside of San Antonio to defend Texas liberty. The Mexican government had labeled them “rebels.” Thus, the letter demanded their surrender or expect execution in an inevitable victory by the overwhelmingly large Mexican army surrounding them. Legend says that in…

The promise of “all things work together for good” in Romans 8:28 is an often misquoted, misused, and abused verse of the New Testament. It certainly does not mean what many have erroneously concluded, that God will make every bad thing that happens in your life turn out to be something good in the end. So, if that isn’t what the verse is teaching, then what is Paul saying here? What is the truth? Let’s begin by considering what Paul does not say in…

What is your favorite verse in the Bible? Can you cite the verse or easily find it among the more than 770,000 words of the text? 2 If someone were to reference the phrase, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” where would you find it in all those pages? 3 You can find it by using all the chapter and verse numbers placed throughout the…