Posts Tagged ‘influence’
Twisted up by Evil People
by Matthew W. Bassford When we read the Bible, we learn about some people we simply have to feel sorry for. Hosea has to marry a prostitute. Jeremiah has to faithfully proclaim God’s message to a wicked nation that doesn’t want to hear it and will kill him for saying it. And so on. On…
Read MoreWill my future partner determine if I’ll make eternity?
Question: Good evening, sir. Please, I have a question that has been bothering my mind. Will my future partner determine if I’ll make eternity? Answer: Who you choose to marry can reveal your attitude toward righteousness. If you knowingly marry a sinner, then you are knowingly placing temptation before you. After all, Paul warned, “Do…
Read MoreHow to Ruin Your Influence
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Luke 14:34-35 I. Your reputation, your ability to influence others is valuable A. Ecclesiastes 7:1 – Better than expensive perfume B. Proverbs 22:1 – Better than great wealth C. Christians are expected to influence the world – Matthew 5:13-16 D. But if we ruin our ability to influence others, what good are we? -…
Read MoreExactly Who is Influencing Who?
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: II Chronicles 13:4-12 I. Most Americans tend to have an independent streak. A. We would like to think that we think for ourselves. B. As Christians, we aim to influence those around to do good. C. But influence is not a one-way street. II. Our thoughts are shaped by many things A. Parents 1. Seth was…
Read MoreCan a Christian participate in a community organization that supports sin?
Question: There are many diversity and inclusion groups becoming more popular. They do a lot of good in the community. Can a Christian participate through work with this organization, such as community trash clean-up, knowing they support LGBTQ? Thanks. Answer: The question you need to ask yourself is whether your participation tells others that you…
Read MoreTipping Point
by Wilson Adams What is the tipping point of the bowl of God’s wrath? I don’t know, but I know there is one. Sodom and Gomorrah had one. So did the immoral nations. So did His own people. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach…” (Proverbs 14:34). So, what is our hope? It’s…
Read MoreDo You Remember?
by Floyd Chappelear Sentry Magazine, December 2002 Here is a quiz for you: Name the five wealthiest people in the world. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. Name the last half dozen Academy…
Read MoreThe Home Place
by Jefferson David Tant The scene comes clearly to my mind’s eye even now. After crossing the mighty Mississippi at Vicksburg, we knew there were only 150 miles to the little town of Haynesville, Louisiana, and “the old home place.” “Home” is one of the sweet and dear words from the heart. This home was…
Read MoreHas the Salt Lost Its Savor?
by Bubba Garner Biblical Insights, July 2007 Evil is everywhere. It is all around us. It’s in the workplace and in the schoolhouse. It’s in the neighborhoods and in the media. It’s even in the church and in the home. It is, indeed, a very clear and present danger. But ours is not the first generation to…
Read MoreObscenity and Profanity
by Marc Hinds I was ten years old in 1982 when I went and saw Steven Spielberg’s science-fiction blockbuster, E. T. It was the first time I remember hearing foul language. To make matters worse, it was a teenager in the movie who said it. While I was shocked, my parents were horrified. Over the…
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