Posts Tagged ‘influence’
The Devil’s Inoculation
by Dee Bowman I was watching a ball game the other night. Between innings, a commercial came on in which a man was asked by his wife, “Do I look fat in this dress?” He replied, “Yes, you do.” The answer had a catastrophic effect. She bawled — and I don’t men she cried —…
Read MoreBe an Example
by Jefferson David Tant Paul’s letters to young Timothy, his son in the gospel, and Titus, are filled with good thoughts concerning their work as those who spread and proclaim the gospel. Among Paul’s exhortation are two passages we want to consider in today’s article. “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather…
Read MoreBecause of the Sins of Jeroboam
by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Matthew 5:13-16 I. Few credit the influence we have on the lives of those around us. A. The things we do and say impact the lives of those we come in contact. B. Sometimes our influence spreads to people we may not have seen. II. The example of Jeroboam A. Following the death of…
Read MorePlaying on the Edge
by Zeke Flores Some 2400 years ago, God’s people were confronted with their sins. Again. When Ezra the priest heard about how Israel had broken God’s law by marrying foreign women, he tore his robes, prayed, and fasted. When faced with the gravity of disobedience to God, the people committed themselves to faithfulness. And it…
Read MoreTwisted 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…
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