A Fool…Trusts in Himself (Henry/Bridges)

Proverbs 28:26 says this about someone who trusts in him- or herself compared to someone who is wise: "The one who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but the one who walks in wisdom will escape" (NET). Or, as the NLT puts it, "Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who…

The Pleasantness of A Religious Life (Henry)

Following Jesus isn't always easy. Self-denial and cross-bearing take effort, stamina, and mental strength. Struggling with personal sin is a daily fight. Bearing reproach for the name of Jesus is a hard trial. But over and above these things, the Christian life is full of peace, joy, happiness, comfort, meaning, purpose, and love. Speaking of…

On Being a Blessing in Your Local Church

As everyone well knows, this virus situation has been a very difficult and complex issue for churches. It's difficult and complex because it has to do with a variety of issues, from health to politics to laws to biblical principles to various views on these issues. I don't want to comment on those things here,…

On Christian Love and Not Causing a Brother to Stumble (Henry)

Here is something Paul wrote to tell Christians not to use their rights or freedoms to cause other Christians to stumble: "But you must be careful so that your freedom does not cause others with a weaker conscience to stumble.  For if others see you—with your “superior knowledge”—eating in the temple of an idol, won’t…

“Satan Blocked Our Way” (1 Thess. 2:18b)

 In 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Paul wrote that Satan hindered the missionary team from going back to visit the new church plant in Thessalonica: For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way (NIV).  There are a few things we could discuss and note about this verse, but it…