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…

Christians, Safety, and Health (Rev. 12:11)

Everyone is talking about health and safety today because of the virus.  That's not a bad thing; health and safety are important.  However, for those who follow Jesus, health and safety are not our top priority.  This is one area where the Christian worldview clashes with the worldviews of our culture.  Everyone else out there…