Need a picture of just how hopeless and empty society really is? Just glance over 2 Timothy 3. Within the first thirteen verses, I find three undeniable descriptions of our world: difficult, depraved, and deceived.
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Eliminating the Pornography Snare
At a recent church meeting of twenty fathers and their preteen sons, the group leader asked which of them had never struggled to stop viewing pornography. Only one man raised his hand. Nearly all had experienced, or were experiencing, a desperate struggle with ensnaring temptations and sins related to viewing pornography. When asked when and […]
Read MoreFour Commandments for Graduates
You—or someone you know—may soon be graduating. The time has finally come for the ol’ cap-and-gown routine. I extend my congratulations! You may not have set new academic records or had perfect attendance . . . but you finished. You got it done. You saw it through. I commend you. Your course was lengthy, at […]
Read MoreWhat Lasts Forever? Only Two Things
Do you realise there are only two eternal things on earth today? Only two: people and God’s Word. Everything else will ultimately be burned up—everything else. Kind of sets your priorities straight, doesn’t it? The stuff we place on the shelf, the things we put frames around, the trophies and whatnots we dust and shine […]
Read MoreWhy You Can Have Confidence in the Bible
What is your final authority in life? Before you answer too quickly, think about it for a few moments. When you’re cornered, when you’re facing an intimidating obstacle, when you’re forced to deal with reality, upon whom or what do you lean? There can be no more reliable authority on earth than God’s Word, the […]
Read MoreOne Person We All Need
Let’s say you’re a patient about to undergo major surgery. Just before they wheel you in, the doctor blurts, “You know, I’ve never actually done surgery before . . . but hey, we’ll give it the ol’ college try.” How would you respond? You’d explode: “Wait! Stop!” That’s because you want somebody who’s been trained. […]
Read MorePractical Advice for Perilous Times
What are the marching orders for people who live in these difficult, perilous times when the courts are out of control, when the schools are out of control, when neighborhoods are out of control, when it seems as though even your home at times is living on the ragged edge? Let me give you four […]
Read MoreSincere Faith at Home
I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice. (2 Timothy 1:5) Paul knew Timothy’s heritage. He knew that the things that characterized the grandmother and the mother characterized Timothy. That’s the way sincere faith works. . . . Listen to this, moms! Please […]
Read MoreHelping Men Who Are Addicted to Internet Sex: For Pastors
Scripture to reference: Galatians 6:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5; 2 Timothy 2:2; 1 John 1:9 “Pastor, I need to speak with you.” “Of course,” you reply to the man on the phone and set a time to meet that afternoon. It’s one of your leaders at the church, Sam. Later, when he arrives at your office, […]
Read MoreThe Enduring Value of a Mentor
There we sat, a cluster of six. A stubby orange candle burned at the centre of our table, flickering shadows across our faces. One spoke; five listened. Every question was handled with such grace, such ease—each answer drawn from deep wells of wisdom, shaped by tough decisions, nurtured by time. And pain. And mistakes and […]
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