If Christ Be Not Raised . . .

If Christ did not rise from the dead, He is not divine (Romans 1:4). If He is not divine, His death did not take away the Old Covenant any more than the death of...

The Anchor of the Soul

No one who knows what can happen at sea would go to sea in a vessel that carried no anchor, even if it were the greatest and most modern ocean liner afloat. Circumstances might...
notebook and vintage camera on the desk

Five Bible Pictures of Hope

The Bible uses five pictures to help us understand hope. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then five pictures are worth a whole sermon full of words.  Hope is light—to help us see...

The Emptiness of Unbelief

Sometimes it is helpful to see what life looks like from another’s viewpoint. Bertrand Russell, a renowned philosopher and avowed atheist, said this about humanity: “His origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves...

What it Means to Trust God

We live in unique times. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are facing challenges most of us have never seen in our lifetime.  Such challenges should encourage us to trust in God. Consider these passages:  The...

Influence of Jesus 

Historian Philip Schaff described Jesus’ power in the following way: “Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander the Great, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, he shed more...

The Audacious Claims of Jesus

Around ad 30, a rabbi named Jesus came to a Galilean village He had never visited before. Imagine the shock when, in the course of His remarks, He informed them He was God visiting...
Happy couple holding hands

John’s Seven Signs

The book of John focuses on seven of Jesus’ miracles, and a careful study of each can provide us with principles of encouragement.  Disappointments? Remember when Jesus addressed an embarrassing moment, turning the water into...
Cross in Colca Canyon in Peru

The Paradox of the Cross

The cross of Christ is the greatest of all paradoxes. It was the most tragic event in the history of the world, yet the most wonderful thing that ever happened. It was the saddest...

Jesus’ Greatness

Men who stood nearest to Jesus were swayed by His personality. He was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). He had a charm about Him which wooed and fascinated.  Children liked Him; publicans hung...