Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judea at the time of the crucifixion, was reluctant to put Jesus to death. The Lord’s striking conduct and a disturbing message sent from the governor’s own wife combined to make him nervous. Pilate repeatedly tried to convince the Jews that Jesus ought to be released, but every effort…

By the sheep gate in Jerusalem was a pool with five porticoes called Bethesda (a Hebrew name meaning “house of grace”). This spring-fed pool in the northeast section of the city was believed to have healing properties. Lying near the water was “a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed” (John 5:3). One man at Bethesda…

A man loses his way in the desert. The relentless sun scorches him. The hot wind saps his strength. In desperation he petitions heaven. “Lord,” he prays, “I’m about to die. Please lead me to water so that I can quench my raging thirst!” After wandering about for a few more minutes, the fellow happens…

Because of the terrible ordeal he suffered, Job began to question God’s justice. After realizing his mistake, he recanted. His humble confession included the words “I despise myself” (Job 42:6). Some people look down on themselves for far less significant reasons. One time I read a snippet in a magazine written by a woman named…

The New Testament scriptures pertaining to music in worship command the church to sing. For instance, Paul urges the church at Ephesus to address “one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart” (Eph. 5:19). The Colossians receive similar instructions: “Let the word of…

The Gospels include numerous accounts of healing miracles performed by Jesus. For instance, the Lord cured Peter’s mother-in-law of a high fever (Luke 4:38-39). He gave vision to a man born blind (John 9:7). Jesus restored good health to lepers, epileptics, paralytics, the lame, the maimed, the deaf, the mute. These accounts raise an important…

After committing adultery David felt defiled, empty, and dispirited. The king longed for spiritual renewal. He prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of…

One December evening some years ago, Carolyn and I carried three bags down from the attic. It was time to put up and decorate the tree. We had a little problem, though. The stand was missing. It was nowhere to be seen in the attic, the utility closet, or the storage shed in the back…

One late spring evening in 2004, a Freed-Hardeman University Bible instructor named Roy Sharp was preaching a Gospel meeting for a small rural congregation about 20 miles from the college campus. It was my pleasure to be in the audience that night. Roy’s message included a personal story written by Mary Ann Bird. The author…

Whenever a congregation commits to a new project, someone is usually on hand to point out why it cannot be done. The pessimist may be a dedicated Christian with excellent personal character, but he has no vision and thinks that the best way to prevent failure is to avoid risk. On one occasion the apostle…