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Restoring the Erring (Galatians 6:1) Mike Johnson The book of Galatians can be divided into three sections. Chapters 1-2 are autobiographical as Paul defends his apostleship, which is a foundation for what follows. Chapters 3-4 are doctrinal. Here, Paul defends his message about salvation through Christ without the works of the old law. Finally, chapters […]
“Where Is This Coming He Promised?” (2 Peter 3) Mike Johnson The Bible frequently speaks of the second coming of Christ. In one of the historical accounts (Acts 1:8-11), the Apostles were told by two angels, after Jesus had ascended to Heaven, “…Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same […]
Uphold the Weak (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Mike Johnson Paul closes the book of 1 Thessalonians with some very important and practical exhortations. In chapter 5:14, he “exhorts” (NASB — “urge”) the brethren to, among other things, “uphold the weak.” Christians have a responsibility to “uphold the weak.” The weak are those who are spiritually weak. Most […]
A LESSON FROM A SQUIRREL Mike Johnson A few years ago, while walking, I saw a squirrel fall from a tree, which is something I never expected to see. I have often watched squirrels perform all kinds of incredible acrobatic feats. I have seen them walk across a telephone wire; I have seen them jump […]
ARE WE COMPLACENT ABOUT SIN? Mike Johnson Many years ago, my wife and I moved into a house close to a well-traveled train track, which trains traveled on throughout the night. At first, the whistles from the trains woke us up. Before long, however, the passing trains rarely disturbed our sleep as we grew accustomed […]
Love For God Mike Johnson The Bible teaches we are to love God. Matthew 22 reveals a case where some Pharisees were questioning Jesus. A Scribe asked Him what the greatest commandment was. In verse 37, Jesus replied, “. . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and […]
The IMPORTANCE OF TRUTH Mike Johnson What is truth? This is a very good question. Pilate asked it in John 18:38. He may, however, have asked the question with scorn rather than with a thirst for knowledge. Nevertheless, it is still a significant question. Jesus said in John 17:17 in his prayer to God, “ […]
TRUTH IS NARROW Mike Johnson Truth is narrow. This concept is easy to see, and most people understand it. Consider an illustration from science. We know under ordinary conditions, water freezes at 32 degrees at sea level. Suppose a scientist says, “I am very broad in my scientific beliefs. I am not one of you […]
ARE ALL GOOD, MORAL PEOPLE CHRISTIANS? Mike Johnson George is a good, moral man. He is faithful to his wife and an excellent father to his children. Geoge does not use profanity or drink alcohol. He coaches youth baseball and is a pillar in the community. George, however, is not religious; he has never even become […]
BLAMING OTHERS FOR OUR SINS Mike Johnson It is widespread for people to blame their mistakes on others; we tend to want to shift responsibility. People also blame SIN on other people. Many did this in biblical times; regrettably, the blaming of sin on others also often takes place today. Commonly blamed for people’s sins today […]
Carried by Angels Mike Johnson An interesting line occurs near the end of Hamlet, as Shakespeare has Horatio saying these words as Hamlet dies: “…Good night, sweet prince, / And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!” (5.2.361-2). Shakespeare’s idea of angels being near when an individual dies does not conflict with what we […]