The God we serve is an august, spiritual being both deserving and desirous of our deepest respect. Though described in Scripture as a friend to man (Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23), He is not some sort of “good buddy” to joke with or about. Our God is still on the throne (Psalm 45:6); His ways remain […]
Author: bumchecks
“Thou Hast Left Thy First Love”
He has been married to his college sweetheart for fifteen years now. They have two kids, a lovely house in the suburbs, and lots of friends. He’s got a good, secure job. Everything looks great. But, in recent months he has been depressed and unhappy. His wife, noticing these changes, has been worried about him. […]
Who Is a Hero?
Nine-eleven was a tragedy comparable to that of Pearl Harbor attack which caused President Roosevelt to say, “This is a day that will live in infamy.” But, it also produced some men and women who have been declared heroes. First, there were the few men who commandeered the hi-jackers and caused the plane in which […]
The Problem of People
I often hear the phrase, “the church is great except for the people.” While I understand the sentiment that humans are imperfect and full of struggles, there are a few problems with this statement. First, it speaks from a place of superiority, looking down on “other people” who are the problem and not the speaker. […]
Sipping From the Saucer
I recently learned of a tradition I had never heard of which dates to the 18th Century. People would intentionally overfill their coffee or teacup and let some of the drink pool up in the saucer. I consider myself an avid coffee drinker, so I decided to investigate this tradition. Generally, people did this to […]
Holding Fast the Pattern
Every year the shepherds decide on a theme, which will be the focus for many of the lessons. This year’s theme is “Faithful Living: Holding Fast the Pattern”. “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13). We know […]
Fight, Fight, Fight!
While in college, I was playing in an “all-important” intramural basketball game when things got rather chippy. Then it happened – someone on the opposing team punched a player on my team. My teammate fell to the floor, the benches cleared, spectators spilled onto the floor, and instantaneously, everyone circled around the two players. All […]
The Bible’s Response to LGBTQIA+ Community
It is very frustrating today when you fill out a medical form and these people who are supposed to be the epitome of scientists ask if you are: male, female, or non-binary. Our society is losing its grip on reality and only God knows where it is going to end. What does the Bible teach…? […]
Why You Should Attend Bible Class
I’d like to share 3 reasons why you will benefit from attending a Bible class in the new quarter. Spending time in God’s Word is always beneficial. As we have highlighted in our study of John this quarter, one of the primary purposes of Scripture is to help us believe (e.g. John 20:31). Without faith […]
Has Man Outgrown the Gospel
Times change. Today’s “new” is tomorrow’s “old,” this morning’s breakthrough is this afternoon’s castaway, this year’s popular is lost in next year’s “latest.” The up-to-date is soon out-of-date. Truth doesn’t change. It reads the same today as yesterday and as it will tomorrow. It is “once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Some […]