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Displaying Abandoned &mdash Customs
Abortion
Abortion and the Bible
The contemporary debate over abortion usually pits pro-life advocates against those who hold to the pro-choice position. To pro-lifers, life in the womb begins at the mom...
Abstinence
Saying No with a Purpose
Abstinence is the voluntary, self-imposed, and deliberate denial of certain pleasures, such as food, drink, and sex. The noun “abstinence” is found only...
Abundance
Celebrating Abundance
When was the last time you celebrated a pay raise, bonus, new position, promotion, or even just a steady job by praising the Lord publicly for His bounty? That's partly w...
Child Abuse
City Kids Die over Adult Matters
In the tragic account in Matthew 2:16–18, we read of an entire v...
Accountability
The Believer's Accountability
The discipline of a Corinthian believer (2 Cor. 2:6) points to one of the important functions...
Achievement
A Kingdom Perspective on Significance
Jesus wants His followers to evaluate turbulent times of change (Mark 13:33) not jus...
Addiction
The Respectable Idol
It's easy to ridicule the ancients for worshiping idols of wood and stone (Jer. 18:15). “How could...
Adultery
David in Sin
For many people in today's world, the importance of sin as a concept is gradually eroding. Some dismiss any belief in sin as a quaint notion left over from a bygone era. Others acc...
Adversity
(see Opposition)
Advice
Bad Advice
By consulting a medium (1 Sam. 28:7), Saul not only made a poor choice, he got bad advice—“bad” i...
Advisors
David's Folly
The head of a large company resists the advice of his trusted advisors and bulls ahead with ambitious plans. Is that brave leadership or arrogant folly? In the case of King David,...
Aerobics
(see Physical Fitness)
Affluence
A Chicken in Every Pot
Peace and prosperity are the goals of many countries today. When a nation enjoys such blessings, it has much for which to be thankful. But with affluence and power comes...
Aging
From Success to Significance
“What am I going to do with the rest of my life?” This is a question that countless retirees struggle with as they make the transition out of their caree...
Agreement
A Done Deal
There are many ways to signal that an agreement has been reached—with a handshake, a formal signing, an exchange of gifts, or perhaps a ceremony. The Israelites ratified the...
Aids
What Does Leprosy Have to Do with AIDS?
In Jesus' day, leprosy was a slowly progressing, chronic, highly infectious, incurable skin disease with serious social implications. Today, leprosy is rare ...
Alcoholism
Merry—and Sad—with Wine
The misuse of fermented beverages has caused untold grief throughout human history. Absolom's strategy of getting Ammon drunk and then murdering him (
Alliances
The Perils of Misplaced Allegiances
In about 701 b.c., the Assyrian king Sennacherib sent forces to quell numerous uprisings among the kingdoms in the western empire. First they attacked the P...
Ambition
(see also Pride)
Image-Consciousness
When other people look at you, what do they see? What image do you project to coworkers, customers, friends, an...
Ancestral Roots
Genealogies—Records of God's Grace
The genealogies of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac, are far more than just a collection of names or an extended family tree. They tell the sto...
Ancestral Roots
Genealogies—Records of God's Grace
The genealogies of Abraham's sons, Ishmael and Isaac, are far more than just a collection of names or an extended family tree. They tell the sto...
Angels
Angels—Servants of God
The four angels that John saw standing at the four corners of the earth (Rev. 7:1) are among the countl...
Anger
Compassion and Anger in One Person?
It isn't easy to show both compassion and anger in appropriate ways. With most people it seems like it's one or the other, often in extremes—sugar-coated...
Animals
Animals Do Have Rights!
One of the most complex issues of modern society is the impact that meeting the needs of people has on animals and their environment. Does the Bible have anything to say ...
Anxiety
From Despair to Praise
How do you respond when everything in life seems to be going badly? Can you find any hope for good? In
Apostles
Who Were the Apostles?
Paul was counted among a group of early church leaders known as “apostles” (2 Cor. 11:5). ...
Arbitration
The Scandal of Litigating Christians
Scripture is explicit: for a Christian to take another Christian to court is “an utter failure” (
Art
God Is Not Against Art
Down through history, some have thought that because God commanded His people not to make carved images (
Financial Assistance
The Redeeming Relative
To whom would you turn if you fell on hard times financially? Many people resort to family and close relatives. But more and more people today have no one to ...
Astronomy
The Failure of the Stars
The prophet Isaiah predicted that the heavenly bodies would fail to give light when the day of the Lord came against Babylon (
Attitude
“It Serves Them Right!”
Paul's willingness to speak up is remarkable in that he was on his way to prison and had no need to warn anybody of anything (
Authority
A Challenge to Authority
Sooner or later, almost all leaders have their authority questioned. Sometimes they are challenged directly, but more often indirectly by rumor and innuendo.
Jes...
Banking
Banking
When Jesus incorporated a bank into His parable of the talents (Luke 19:23), He was referring to a relatively recent d...
Bankruptcy
Foreclosure!
If you've ever had to file for bankruptcy protection or lost your home through foreclosure, perhaps you can appreciate Amos' warning to the affluent property owners of Israel. He...
Barrenness
(see Infertility)
Barriers
Breaking Down Ethnic Walls
A major breakthrough in race relations is described in Acts 10. For years a virtual wall between Jews an...
Beauty
Beauty in Creation
One has only to consider the awesome effects of natural phenomena such as the eruption of a volcano or the passing of a powerful hurricane to imagine the massive destruction th...
Bereavement
(see Grief)
Betrayal
Judas Iscariot, the Betrayer
The New Testament never mentions Judas Iscariot without reminding the reader that he was the man who betrayed Jesus (for example,
Bible
God Has Spoken—to You!
Imagine hearing God's voice! Moses did (Num. 1:1). Scripture gives little indication of what that experi...
Birth Control
Children—A Blessing, Not a Burden
The modern world tends to send mixed messages about the value of children, but the Bible is unequivocal in its affirmation that children are a bles...
Birth Control
Children—A Blessing, Not a Burden
The modern world tends to send mixed messages about the value of children, but the Bible is unequivocal in its affirmation that children are a bles...
Illegitimate Births
Overcoming a Tough Start
What hope is there for a child born to a prostitute? Society tends to have low expectations—and sometimes downright hostility—for people born o...
Bitterness
(see Hatred)
Blasphemy
Dishonoring God's Name
God takes His name very seriously, as the incident with Shelomith's son reveals (Lev. 2...
Blood
Images of Life and Death
The red fluid circulating in our body takes nourishment to the body parts and carries away waste. The word “blood” is often used literally in Scripture. Some...
Blood Money
Tainted Money
The chief priests knew that the coins tossed back at them by Judas were unacceptable to God (Matt. 27:6). It w...
Body
The Shape of Who We Are
Our body defines our existence. Some religions consider the body evil or inferior to the soul, but the Bible teaches that the body is God's good gift to us (
Bottom Line
The Bottom Line
Busy people often demand that others come to the point by asking, “What's the bottom line?” In other words, what matters? What's important? What's worth paying ...
Brevity of Life
(see Death)
Church Buildings
(see Worship Centers)
Burial and Funeral Customs
Burial Practices
Paul's doctrine of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:42) flew in the face of prevailing ideas ab...
Burial and Funeral Customs
Burial Practices
Paul's doctrine of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:42) flew in the face of prevailing ideas ab...
Burnout
Jethro Performs an Intervention
Moses was a classic case of a workaholic heading toward burnout. Fortunately, he had in Jethro an astute father-in-law who could see what Moses could not—t...
Business
The Four Way Test
In many ways, the issue Micah raises in Micah 6:6–8 is, How can you develop an ethical yar...
Calling
All Believers Are “Ministers”
A simple way to define “ministry” is that it is the work of God by the people of God (
Capital Punishment
A Grim Means of Execution
Would-be assassins Bigthan and Teresh were “hanged on a gallows” (Esth. 2:23)...
Capital Punishment
A Grim Means of Execution
Would-be assassins Bigthan and Teresh were “hanged on a gallows” (Esth. 2:23)...
Health Care
Preventive Health Care
God has a deep interest in both personal and community health. He cares not only about restoring people from ill health, but about preventing unhealth in the first pla...
Careers
A Dramatic Career Change
Most people go through a number of job changes in their lives, and sometimes even several different careers. Each transition tends to be filled with tension, uncertainty...
Celebration
A Celebration for Everybody
Sometimes God's people are prone to celebrate their faith for their own benefit. David, however, tried to reach out to those who tended to be left out or left beh...
Census
A Temptation to Trust in Numbers
David's census of Israel (2 Sam. 24:1) was one of seven major censuses mentioned in Scripture.
Worship Centers
A Building, More or Less
Have you ever been tempted to think of a church building as either more or less important than it really is? Solomon's prayer of dedication helps us gain a prope...
Second Chance
A New, Improved Contract
Are you losing hope in your current situation? Do you long for a better arrangement? Perhaps you need a fresh start at work, in your family, your friendships, or y...
Change
Does Change Threaten You?
A stubborn allegiance to old habits and traditions can sometimes seriously hinder maturing faith. Every believer should pay attention to that, because new life in Christ...
Chastity
(see Sexual Intercourse)
Child Abuse
City Kids Die over Adult Matters
In the tragic account in Matthew 2:16–18, we read of an entire v...
Child Abuse
City Kids Die over Adult Matters
In the tragic account in Matthew 2:16–18, we read of an entire v...
Child Welfare
Children and Childcare
When Jesus welcomed the little children (Matt. 19:14), He was making a major statement to everyon...
Childbirth
A Woman in Labor
An alternative translation to sorrow (John 16:21) is “pain.” There were few options availabl...
Childlessness
(see Infertility)
Children
Protecting Your Heritage
Psalm 127 links the welfare of the family to the welfare of the city, and also connects both of them to God....
Choices
A Reckless Choice
Someone has well said that there are good decisions and there are quick decisions, but there are few good quick decisions. Herod made a very bad decision on the spur of the mom...
Church
Are We Still a Light to the World?
The Servant songs of Isaiah offer a powerful hope for Israel and the other nations of the world. The prophet promised a great Servant of God who would come to &...
Church and State
Family, State, and Church: Three Inseparable Institutions
As the Book of Genesis is the “book of beginnings”.it is not surprising that it presents the beginnings of three ...
Church Buildings
(see Worship Centers)
Circumstances
Seeking the Peace of the City
Christians live with a future hope in the return of Christ and eternity with Him. In the meantime, we are visitors or “sojourners” on earth (
Cities
At Home in the City
The Lord's words to Paul (Acts 18:9–10) offer hope for believers who live and wo...
Citizenship
Governmental Authority
Scripture challenges us as believers to subject ourselves to whatever governments we live under (
Civil Disobedience
A Case of Civil Disobedience
Is it ever right for God's people to participate in acts of civil disobedience? The behavior of the Hebrew midwives (
Civil Disobedience
A Case of Civil Disobedience
Is it ever right for God's people to participate in acts of civil disobedience? The behavior of the Hebrew midwives (
Civil Rights
Faith and Rights
“Human rights” is not a new concept. Nearly every social structure has at least some rules to protect its members.
As a Roman commander arrested Paul an...
Ethnic Cleansing
A Legacy of Genocide
David made a name for himself in the Valley of Salt (2 Sam. 8:13–14), p...
Co-Signing for Loans
(see Loans)
Co-Signing for Loans
(see Loans)
Coalition
A Remarkable Coalition
We live in a world where groups of people tend to exclude others rather than include them. Seldom do people from vastly different backgrounds band together, unless it's ...
Commerce
A Valuable Trading Partner
Hiram of Tyre was probably the most valuable ally that David and Solomon had, for he supplied them not only with raw materials for their many building projects, but e...
Commitment
Do You Fear God for Nothing?
We live in a world of “you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.” For many, this principle of give-and-take extends to their faith. Ask them why t...
Communication
Show Them Who's in Charge!
It's not enough to be called a leader; one must act as a leader to expect any results. That's the challenge that Moses and Aaron faced as they prepared to meet w...
Community
Corporate Solidarity
The battle between David and Goliath illustrates a time-honored principle called “corporate solidarity”.in which the one stands for the many. Thus when Golia...
Community Development
Christ Cares About Cities
The account of Nehemiah rebuilding the city of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:20) may seem like a footn...
Community Service
Faith Impacts the World
Jesus sent His followers into “all the world” (Mark 16:15). Clearly He had glo...
Companionship
The Value of Companionship
People these days often celebrate the myth of rugged independence, praising the self-made, self-reliant individual. Yet whatever feats people may accomplish on t...
Compassion
A Prophet's Anguish
The prophets of the Bible have sometimes been stereotyped as angry people whose lives were devoted to scolding others. Jeremiah does not fit that profile. As he reflected ...
Competition
Daniel Spares His Competitors
In politics and government today it is frequently expected that one must do whatever it takes to neutralize and, if possible, eliminate the opposition. “...
Compromise
Aiming to Please
Success is pleasing, and we often obtain success by pleasing others—our bosses, customers, shareholders, and so forth. But who do you most seek to please? Yourself? Ot...
Confession
Confessions That Bring Healing
What does it mean to tell God, “I'm sorry”.and admit that we have sinned? Samuel's confrontation of Saul about sins that Saul had committed and re...
Confidence
Gain Confidence from Perspective
Our troubles can easily cause us to lose the larger picture about life. Daily routines and pressures can create doubts about our significance. And because we ...
Conflict
From Conflict to Cohesion
After escaping from Egypt, the children of Israel struggled with numerous problems in the desert that threatened the cohesiveness of their community:
- They c...
Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution
It seems that no matter what one does, conflicts are bound to happen. Peter's report of his visit to Cornelius aroused hostility and opposition among some of the ...
Confrontation
You Are the Man!
Just as David was a man after God's own heart (1 Sam. 13:14), so Nathan was God's gift to the man after...
Conscience
Knowing Right from Wrong
The conscience provides our inner awareness of conforming to the will of God or departing from it, resulting in either a sense of approval or condemnation.
The ...
Consequences
The Consequences of Sin
God never delights in sin, but He does delight in forgiving sin (John 3:16–1...
Conservation
A Rest for the Land
One of the most unusual laws that God imposed on Israel was a requirement to let the Promised Land lie fallow every seventh year (
Conspiracy
Plots and Coups
Access to power—whether in the workplace, family, or community—invariably seems to give rise to schemes and strategies to gain control. The royal court of the no...
Contentment
A Lifestyle of Contentment
Paul sounds so positive in Philippians 4:10–13, so confident! It would...
Contracts
The New Covenant
Even a casual reader of the Bible soon discovers that it is divided into two major sections, the Old Testament and the New Testament. But how many readers realize that “...
Birth Control
Children—A Blessing, Not a Burden
The modern world tends to send mixed messages about the value of children, but the Bible is unequivocal in its affirmation that children are a bles...
Conversion
Christians and Social Conditioning
Paul's statement that he persecuted the church prior to his conversion (...
Conviction
Values in the Workplace
Perhaps in no other area do we as Christians today have as great an opportunity to influence people around us as in our ethics and morality in the workplace. How we be...
Cooperation
(see also Teamwork)
Leaders Build Community
In many Western countries of the twentieth century, the labor force often has been sharply divided be...
Corruption
A Nation Sells Its Soul
What would you say about a country where justice is for sale, truth depends on what you can afford, and spirituality is determined by your ability to pay? You might sa...
Co-Signing for Loans
(see Loans)
Counsel
Wise Believers Seek Counsel
If you've ever tried to resolve a deep-seated controversy, you may have found how easy it is to “agree to disagree” over a highly controversial issue, b...
Courage
“Give Me This Mountain!”
Caleb is a case study in unflinching faithfulness and seasoned courage. When the entire nation wanted to quit its journey at Kadesh Barnea and return to Eg...
Covenant
(see also Contracts)
The Freedom of the New Covenant
Have you ever noticed how terms like “binding”.“enforceable,” and &...
Craftsmanship
(see Excellence)
Creation
Creation: “Very Good”.but Not Sacred!
When God made the world, He declared it to be “very good” (Gen. 1:3...
Creeds
Creeds and Confessions
King Asa and the people of his day renewed their covenant with the Lord by taking an oath that declared their revitalized commitment (
Crime
A Law for Criminals and Their Victims
Jailing criminals may protect society and punish offenders, but what does it do for the victims of crime? Wandering Israel had no jails, so it punished crimin...
Criticism
Dried-up Friends
Water was the lifeblood of ancient caravans. That made the oasis of Tema (Job 6:19) a popular and indispensable...
Cruelty
Bloody Assyria
In pronouncing woe on the “bloody city” of Nineveh (Nah. 3:1), Nahum was denouncing the entire culture ...
Burial and Funeral Customs
Burial Practices
Paul's doctrine of the resurrection (1 Cor. 15:42) flew in the face of prevailing ideas ab...