The Ministry of Reconciliation II Corinthians 5:17-21 In the mid-1970s, David Berkowitz went on a shooting rampage in New York City that spanned several years. At one of the crime scenes, he left a letter signed, “Son of Sam.” Berkowitz claimed the motive for the killings was Sam, a demonic spirit in his neighbor’s black […]
The Constraint of Love II Corinthians 5:11-16 Elijah Cadman was born in England in 1843. He was the youngest of five children and his father died when he was three years old. Six-year-old Elijah was small for his age, and he began to work as a chimney sweep. He continued that job until he was […]
Looking for a New Home II Corinthians 5:1-10 When our children were younger, there was a neighboring church in our community that hosted an annual “father/son campout.” We were part of it for several years and we always enjoyed it. Everyone, except for a few, slept in tents. We’ll never forget the one weekend because […]
Dying to Live II Corinthians 4:13-18 What do you want out of life? Happiness, security, acceptance, pleasure, comfort? What about meaning and purpose? And if you want those things, what are you doing to get them? Is it even possible to get them? How do you go about getting what you want? Isn’t it true […]
Jars Of Clay II Corinthians 4:7-12 In 1947, a Bedouin boy was herding his goats in the Judean wilderness along the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. One of his goats strayed from the flock so, naturally, he went after it. As he searched for the goat, he absentmindedly tossed a stone into one of […]
But the god of this age is also a mindset or a worldview. It includes the ideals, opinions, goals, and hopes of the majority of the people in any given culture or people group. It influences their philosophy of life, their religion, their education, the things they buy, and the places they go. If you […]
The Light of the Gospel: Part 1 II Corinthians 4:1-6 When I was a child, I was afraid of the dark; I was scared of the “boogie man.” I remember not wanting to be the first one to go up the stairs to my bedroom at night. Some of that fear probably stemmed from the […]
The Glory That Excels II Corinthians 3:7-18 If you’re a married man, think back to when you were dating. Back then, you gave compliments to your girlfriend for her neatness, her quiet spirit, her cooking skills, or some other quality. When was the last time you gave your wife a compliment in any of those […]
Living Letters II Corinthians 3:1-6 When was the last time you received a handwritten letter? Has it been so long ago you can’t remember? Never? Letter writing is a dying art in our digital age. If you’ve ever received a handwritten letter, you know how special it makes you feel. I’ve received emails and texts […]
Diffusing the Aroma of Christ II Corinthians 2:12-17 Most of you have heard of “essential oils.” These oils are compounds that are derived or extracted from plants, especially herbs, and then they’re mixed with a carrier oil to make them usable. Essential oils are used in aromatherapy or applied topically to the skin. While there […]
