We begin reading 1 Timothy in today’s Bible reading.* Paul reminds Timothy that he should teach people not to teach false doctrine or pay attention to myths and endless genealogies. Why? Because they “promote empty speculations rather than God’s plan which operates by faith”. (1 Timothy 1:3-4, CSB) Paul refers to Timothy as his “true…
I’ve had my share of tests. I’ve done well on many. I’ve done poorly on some. In today’s Bible reading*, Paul urges the Corinthians to examine themselves to see if they pass the test of faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) Actually, Paul asks the Corinthians two questions: 1) Are you in the faith? and 2) Do…
If you’ve been around church for a while, you may have heard of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh”. Today’s Bible reading* includes Paul’s brief discussion of his thorn. Paul never tells us specifically what his thorn was. Obviously, he was using the word as a metaphor for something else. Some have speculated it was poor…
A few years ago, the Parker County Texas Sheriff’s Department (in the county where I pastor) issued a warning about counterfeit money being passed off as being legitimate. In a news conference, they highlighted the easily-discerned marks of these counterfeit bills. Anyone who has handled much money should be able to spot these counterfeits, if…
If you’ve been around church very long and you’ve heard about “spiritual warfare”, you’ll find one of the key passages on the subject in today’s Bible reading*. Paul says, “For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the…
Paul continues to address the Corinthians regarding the financial support of God’s work in today’s Bible reading*. He summarizes his appeal, “The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Corinthians 9:6 (CSB) Note that Paul doesn’t use manipulation. He…
