In 2005, the Century Amusement Park in China offered half price admission to any woman over the age of 18 who would come to the park wearing a skirt shorter than 14.8 inches (The Epoch Times, July 7, 2005). Obviously, the purpose was to entice more men to come to the park and pay full admission price in order to enjoy the “scenery.” In 2000, the Director of Education in Swaziland, Africa banned miniskirts in school there in order to reduce fornication, and stated “If you are exposing your thighs some people may get attracted to that and make advances” (BBC News, July 19, 2000). In 2005, the vice chancellor of Bombay University in India banned women students from wearing miniskirts, shorts and tight tops in order to reduce rape. He made this statement to reporters, “An attire should be such that it should not be offensive or cause distraction to fellow students and lecturers” (Press Trust of India, June 23, 2005). Authorities in Malaysia’s conservative Terengganu have planned to ban non-Muslim women from wearing miniskirts or figure-hugging dresses to work as part of a drive against indecency. (CNN.com “Malaysia plans mini-skirt ban” story). Immodesty Acceptable in U.S. In the U.S., however, our culture conditions us from a very young age to accept sexually provocative clothing as being normal and even respectable. The heroines of numerous Disney cartoon movies wear clothing that does not meet God’s standard of modesty, but because Aerial, Belle, Pocahontas and Jasmine are so positive in …

“Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10). When many of us read this passage we are left with a picture that spans the entirety of our lives and, with reason, it can be a frightening proposition. What about tomorrow or the next day? “How can I guarantee I will make it through and be rock solid in my faith? What if something happens? What if I, God forbid, fall prey to my own desires for things that are spiritually harmful?” Just as if you can only live one day at a time, you can only be faithful one day at a time. Fear and anxiety about tomorrow is fruitless and wastes the time you have today to make a better tomorrow. The walk of faith is like laying block. If I just sit and look at the plans and say, “Boy that is a lot of bricks, I don’t know how I will ever do it,” then I probably never will. On the other hand, if I just took each day and laid a nice straight, solid row of bricks, then soon the house will stand. You can only live a day at a time. What will you do in this day to be more faithful and secure that faithful future, realizing worry is counterproductive?

“Everyone has only one life” is a project in Japan prompted by a message from a middle school girl fighting a chronic disease. Poets have been holding readings across the nation to introduce her message to the general public in Japan, asking people to finish the sentence that begins with: “Because everyone has only has one life…” “Because everyone has only one life, let’s laugh joyfully every day,” a high school student replied. A mother, whose son committed suicide, finished the phrase as follows, “…let’s live! Live! Everybody, live! I want to live, too.” A book containing about 60 of the best messages is in print, with the hope that it would inspire people to love life. God, Who gave us life (Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:28), reveals to us the purpose of life in His Word. Consider the following passages of Scripture: “For ‘He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit. Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil’” (1 Peter 3:10-12; cf. Psalm 34:12-16). “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or …

Considered honestly, the goodness of God should melt our hearts (Romans 2:4). God has been so good to us when we possessed no goodness demanding His mercy. He loves, cares and provides for us, even though we go against His revealed will. He is our Father in the truest sense of the term. Since God is so benevolent, should we not give Him our best? Should we not investigate His Word, obey His commands, share His love and long for His company in heaven? I am sure all would agree! Therefore, as we daily prepare for eternity, let us consider some of the wonderful blessings He has given us this side of eternity. 1. Jesus. Paul was deeply appreciative for Jesus. He said, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” The word “gave” found in John 3:16, identifies the greatest gift ever given. God “gave” (John 3:16) that the world might “receive” Jesus (Colossians 2:6); Jesus died (1 Corinthians 15:3) that the world might live (John 20:31). Jesus is the greatest gift ever known to mankind. 2. Bible. The Bible is the greatest book in existence because it is from the mind of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Its very name “Holy Bible” means “The Book.” Many have tried to destroy it; however, it has always endured. Skeptics have fought against it, and yet, they have been forced to admit its wonderful impact upon humanity. Isaiah declared, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Thank God …

When discussing God’s instruction concerning how one is saved, many people will say, “I just can’t understand it that way. If this describes you, which of the following statements do you think you might have difficulty in understanding? “He who believes and is baptized shall be promoted to a better job with a better salary.” “He who believes and is baptized will be given a new automobile of his/her choice.” “He who believes and is baptized will be given an extra month’s vacation.” “He who believes and is baptized will be paid five million dollars.” “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” Which one did you have trouble with? The first four we all can and do understand. We know that certain rewards are promised to those who believe and are baptized. If we are honest with ourselves, we know that we could not expect to receive the reward until the requirements were met. Yet, when Jesus promises salvation to any who believes and are baptized, folks just cannot understand it. Honestly now, is the last one any more difficult to understand that the other four. Surely not! We are only lying to ourselves to say that it is.

“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (1 Timothy 2:9). It is the time of year when many people’s attire, both for men and women, is anything but modest. Society today pushes the envelope with how little one can wear, and scantily clad individuals are everywhere. Shorts and hemlines are getting shorter and shorter, necklines are plunging further and further, and bare midriffs are growing wider and wider. Such clothing, or the lack of it, certainly gains the attention of the opposite sex, but usually not in ways that are desirable or wholesome. Such is the world in which we live. As Christians, however, we are not to be conformed to the world, but instead transformed (Romans 12:2). The saying “everyone else is doing it” certainly should not be the motivation for choosing the clothing a Christian wears. In the passage quoted above, Paul is exhorting women from attracting undue attention to themselves by primarily overdressing, with extensive “braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” The same principle applies to under dressing, and the undue attention that attracts to one as well, just as much for men as women, especially when the message of wearing immodest clothing becomes sexually provocative. What messages does one send, whether intentional or otherwise, when too much flesh is revealed? Purity is the keyword for Christians, in thought and conduct. We should not be tempted by other Christians, nor be a temptation to anyone by what we wear. …

What does it mean to be a father? It means more than having children. It speaks of the relationship you are to have with your children, and your wife as their mother. The responsibility of a father to his children extends beyond Father’s Day, and the honor due fathers by their children should continue long after that today. Father’s Day, however, does cause us to focus on the role the father has to his family, and the honor a godly father should receive. God is intentionally depicted to us in Scripture as a heavenly Father. He is a provider and Protector to us, who loves us and seeks only that which is best for us, which has our good at heart. He has clearly revealed His will to us, that we may know good from evil, and choose the way of life. He offers us all spiritual blessings in Jesus, and gives us assurance that He has an eternal home prepared for us after this existence is over. Sometimes He disciplines us, but only because He loves us. He wants our faith to grow in Him, for us to become more like Him, to find what life in Him has to offer. His greatest joy is in our relationship with Him. Our heavenly Father exemplifies those qualities that should be found in earthly fathers. A father should be a provider and protector to his family, seeking only that which has their good at heart. His love should be exemplary, especially …

One of life’s greatest blessings and challenges for a man is fatherhood. This relationship involves the greatest joys and demands the best one has to give and often will include many sorrows. A godly father loves his wife and is loyal to his marital vows (Ephesians 5:25). He desires the best for his children. A father is industrious. He labors to provide for his family and the needs of others who lack the material things of life (1 Timothy 5:8; Ephesians 4:28). The greatest contribution a father can make to his family is leadership in spiritual matters. In every age, the head of the family has been required of God to provide the proper direction regarding religious training. Modern fathers are most likely to leave this responsibility to the wife and mother. However, Paul exhorted, “And you fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). It is a tremendous requirement to make sure one’s children are taught of God, but the rewards are everlasting. A Christian father may not be able to give very much materially to his children, but the legacy of having a father who loved his family and the Lord surpasses everything else. The greatest inheritance a Christian father can leave is one that is rich in faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ. We should never underestimate the love that a father possesses in his heart for his children. His emotions may not …

My daughter and her family have a little bitty dog named Bogey. Every once in a while, he will act “tough” with a bark full of bravado, attempting to sound menacing. When he does that, whoever is around usually cannot help but laugh at him. Sometimes, he thinks he is so much bigger than he really is. He is a gentle dog, so he does not attack anyone, but if he did, he would not be able to reach anything much higher than a person’s ankle. Though now and then he may think he is strong and powerful, he is actually small and vulnerable. Actually, unlike many dogs, I think that Bogie seems to realize that other dogs are a danger to him if they are a great deal larger than he is. Many of the little dogs that I have seen seem to have no idea that they are not big and powerful, like other dogs that may be around them. Thinking about these things concerning Bogey turned my attention to the 37th Psalm where David pens these words, “The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming” (Psalms 37:12-13 ESV). It is an interesting picture to me to see God laughing at the feebleness of those who oppose Him and His ways. It has to be absolutely hilarious for Him to hear men who have so much confidence in their …

Fear is a common experience for everyone. Some fears are a product of our imagination and do not come true. Yet, there are fears that are real, and we should know fear. Stormy weather can produce fear. Tornados, hurricanes, flooding and high winds bring fear when one is in their path. The twelve disciples boarded a ship on the Sea of Galilee with Jesus, then at sea a tempest, a violent storm, rose and the twelve feared they would be destroyed by drowning (Matthew 8:23-27). Jesus was asleep, trusting God with full faith. The twelve woke Him, similar to our praying to God through Christ, and Jesus calmed the storm, and all was well. Almost every time I meet a driver talking on a cell phone, I want to grit my teeth until the driver is past me. For in a second that person can be distracted and fail to act, or react, properly and quickly, and an accident could result, possibly involving my wife and me. Another fear that is common is the fear of men. This fear is not new. A common one was the Pharisee and chief priests who feared the people (Matthew 21:46). They wanted to take Jesus, which was wrong, but they feared the people would exact some kind of punishment against them, so they delayed until Judas came along (Matthew 26:14-16). Judas loved money and power so much that he did neither feared Jesus nor God, and thus betrayed Him. Still another is illustrated …

The term “secularization” may be unfamiliar with some people, so allow me to define it. Secularization means to “separate something from religious or spiritual connection and make it worldly or unspiritual.” In other words, secularization is the process of removing religious and moral influence from our society. As you know, and many of you may remember first hand, there was a time when each school day began with a prayer. Of course, if such happened today, the ACLU would slap a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the school. This is an example of secularization. Another example of the secularization of our society can be seen in the realm of sports. There was a time when our society would never think to schedule ball games on a Wednesday night, or especially on Sunday. That was due to the deference our society showed toward those who held Christian values and practices. However, those days are gone. Very little thought is given to the religious practices of some people when it comes to preparing a league schedule. This, too, is another example of secularization. The latest episode of what I would term the blatant secularization of our society occurred last week in my son’s sixth grade classroom. Do you remember those “aptitude tests” that were given to students? These tests were given to help a child identify several possible professions that are suitable to a child’s likes and dislikes. Depending on the way a child answered certain questions, they might learn that they seemed …

What if you read about a subject that you do not understand or even grasp a small aspect of the topic? You could try to study the subject if you are interested enough. It may be that the study field is so deep and because of one’s lack of formal education, it may be beyond one’s capabilities. Recently, I read about such a complex topic. It is in denial of “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This complex theory I read about is another hypothesis concocted by men who reject God and His creation. With this short introduction, let us ponder another speculation that denies God Almighty and His creation. Some background may help! I noticed a full-page advertisement entitled, “Chaos Made Clear,” in the Popular Science magazine (February 2010 issue, page 31). The theory is called “Chaos” and is taught by Professor Steven Strogatz of Cornell University. Professor Strogatz claims to solve problems such as the origin of life and our consciousness coupled with a vast number of other areas that are encompassed by the theory of Chaos. It was very apparent that this philosophy was in complete opposition to what we believe about God Almighty and Genesis 1:1. Have we ever observed that chaos, disorder and explosions created order? “For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). As I pondered this multifaceted subject, it was obvious to me that it was beyond …

When we were children, we would often tell some fantastic story, perhaps one we had heard from some older person, since storytelling was a form of entertainment in that time, and a schoolmate or some other playmate would incredulously say, “Prove it!” Usually saying that grandpa said it was not sufficient evidence for the challenger. Most of the time the matter was dropped with one child believing and the other not believing. A lack of evidence lay at the heart of the matter. Looking back on that time, one sees the value in the challenge to “Prove it!” Later in life, matters of great significance were also thus challenged and the proof was given from an undisputed source. When the proof was given, truth had been found, and while one might learn a great deal more about that particular truth, he did not abandon what had been learned initially — what had been proven. In historical matters, proof can be obtained from history books; in matters of science and math, the sources were generally textbooks on those subjects. However, to what or whom does one appeal to find proof on religious matters? What does one do when, in the realm of faith, he is challenged to “Prove it?” Does he say, “Well, all truth is relative; there is no such thing as orthodoxy, so whatever you think about it is as acceptable as what I or any other person may think.” If that is the response — remember, nothing has …

It is generally understood that coal and diamonds consist of the same basic carbon compounds. The difference is said to be that the diamonds are formed under conditions of extreme heat and pressure for some period of time. This suggests a principle that we find in the Bible and in our own experience. James says it this way, “Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.  And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). In my own years of growing up in poverty and hardship, going barefooted in the snow and having nothing to eat except popcorn balls or hominy for several days, I am aware that hardships and testings of various kinds may be valuable in helping to form character. However, I have discovered another truth, perhaps of equal value. The wind that causes one tree to be stronger and have deeper roots may uproot and destroy another. The difficulties, adversities and tests that help to make one person strong may break another. What is the difference? It seems apparent that one of the things that make a difference is in what was there in the first place. If you do not have certain qualities present in the raw material, the end result will not be the same. The things that caused Pharaoh to harden his heart might well have caused a person who had …

One good Samaritan rescued a wounded man on the Jericho Road (Luke 10). One aged man (Noah) was instrumental in saving mankind from extinction (Genesis 6; Hebrews 11:7). One man (Moses) who felt unqualified confronted a Pharaoh and led the Exodus (Exodus 3). One woman (Esther) broke longstanding tradition, walked into the king’s throne room and saved an entire nation from genocide (Esther 4). One boy (David) faced a nine-foot giant and saved the Israelites from slavery (1 Samuel 17). One boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish fed thousands (John 6). One slave girl was instrumental in healing a world military leader (2 Kings 5). One vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England in 1645. One vote gave America the English language instead of the German language in 1776. One vote saved Andrew Jackson from impeachment in 1868. One vote gave Adolf Hitler control of the Nazi party in 1941.  “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring thechildren of Israel out of Egypt?’” (Exodus 3:11).

The Lord God Almighty planted a garden eastward in Eden, and therein He placed the man whom He had created of the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7). God’s instructions to the man were both clear and unmistakable! “And the Lord God commanded the man saying, of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). Later, God made a woman and took her unto the man. I do not personally know of any passages that indicate that God or Adam instructed the woman with regard to the forbidden fruit, but the following verses clearly show that she was aware of the instructions given to Adam. “And the woman said unto the serpent, we may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die” (Genesis 3:2-3). Following this, there is a sad disclosure that the man and the woman having disobeyed the Lord, partook of the forbidden fruit. We see them after this, hiding from the face of God, as He walked in the Garden, in the cool of the evening (Genesis 3:8). God called out to Adam, “Where art thou?” Since we know that God …

The best translation of the Bible is the life of a faithful Christian. There is a story about four preachers who were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version best because of its simple, beautiful English. Another liked the American Revised Version because it is more literal and comes nearer the original Hebrew and Greek. Still another liked Moffatt’s translation best because of its up-to-date vocabulary. The fourth minister was silent. Asked to express his opinion, he replied, “I like my mother’s translation best of all.” The other men expressed surprise. They did not know that this mother had translated the Bible. “Yes, she did,” he replied, “She translated the Bible into life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw.” You are writing a gospela chapter each dayby the deeds that you doand the words that you say.Men read what you writewhether faithless or true.Say what is the gospelaccording to you?

The story is told that after Mark Twain returned from his triumphant tour through Europe, where he was honored by various universities and kings, his daughter said to him, “Daddy, I guess pretty soon you will know everybody except God!” Some people pride themselves in the quality and/or the quantity of people they know. In our culture, name-dropping is a popular sport. We see it in families, in the business world, in athletics, even among Christians. We believe that if we know certain people, it will help our standing in the world. However, the real truth is, it does not matter how many great people we know, or how many great people know us. Ultimately, knowing God is the only relationship that matters for our eternity. Numerous Scriptures emphasize the importance of knowing God and knowing that He is our God. Consider just a few of them. “Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (Exodus 6:7). “Sanctify My Sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God” (Exodus 20:20). “They will live in it securely; and they will build houses, plant vineyards and live securely when I execute judgments upon all who scorn them round about them. Then they will know that I am the Lord their God” …

One thing some people resist is another person trying to change them. A young lady may not appreciate it when her boyfriend starts trying to mold her into something of his “ideal woman.” So, she insists, “Don’t try to change me; that’s not me.” Occasionally, you hear people say, “That’s just the way I am.” A man may have a problem controlling his temper. In a variety of circumstances, he may become angered, and therefore, show it through piercing words, sarcasm or unkind actions. When brought to his attention, he says something like, “Everybody knows that’s just me; everyone knows I have a problem controlling my temper.” The idea often being conveyed is that you should just accept me the way I am with my spiritual weaknesses and flaws: “Don’t try to change me.” While it is true that you and I have our weaknesses, it is not “a given” that we should just accept them, learn to live with them and not be bothered by them. Jesus did not come to reinforce our flaws. He did not come and say, “Just be your natural self however ugly and selfish you may happen to be.” Becoming disciples and followers of Jesus, we have committed ourselves to adopting the totality of His teaching, His spirit of meekness, humility, longsuffering, forgiveness and compassion; yes, we have obliged ourselves to adopting His way of thought and imitating His way of life. The Christian life involves a process of growth, development, transformation – becoming …

Many people misunderstand the Bible because they do not understand its purpose. Some see it as a history book, some as a book of stories and mythology. However, such ideas are not accurate representations of what the Bible is, or of its purpose. John wrote, “But these things are written that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:31). John states that there are two reasons for the writing of the Scriptures. First, it was so that man would believe in whom Jesus was. The Old Testament prophesies of the coming of Christ and shows what God did to pave the way for His coming. The New Testament tells of His life and teachings, proclaiming the new covenant under which we live today. The second reason is that we might have life through his name. The New Testament teaches us how to get to Christ, and how to remain in Christ. This is the purpose of the Bible.