My mother-in-law, Linda Whitney (Grandma Linda, to my kids) had more questions than most teens her age in the 1950s. She loved and respected her parents, but at times she wasn’t sure whether she agreed with their beliefs. Linda’s mom, Vernettie Jones, had a houseful of kids, so there wasn’t much time for them to […]
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11, 12). I have been doing ministry as a follower of Jesus ever since coming to faith as a fifteen-year-old. Team ministry, as Paul describes […]
History will recall 2020 as the year like no other. Its global pandemic, economic recession, and civil unrest over racial injustice are unlike anything seen in modern times. This calls for pause and reflection, especially on the part of Christians. Because we are salt and light in the world, our actions should cause people to […]
Most of us have a favorite verse of Scripture and, if asked, could tell why we like that text a lot. Could we also explain how the verses just before and after our favorite impact and help unpack its full meaning? Without revealing its location yet, I’ll tell you my favorite verse for today and […]
When I heard that the Bible Advocate was spending a year on the Ministry of Reconciliation, I was thrilled. Some of my first Christian thoughts were those of reconciliation. Today, after seven years as a pastor, I still think we need to hear this message and spread it with the greatest resolve. I base my […]
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior […]
You may not realize that the old adage “Iron sharpens iron” comes from the Bible. It’s from a brief phrase in Proverbs 27:17. The full verse says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” If you’ve ever heard the phrase, you probably have a decent idea of what it means. It’s about being mutually […]
The War of 1812 between Great Britain and the United States ended when the nations made peace in Ghent, Belgium, on December 24, 1814. However, news traveled slowly across oceans in those days, and the bloodiest engagement of the war — the Battle of New Orleans — took place January 8, 1815. Although the war […]
by Micah Keim “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). One of the most terrifying times in my life was an accident that happened to my dad. He and […]
by Elise Keim Friends are one of the most significant things in life. As C. S. Lewis said, “Friendship is the means by which God reveals to us the beauties of others.” The Bible talks quite a bit about friendship, including how to be a good friend and how friends impact us. They are […]
