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Our Lord’s questions presuppose that a loving father would never give his hungry child a rock, a snake, or a scorpion to eat. To any caring and loving person, giving such a thing would be anathema.

However, we live in a world where not every parent loves and cares for their children as they should. News reports are filled with horror stories of abused and abandoned children.

As Christians, we would never imagine committing such an irresponsible act, but do we really believe that by only supplying our children’s material needs, we have done all we need to do for them? Do we tell ourselves that a packed refrigerator, a sturdy roof and a closet filled with clothes take the place of our time, our conversation, and spiritual training? (Ephesians 6:4 NKJV).

Regarding the spiritual teaching of their children, Moses admonished the Israelites:

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9 NKJV).

Brethren and friends, we must avail ourselves of every opportunity to give our precious children the most precious gifts we possess — our time, our godly example, and the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. To do less, would be like giving them a rock, snake, or scorpion.

—Mike Riley; via http://mbriley.preachersfiles.com

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–from Focus Online

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In 1 John 1:6-10 (KJV), John uses the little word, “if” no less than five times. In so many words, he is stating that in our Christian walk, we can continually be cleansed by the blood of Christ “if” we are willing to (1) “walk in the light” (of God’s word – Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 6:23), and (2) “confess our sins” before God. Note that the blessing of our continually being cleansed by Christ’s blood is conditioned on whether or not we continually adhere and are obedient to the word of God (1 John 1:7; cf. John 7:17; Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:9; James 1:23-25; 1 Peter 1:22).

In the Bible, is the little word, “if” important? You bet it is, as our adherence or non-adherence to this little word can carry with it eternal consequences (cf. Romans 11:18-22 – KJV).

–Mike Riley, preachersfiles.com

In momentous events – such as the shooting of J.F.K. or a controversial call by a sports official – multiple camera angles provide additional insights which enable people to form stronger personal convictions about exactly what happened. The same principle underlies the most important life ever lived. New Testament scholar Tom Wright says Luke’s Gospel “is meant to make you sit up and think hard about Jesus as Lord of the whole world. Matthew’s is alike a beautifully bound book which the Christian must study and ponder at leisure, steadily reordering one’s life in the process. Mark’s is like a hastily printed revolutionary tract, stuffed into a back pocket, and frequently pulled out, read by torchlight, and whispered to one’s co-conspirators.” He adds, “Mark takes you by the scruff of the neck and tells you, breathlessly, that this is urgent and important and you’d better listen carefully.” On the other hand, he says, “John’s Gospel is designed to bring you to your knees in wonder, love and praise.” (The Original Jesus, p. 142-144).

–Mike Wilson

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Mr. Brisbane’s answer was profound. In view of his answer, let’s ask ourselves, “If I dropped out of sight for six months and did absolutely nothing for the Lord, would I be missed?” Would the Lord’s work suffer or would there be no difference whatsoever? As members of the Lord’s church, we each have a responsibility in doing the Lord’s work and building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:26; 2 Corinthians 12:19; Ephesians 4:12). We cannot hire someone else to fulfill our responsibility to the Lord (Gal. 6:4-5; cf. Romans 2:6; 1 Corinthians 3:8). We are individually accountable to God for what we do with the time He has blessed us with. Let us hear the inspired writer, Paul, as he wrote to the Ephesian brethren, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16 – ESV).

Brethren, let us resolve from this day forward, that we will become more involved in the Lord’s work, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 – NIV). God has so richly blessed us with time, talent, vision, and financial means. Let’s be willing to put these gifts to work for the Lord and His cause, “while it is yet day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).

–Mike Riley, preachersfiles.com