AM Scripture Reading: Romans 3. 9-18 Brent T. Willey “Good Enough” (?) Introduction: A common thought in the minds of many people when it comes to religion is: “I don’t need God; I’m ‘good enough.’” Or as a man once told his Christian wife: “I don’t need God in my life. I’m a good person.” According to human standards, many people have lived seemingly good lives and are considered as “good people.” But they don’t understand… In his epistle to the Romans, Paul addresses humanity’s dilemma: Chapter 1: Enumerates the sins of the Gentiles (vs. 18-32). Chapter 2: Reiterates the […]

The noted French naturalist, Jean Henri Fabré studied the pine processionary caterpillar in great detail. He observed that these caterpillars would follow a lead caterpillar in a single-file line. This behaviour is not only the reason why it was given its name, but it can also be a deadly characteristic. Consider an experiment that Fabré conducted with some processionary caterpillars. He took a flowerpot and placed a number of caterpillars in single-file around the circumference of the pot’s rim. Each caterpillar’s head touched the caterpillar in front of it. Fabré then placed the caterpillars’ favorite food in the middle of the circle created […]

PM Scripture Reading: Matthew 6.19-24 Brent T. Willey “The Lamp of the Body” (The Problem With Double Vision) Matthew 6.22-23 Introduction: Jesus emphasizes our need for clear spiritual vision, so as to not be misdirected by double vision. He contrasts the “good eye” with the “bad eye.” There are both immediate and remote applications. I. AN ANALYSIS OF THE TEXT The Good Eye (verse 22): “If therefore your eye is good…” [Haplous: “properly, folded together, i.e., single; figuratively, clear” (Strong)]. “Your whole body will be full of light” [Photeinos: “illuminated” (Jamieson, Fausset & Brown)]. The Bad Eye (verse 23): “But if […]