By Tito Pel In studying world history, I learned that some ancient emperors actually ordered certain people to commit suicide. The subjects submitted and took their own lives for fear their lives would be taken anyway by the emperor’s executioner. Such power, to order someone to take his own life, is mind-boggling. Many ancient […]
By David Faust In the first century, a cross usually drew a crowd. Onlookers gathered to stare and scoff. Some wept for the victim. Others were drawn by the same morbid curiosity that makes passersby gawk at a car accident or a tornado-ravaged town. A mob assembled on the night of Jesus’ trial and […]
By Dan Lentz 1. Many companies and organizations have adopted three-word slogans. For instance, the clothing company Wrangler has adopted the slogan: “Real. Comfortable. Jeans.” Come up with a three-word slogan that describes your life over the past few weeks and share it with the group. Read Isaiah 12. 2. Form groups […]
By Dan Lentz 1. Talk about something you’ve seen lately you thought was inspiring. (Examples may include: an athletic accomplishment, a job performance, family perseverance, or a musical performance.) Read Isaiah 6:1-8. 2. Isaiah saw a vision that was inspiring to the point of being overwhelming. His vision of the Lord made […]
By David Faust The Bible’s utter honesty is one reason I believe it is true and inspired by God. Scripture doesn’t gloss over the flaws of its characters—even those we consider heroes. Without bias the sacred writers bluntly tell about Moses’ hot temper, David’s messy adultery, and wise Solomon’s sad drift into idol worship. […]
