Cecil May Jr.

Racism is a Sin

[111 words] Racism is a terrible sin. The KJV calls it “respect of persons.” Every translation calls it “sin” (James 2:9). We are no to distinguish by race or nationality (Acts 10:24) or by dress or wealth (James 2:1-9) or by social or economic status (Ephesians 6:9). Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a time…

Age and Emotion

[225 words] Growing older brings emotions closer to the surface, for some of us anyway. Using a sentimental illustration in a sermon or singing a song that touches our hearts becomes difficult. While I do not fear death, I dread the prolonged pain or loss of mental faculties that often precede death. A frequent prayer…

Singular or Plural?

[96 words] We often sing about “the golden streets” in heaven, but the Bible only mentions one street, “The street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass” (Rev. 21:21). The last book of the Bible is not “Revelations.” There is one “Revelation,” “the Revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1). The Bible says, “But…

Charges to Christian Leaders

[178 words] Paul gave inspired charges to both elders and preachers. To elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which He obtained with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). To preachers: “Keep a close watch on…

Dialogue

[116 words] Skeptic: “If there is a good, all-powerful God, why doesn’t he end all the evil, violence, wickedness and suffering in the world?” Christian: “He will. When Christ comes again he will judge the world in righteousness, punish all evil doers and bless and reward the faithful.” Skeptic: “What is he waiting for? Why…

Chutzpah

[112 words] Yiddish is a fascinating language. Its words capture nuances other languages miss. One such word is chutzpah, loosely defined as “unmitigated gall.” Its meaning is better illustrated: A woman street vendor sold a delicacy for a quarter. One man gave her a quarter every day, but never took a cookie. After several years,…

Without Error?

[259 words] We know better than to think we are without sin. The Bible plainly tells us, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us,” and “If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1…

Happiness is a Choice

[156 words] Kenneth Joines lost his beloved wife Jan. I can only imagine what those who have suffered such loss are experiencing, but I do appreciate what he has written about it. “This year was the second anniversary without her. I have decided I have two choices: I can shed tears because she is gone,…

I Will Not Be Enslaved

  [176 words] “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but will not be enslaved by anything” (1 Cor. 6:12). ESV and other translations put quotation marks around “All things are lawful for me,” signifying that the translators believe–and l agree–that Paul is quoting those to whom he is writing. When he does that, he responds…

No Pain

July 16, this year, I was suddenly afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. My hands hurt and were swollen grotesquely. It was hard to walk. For a time I was disoriented and afraid my career and usefulness were over. It still hurts to walk, but the pain is tolerable. Thanks to a good Lord, good doctors and…

Consider Yourself

[219 words] I am often asked my opinion about someone else’s standing with God. “They did so-and-so. If they refuse to repent, will they be lost?” Jesus was asked similar questions. Someone said, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many,…

How to Learn

[90 words] Some never listen to any speaker or read any book not already known to agree with most of his or her preferences and prejudices. Minds already made up seek no new or differing facts. However, we grow and learn by being exposed to new thoughts and different thinkers. Truth adequately understood has nothing…