Thankfulness

Jesus Heals Ten Men With Leprosy

As Jesus crosses over the border between Samaria and Judea He heals ten lepers at one time (v. 11). He uses this event to teach a lesson about “thankfulness.” This group of ten men was composed of both Jews and Samaritans. Jews and Samaritans would not normally li …

The Threat From Baasha

In Asa’s 36th year he was confronted by Baasha, now the king of Israel, who built a fortress at Ramah, about four or five miles north of Jerusalem. Instead of relying solely on the Lord for aid Asa hired Ben-hadad, king of Syria, to help him against the foe. This scheme was successful …

Greetings and Thanksgiving

Paul wrote this letter to the Church in Corinth while he was visiting Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19:1- 20:1). While in Ephesus he had heard about problems in the Corinthian Church. He knew it well because he had spent 18 months there during his second …

IllustrationThe Worst of Times in the 17th Century

It was the worst of times. In the first half of the 17th century, Germany was in the midst of wars and famine and pestilence. In the city of Eilenburg lived a pastor by the name of Martin Rinkart. During one especially oppressive period, Rinkart conducted up to 50 funerals …

IllustrationTruck Driver Backs Over Three Motorcycles

Late one summer evening in Broken Bow, Nebraska, a weary truck driver pulled his rig into an all-night truck stop. The waitress had just served him when three tough looking, leather jacketed …

IllustrationAlexander Whyte Was Known For His Uplifting Prayers

Scottish minister Alexander Whyte was known for his uplifting prayers in the pulpit. He always found something for which to be grateful. One Sunday morning the weather was so gloomy that one church member thought to himself, “Certainly the preacher won’t think of anything fo …