Is the Bible Just about Law?

Several years ago my mother told me about a preacher who delivered a good biblical lesson which concluded with a plea to think and make personal application. He had left the application open-ended making each person responsible. The stay-at-home mom would have a different application than the doctor or the widow; different also than the application to the salesman or the school teacher.

Afterward a friend of my mom snorted, “Why can’t he just tell us what to do? It would be a lot easier if we knew the rules. I could do that.” Many would agree. There is something comfortable in a packaged set of rules. It’s neat and tidy. It’s brief and simple. It is not flawed like a command lacking precise definition such as: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

OOPS! Back up. Those were the words of Jesus drawn from the Law of Moses!

It is true, a packaged law code may sound simple, brief, and tidy. Yet it strikes against the two most important commands uttered by God in which the application is open-ended. Jesus commented on the two Great Commands saying:

On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets. 

 —Matthew 22:40 (NASB95)

In the Hebrew Scriptures ‘The Law’ was not simply the law code known as Law of Moses. It was the entire Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. ‘The Prophets’ included the historical books (Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings), as well as all the books of prophecy. So, Jesus was saying that God’s revelation, up to His point in time, depended on the two Great Commands. All scripture revolved around and was connected to the commands to love God and to love one’s neighbor which both had open-ended application.

We can thank a Jewish lawyer for pointing out the gray area, “Who is my neighbor?” Yet, Jesus gave an answer in the Parable of the Good Samaritan that showed that the lawyer had asked the wrong question. (Luke 10)

The statement from my mom’s friend suggested the same kind of thinking as the lawyer. On the surface it sounds good, “Just define the rules and we can follow.” “Give me a precise definition of ‘neighbor’ and I will comply.” And yet, that is the wrong approach.

Too often, people have reduced the Bible to a set of rules and tried to push those rules on others. As a result, many people have lost interest in the Bible.

In the late 1800’s there was a shift in biblical scholarship. Instead of the inspired Word of God many saw the Bible as mere ancient literature. The literary approach might have partly been a reaction to a legal approach, but it gave way to the view that truth is largely dependent upon history and culture. Based on the trend of modern biblical interpretation many 'Christian' groups have effectively stamped the word ‘Obsolete’ on the cover of the Bible.

However, the Bible still claims to be the inspired revelation of God. The Bible claims to be relevant in giving life answers regardless of location, time, cultural background, history or politics. So, one must either embrace the Bible in its entirety or reject the whole book. There is no middle ground.

The study and application of the Bible can be challenging. Not every question in life is answered directly, not every issue resolved by a single verse. However, if we are going to be true disciples of Jesus, we must devote ourselves to His Word. We will be wise to approach the Bible with a proper attitude and with a patient, thinking mind.


Mark Stinnett

July 27, 2025

Outsmarting God

Kareem, a foreign student in a doctoral program, was my teacher in an advanced college math class. He and I occasionally spoke before class. Topics included mathematics, his home country, religion, God, and the Bible. Upon arriving early to class one day, Kareem casually approached my desk and said with a grin, “You know, I can prove that God does not exist.”

I quickly responded, “And I would expect that you can also prove that God DOES exist.”

His eyes lit up and he fired back, “So what does that tell you about God!?”

“He is not subject to human proof,” I said (glad not to have embarrassed myself).

Kareem seemed quite satisfied with the whole exchange knowing that his ‘proof’ was simply based on human logic. It was his purpose was to show the absurdity of using math and human logic to attempt to prove or disprove God. Yet, that has not stopped many from deceiving the naïve and unsuspecting.

Recall Satan’s attempt to deceive Jesus with the first temptation:

If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.

—Matthew 4:3

Who said that turning stones into bread proved one to be the Son of God? Satan made a logical connection where none existed. Deceiver.

Recall how some Jews plotted against Jesus. They asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. If Jesus answered, “Yes,” then he would be siding with the Roman government and turn the people against him. Yet, to answer, “No,” would be to position himself against Rome. Testers.

A modern-day writer posed a series of difficult-to-answer questions about a controversial issue. His questions were meant to tear down teachings from the past and usher in greater enlightenment. Though the questions might have been challenging, they did not change the simple text of Scripture. Questioner.

A popular writer posed the question, “What if Mary was not a virgin.” He went on to talk about translation issues in Old Testament prophecy and whether the prophecy really meant that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. Matthew plainly indicated that the virgin birth fulfilled that prophecy. Yet the writer wondered with doubt whether the Jews expected a virgin birth and how that might affect the way people look at Scripture. Doubter.

The deceiver, tester, questioner, and doubter all have one thing in common: They are scoffers who have little regard for God’s word. Through their wordcraft they create clouds of doubt where none exist.

Through human reasoning some think they have out-witted God to create ‘gray areas’ in His word that do not exist. They have confused clear teachings regarding sin and righteousness in order to justify their ideas. Do not be fooled! Just because a person can ask tough questions, create doubt, rationalize, and/or make straightforward teachings fuzzy does not make that individual a good teacher. He spreads seeds of doubt so that people question God’s word and God Himself. He does not love the truth but only himself.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and

   do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

   and He will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

—Proverbs 3:5-7

Mark Stinnett

July 20, 2025

Validating Scripture

Several years ago I sat in a Bible class on the book of Proverbs and then later a class on the book of Ecclesiastes. Both are categorized as books of wisdom. As much as I loved these writings, I was sorely disappointed with the presentation of each teacher.

I did not object to the stories the teachers told that related to the text. Many were great illustrations. However, the stories were not given as illustrations of the truths found in scripture, they were offered to validate what was written.

Think for a moment…

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.

—2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

—2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB)

We accept that the Bible is the inspired word of God. That means that ultimately, even though written by the hand of men, using the style, language and vocabulary of men, the Bible was authored by God through the Holy Spirit.

We may have questions about the inspiration of the Bible, yet we do not wonder if it is God’s word. For that reason we must adopt and maintain an attitude of reverence toward the word of God. We really should imagine in our minds that God is speaking to us through the many writers of scripture.

Now, back to the classes on Proverbs and Ecclesiastes…
The personal stories were offered to validate the things written in scripture. Does that seem backwards to you? It is one thing to use an illustration to clarify a difficult proverb. It is quite another thing to evaluate the truth of the proverb on the basis of one’s life experience.

God did not speak to mankind and then ask, "What do you think about that; do you think it's true?" We must not take the word of God and then compare it our own understanding of the sum total of human experience and knowledge. Remember…

In the beginning...God.

God is the starting point of man’s existence. He is the backdrop against which we must discover ourselves and find meaning. His word is the standard by which we evaluate our lives.

Applied to the wisdom of the Proverbs, we must accept the truth of God’s word and then evaluate our own life experiences. It is the truth of God’s word that validates my life, not the other way around. If my personal experiences are necessary to validate God’s word, then ‘I’ have become the standard by which truth is known and understood. We should use human experiences only to illustrate and perhaps to help explain the existing truth of God’s word.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn from evil.

—Proverbs 3:7 (NASB)

We need to be a people who listen to God’s word. We need to accept it at face value. We need to adjust our lives to conform to God’s word, not make it conform to our lives.

Mark Stinnett

July 13, 2025

Modern-Day Israel: Prophecy Fulfilled??

You may have heard about or seen the 2024 epic film, as it is billed, called “I Am Israel.” The marketing material emphasizes fulfillment of a prophecy from Ezekiel 36:8 that says, “My children are coming home.” The idea is that ancient promises have finally seen fulfillment in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. 

 So, is modern-day Israel God’s chosen nation?

The question is important. If modern-day Israel is God’s chosen nation, then there must be two paths of fellowship with God: one through Moses (The Law of Moses) and one through Jesus Christ.

What does the Bible say?

First, the prophecy from Ezekiel was written when the Israelites, more specifically, the Israelites from the tribe of Judah, were taken captive by the nation of Babylon. The prophecy contained a threefold message:

• The reason for their capture: unfaithfulness to God through idolatry;
• God will judge the nations who mocked His people; and
• God will restore His people to the Promised Land.

Those prophesies were fulfilled a few years after they were spoken. God’s people were released from captivity and returned to Jerusalem in Judea in 536 B.C. The restoration of the Jews to Jerusalem is recorded in the Old Testament book of Ezra. So, Ezekiel’s prophecy has not been left unfulfilled until our day.

Another significant prophecy is found in Jeremiah 31:31-34 in which God promised to make a new covenant. It would be different from the covenant He had made with Israel at the time of Moses. Under the first (old) covenant, children were born into the covenant but did not know anything about God until taught. In contrast, under the new covenant, a person would first learn about God and then, if he/she chose, would enter into a covenant relationship with God. Entrance into the new covenant would be on the basis of God’s forgiveness of sins, not physical birth.

Jesus looked forward to the new covenant at His last Passover meal with His disciples. He presented a cup of ‘the fruit of the vine’ as representation of “My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many.” (Mark 14:24) Jesus was referring to His sacrificial death in which His blood was to be shed to inaugurate the new covenant as prophesied by Jeremiah.

Later, the writer of the book of Hebrews stated that the first covenant was made obsolete by the new covenant. So, by the time of the writing of Hebrews, the new covenant had been established and was in effect.

The Apostle Peter wrote to Christians, those who believed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God and promised Messiah:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession….

—1 Peter 2:9

Earlier, he referred to the same people as a “spiritual house.” So, the new covenant was of a spiritual nature. The “holy nation” of God was not, and is not, a physical nation, but rather, a spiritual nation.

The covenant relationship God once had with the physical nation of Israel ended because the people broke their covenant with Him and in doing so released Him from His obligation to the covenant. Even if today’s Israel were to return to all the practices taught in the Law of Moses, they would not enjoy a covenant relationship with God. The old covenant is obsolete. 

However, today’s Israel and the Jews of today can once again come into a covenant relationship with God, but only through a faith response to Jesus Christ. Anyone who wishes to be a part of the kingdom of God must be born again, born of the Spirit , born into a spiritual kingdom. (John 3:3-8)

Mark Stinnett

July 6, 2025

You're Not Just a Clod

Have you ever thought about your value as a human being? 

We’re all just a bunch of clods...dirt clods.

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground…. 

--Genesis 2:7

Even unbelieving evolutionists recognize that when a person dies their body decomposes and eventually becomes...dirt. Perhaps the difference is that the believer acknowledges that the body ‘returns’ to the dust of the ground from which it was 'created.'

Articles have been published in which the physical ingredients of an adult human body were catalogued and measured. They were then given an approximate value based on current prices for the separate components. The totals were always just a few dollars. 

Dirt clods.

So, what gives a person value?

There is one ingredient that scientists cannot measure; cannot calculate; cannot really comprehend scientifically. Science can tell us the various chemical components of our physical body, but they have never been able to come up with a recipe to mix all the dry ingredients together, add water, and then produce...life.

We can continue the cycle of reproduction that already exists, but we cannot create. The essence of life is not a dry ingredient that man can manipulate into life.

For that reason, life is valuable.

Long before the New Testament was recorded, before the Law of Moses was given, at the time of Noah, God commanded that man not eat anything with its blood in it. Why? 

Life is in the blood.

--Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 17:11

The penalty for killing another human was death. Why?

Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed,

For in the image of God He made man.

--Genesis 9:6

God did something quite wonderful when he formed man out of the dust of the ground:

Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

--Genesis 2:7

It is easy to take life for granted. It is easy to forget that people are not assigned value based on human perception. Value is assigned by God.

We recognize how often violent men display their lack of regard for life when someone is killed. Most of us would never think of murdering someone. However, do we ever treat people as insignificant or practically invisible? Do we devalue people on the basis of their politics, their religion, their personality, their perceptions of life, their sin? Are there people that we simply ‘write off’ because they are not worth the effort?

We are more than ‘dirt clods’ because God made each of us valuable when he gave us life. And then he did something unthinkable, something beyond imagination, something marvelous: He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins so we could live with Him forever.

Your true value is not found in human accomplishments, material possessions, or your glowing personality. Your value has little to do with you. You are valuable...

     ...because God has made you in His image...

          ...because he has given you life...

               ...because He has offered life everlasting to your soul. 

Value life!

Mark Stinnett

June 29, 2025

A Different 'Slant' on the Bible

There’s a Bible out there to suit everyone’s taste! That’s right! You can select from dozens of Bibles where one is sure to suit your style! 

Here are some of today’s offerings!

• Outreach Bible 
• Here’s Hope New Testament
• Life Application Bible 
• Life Recovery Bible
• ESV Student Study Bible
• CSB Military Bible 
• American Patriot’s Bible
• Adventure Bible (with cartoon illustrations for kids)
• NKJV Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible (Infused with commentary by Matthew Henry)
• NLT DaySpiring Daily Devotional Bible for Moms
• CSB She Reads Truth Bible 
• Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women
• Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men 
• Every Man’s Bible NLT
• CSB Pastor’s Bible 
• NKJV Minister’s Bible 
• ESV Preaching Bible
• NIV Compact Girls’ Ultimate Backpack Bible, Faithgirlz Edition (A portable Bible for tweens.) (There’s one for boys too!)
• The NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls (with lots of artistic features)
• The Voice Bible (Uses compelling narratives, poetry and teaching that enables the reader to hear God and experience His presence.)
• Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women
• The Bride’s Bible
• CSB Coach’s Bible
• NIV Outdoorsman Bible
• Spiritual Warfare Bible
• Catholic Bible
• Jewish Bible
• NKJV Prayer Bible
• NLT Spiritual Growth Bible, 

...and there are dozens more…

Yes, some of these are simply Bibles with ‘cool’ packaging. Yet many contain the Scripture intermingled with commentary intended to give a predefined focus to the text, a particular slant to the word. Without judging those who have compiled and published these specialty Bibles, one cannot help but wonder: “Is God’s word different for each person?”

Publishers market Bibles to make a profit, but what was God’s purpose in revealing his Word?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. 

--Romans 12:2

I fear that man has been transforming the Bible into his own image. For many, God’s word has lost its appeal, so the words of popular writers, speakers, and commentators are added. This appeals to the individual tastes of people, yet God has appealed to man through the cross. 

Jesus said in John 12:32...

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.

There are difficult passages in the Bible. YOU need to wrestle with the difficult passages, not simply hand your mind over to someone else. How many times did Jesus end a parable with, “He who has ears, let him hear”?

Understanding is for those who desire it, who spend time in the word, and who use spiritual discernment. Understanding is not an academic pursuit and it is seldom accidental, easy or convenient. You must apply yourself to the reading of the scriptures and the practice of God’s word.

But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. 

--Hebrews 5:14

At some point it is time to simply read the word...

     ...no notes...

          ...no commentary...

               ...no helps...

                    ...no slant. 

Just listen.

Mark Stinnett

June 22, 2025

My Grandpa’s Naïve Generation (chuckle)

We both chuckled when I shared some of the game rules my mom had grown up with. My grandpa would not allow his kids to use dice, so they had to make their own spinner when moving game pieces around the Monopoly board. My mom and her siblings were also forbidden the use of 'spot' cards (the kind with spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds). Dice and spot cards were the tools of gambling, a practice considered morally wrong by my grandparents. The thinking of my grandpa’s generation seemed naïve. We chuckled.

Then, my friend, looking upward and tapping his chin with his forefinger, paused and thoughtfully said, “You know, those folks were really serious about not sinning.”

I was taken back by his statement because I had only thought of their behavior as uninformed and silly. I had never considered the possibility that they were consciously trying to avoid sin.

My friend went on to explain his understanding of my grandparent’s generation. He told me that their guiding principle came from scripture:

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

—1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

Modern translations have: “Abstain from every form of evil” or “Reject every kind of evil.”

The point is that their generation was intent on following Scripture in order to practice godly living in their daily lives. Even though I personally see nothing wrong with using dice or spot cards, I certainly admire such an attitude toward godly living.

Moral tolerance, soft doctrine, and benevolence are the fashion trends in today’s Christian community in the United States while godliness, holiness and purity have taken a back seat. Topics such as righteousness, truth and sound doctrine are too often thought to generate arguments. For that reason, they are avoided. The result is a religious environment that extends a generous hand to those with physical needs (though not as effectively as secular charitable organizations) while tolerating “every form of evil.”

Generosity, service and benevolence are good. However, godliness, purity and holiness are not to be ignored:

Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. 

--Psalm 24:3-4

You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

--1 Peter 1:13

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 

--1 Thessalonians 4:7

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

--Matthew 5:6

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

--2 Corinthians 5:21

He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. 

--1 Peter 3:11

We must indeed love one another by extending benevolence and service and we must also devote ourselves to God in righteousness and purity and holiness.

And that’s no laughing matter in any generation.

Mark Stinnett

June 15, 2025

What's the Problem with Sin?

Have you ever wondered why sin is like a runaway train; why sin is so difficult to stop?

You might think that this blog will be about how terrible and repulsive sin is. And yet, that is the problem. If everyone thought sin was so terrible, they would avoid it. If the sin in your life was repulsive to you, you would turn away every time. You would treat it like a food that you hate.

Here’s an explanation about sin that we might not think about often…

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 

--James 1:13

Simply put, God is not to blame for your temptation. And here's the reason:

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. (v. 14)

The simple truth is that temptation originates within a person. The old illustration of dangling a carrot in front of a donkey to make him move forward is relevant. The donkey desires the carrot. Yet, dangle a carrot in front of some people and you will only annoy them.

You can wave money in front of someone who does not lust for money (i.e., desire money) and it will not be a temptation. In contrast, a money-lover is easily distracted by the mere mention of money.

When a woman who is dressed inappropriately walks by, why do most men look, even stare, while only a few look away? Within the lookers is a desire to look and perhaps even more. Yet within the man who looks away is a desire to avoid temptation. Yes, he knows that if he looks, he can be drawn away. Within him is a deeper desire for purity of thought and action.

Many sins, perhaps most, begin with temptation, which in turn, begins with a desire that already exists within. Without thinking about it, we like to satisfy our desires. We want to give in to the things that appeal to us. Sin caters to our desires. Sin employs the tremendous marketing tool of offering you everything you desire...everything. The temptation is the inner urging that presents a potential opportunity to satisfy. Sin is full-grown temptation that takes action. Or, as James put it:

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. (v. 15)

The problem with sin is that it sets itself up as a satisfaction machine. “Simply give in to your desires.” But wait! What does sin ever do for you?

Sin makes many promises but cannot fulfill them. Sin is a master marketing agent promising satisfaction or happiness or whatever else you think the fulfillment of your desires will bring. Sin always says "yes" to your desires. Sin rallies in favor of giving in to temptation. Sin is always on your side to agree with your rationalization for giving in, or your justification for why giving in to temptation makes more sense than self-control.

Sin cheers you on to follow your dreams, to give in to your desires, to embrace your lust. Sin promises. Sin deceives. Yet, sin only brings death.

Do not be deceived my beloved brethren. Every good thing and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…. (vv. 16-17)

Sin is never good. Sin deceives one's senses and mind and heart. 

Sin IS terrible. 

Sin IS repulsive. 

Is it time to reevaluate your desires?

Mark Stinnett

June 8, 2025

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 5)

Part 5: Honor

God has assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. The last few blogs have focused on the text of Ephesians 6:4. Prior to that instruction (verses 1-3), the Apostle Paul addressed children:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother...that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

Many years ago, when my children were small, it occurred to me that this instruction could not possibly be directed at very young children; they cannot read! I reasoned that as parents, my wife and I had the initial responsibility to teach our children to “honor your father and mother.”

How do you teach honor??

It is likely that you have been touched by stories or news clips in which honor was shown to someone in our military. It might have been a crowd of people gathering to celebrate a soldier returning home from duty. It might have been the moment when the solemn silence at a funeral of a fallen hero is broken by the eruption of the 21-gun salute and the mournful call of the bugle playing Taps. Or perhaps you have witnessed a small child standing at attention to salute a soldier in uniform. Honor.

A father instructs his son regarding our nation’s flag. He teaches the meaning of the stars and the stripes. He remembers aloud those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom it symbolizes.

A mother tells her children about their two grandfathers who served in the military. She displays pictures of the men in uniform as she relates stories which had been told her. She shows her children the folded flags displayed on the mantle to honor the service of each man.

A schoolteacher teaches, not merely the words, but the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.

There are many ways to illustrate honor for our country and those in uniform. The common element in all of these is value. Honor is given to people and things that we greatly value. Our value is evident by the way we speak and how we show respect. We draw special attention to the things and people we value. We commit ourselves in loyalty and service to the objects of our honor. We protest and even punish dishonor of any kind.

Dads, value your wife and demand that your children cherish and value their mother. Moms, value your husband and demand that your children value and respect their father.

Value godly character in your home. Tell your children: This is how we act. This is how we speak. This is what we say. This is who we are. Then, be sure to demonstrate those same godly values.

Are you loyal to God? Do you value His word? Do you honor His people? Do you value spiritual ideals? Demonstrate these in your own life and expect these in your children.

One of the most important ways to teach honor is to teach obedience. Disobedience is nothing other than dishonor. Yet, obedience honors parents and honors God. A wise parent will discipline disobedience and dishonor.

Finally, when your children honor you, even if you do not feel deserving, accept the honor. In doing so, you allow them to fulfill God’s instruction to honor father and mother. Honor is good. Honor is right. Model and teach honor!

Mark Stinnett

June 1, 2025

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 4)

Part 4: Teaching Moments

God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. Of course, mothers are not excluded; they are just not given the primary responsibility. God’s expectation is for parents to teach their children about God and to train them according to God’s word.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

--Ephesians 6:4

The purpose of all instruction and discipline is to instill useful principles in the minds and hearts of our children for good living. More specifically, our goal as parents should be to instill within our children a sense of reverence for God for a lifetime of devotion to Him in preparation for Christ’s return.

What can a Christian parent do to carry out this instruction??

While some families may choose to have periodic organized times for devotional or Bible study, we must all take advantage of the daily opportunities that arise. The following are just a few examples of unforced, natural teaching moments.

When fixing the car, you may have an opportunity to mention federal and state regulations which you may not like, but that you follow because you honor the laws of the land as Scripture teaches.

When teaching your daughter how to manage her finances you might take the opportunity to say something about God’s blessings and the value of honoring Him in a weekly contribution or by financially assisting someone in need. Instill the value of generosity, an attribute of God.

In the evening while on a fishing outing you might pause to enjoy the sunset and draw attention to the majesty of God’s creation.

After hosting friends for an evening in your home you might say something about how God values fellowship and hospitality.

After an exhaustive, yet ultimately successful search for an important lost item, you might be able to impress upon the heart of your child God undying love and compassion for lost souls. Consider also what might be taught when that valuable item is never found!

When your children observe poor behavior in other children, you might be able to teach something about the value of discipline.

When finances are tight and you cannot participate in a desired activity, you might teach something about financial responsibility or contentment.

After experiencing disappointment, you might teach something about the nature of our broken world and the enduring hope of everlasting life with God.

After having applied effective discipline, you have an opportunity to reinforce your love for your child, in spite of the wrong that was done. You may also be able to teach about God’s mercy and forgiveness.

If we intend to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must have the instruction of God in our heart. So, we must be people who use God’s word to govern our lives. In addition, we must be constantly aware of teaching opportunities. Then, when those situations arise, we must take advantage of the opportunity for the benefit of our children.

And finally, if we are to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must ensure that the things being taught are already being demonstrated in our own lives. Our lives as parents should punctuate and reinforce our instruction.

Mark Stinnett

May 25, 2025

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 3)

Part 3: Spiritual Leader

God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline to fathers. Consider the context in which this role is defined:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

--Ephesians 6:4

The simple phrase ‘in the Lord’ places the responsibility of fathers in the context of spiritual leadership. The desired result of leadership in the home is not to produce model citizens or people with great careers (both good things), but to please God. ‘In the Lord’ could be thought of as ‘according to the Lord.’ A father’s leadership should be according to God’s expectations. So also, his instruction and discipline should be according to God’s expectations. This is carried out by devoting oneself to the principles taught in God’s word.

A father is not a dictator who controls his children so he can create an illusion of spirituality. He truly leads his children to Christ. A father’s instruction is first from God with the purpose of training his children to be like God in their personal character and in their values. Discipline has the ultimate goal of directing attitudes and behaviors toward God.

It is great to teach our children how to fix the car, fish and hunt, manage money, repair the house, cook, entertain guests, negotiate business deals, distinguish the big dipper from the little dipper, write an essay, grow vegetables, play a sport, grill chicken, unclog the sink, remove melted crayon from the back seat of the car, invest money wisely, manage electronic devices, plant a tree, keep a pet, and find the best deal on an online auction.

But what about their souls??

The discipline and instruction of the Lord is spiritual instruction including faith, humility, godly character, service, devotion to God and concern for one’s fellow man. The discipline and instruction of the Lord is applied to all areas of life but should focus on preparation for the Lord’s return.

The discipline and instruction of the Lord is rooted in God’s word. That does not mean that a dad must organize formal Bible training times with his children, have them memorize and recite scriptures, or quiz them on Bible facts. Some fathers might choose these kinds of activities, however, we can learn something from God’s plan for instruction for ancient Israel.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise.

--Deuteronomy 6:5-7

I knew a dad who took his son into the back yard before a fishing trip and spent time teaching him how to use a new rod and reel. Another dad heard a peculiar noise from the engine of a passing car and shared some valuable auto info with his son. One opportunity was more formal and planned while the other presented itself quite by chance. In both cases knowledge and experience were shared as valuable instruction to be passed on. Spiritual instruction is no different.

Fathers, how well do you know God and His word? Based on your experiences what can you teach your children about God’s way of handling life’s trials, keeping oneself pure, the value of eternal life? How are you preparing your children for the Lord’s return??

Mark Stinnett

May 18, 2025

It’s Not Fathers’ Day (But You’re Still the Dad) (Pt. 2)

Part 2: Disciplinarian

Who was the primary disciplinarian in your home when growing up? Parents, who is the primary disciplinarian in your home now? Would it surprise you to learn that the Bible designates the father as the primary disciplinarian in the home?

The Apostle Paul echoes many teachings from the book of Proverbs in a short admonition to fathers:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 

--Ephesians 6:4

It would be erroneous to take this verse out of context and reason that mothers are not responsible for discipline or instruction. Yet, the simple truth is that the primary responsibility falls to fathers.

Some fathers might be tempted to delegate disciplinary responsibility to the mother. It is wise to remember that head, or leader, is not the same as dictator. A man must never simply hand off his responsibility as father. Translation: Man Up! Don’t wimp out on your God-given role as dad.

Discipline and instruction are separate ideas but related. Discipline is more about actions while instruction has more to do with the mind and attitude. Instruction promotes self-discipline. Yet, when simple instruction fails, a parent must take the next step: correction. In general, correction is verbal, a reminder of past instruction. It may also come with a warning of future consequences if instruction is not followed.

While instruction and correction are more verbal, there is also the need for training. Training is a positive form of discipline that involves verbal instruction and demonstration, as well as application on the part of the child. Training involves telling them, showing them, and then letting them try. Additional instruction and correction, along with parental patience, are important for successful training.

Discipline is necessary when a child demonstrates a poor attitude at some level of instruction. It is best thought of as a part of instruction and training, not punishment. Discipline has a positive goal of changing a child's attitude and behavior. It may call for extreme measures which include corporal punishment, i.e. spanking or other physical consequences. It should not be assumed that this is the first discipline option in all cases, nor is it always the most appropriate.

Fathers, you set the tone for discipline and instruction in your home. You must communicate with your wife about the discipline and instruction of your children. While your wife is deeply involved with the children, you lead the way. You provide direction in the values and behaviors that are important for your children.

Do not abandon your wife and place the burden of discipline solely (or mostly) on her shoulders. There ARE times when it is appropriate for your wife to be able to say to a child, “Wait until your father gets home!” It is your job to rescue your wife when she is exasperated with the children. You must deal with the most difficult situations. You are the one to make the hard decisions. God has given this responsibility to YOU, the dad.

Intimidating? Perhaps. Yet, the book of Proverbs is a tremendous resource for learning to be a good father and disciplinarian. Treat it like an instruction manual. If you haven’t read it lately, start TODAY!

Mark Stinnett

May 11, 2025

It's Not Fathers' Day (But You're Still the Dad) (Pt. 1)

Part 1: Head of the Home

The husband is expected to be the ‘head of the home.’ This responsibility goes back to the Garden of Eden and has been echoed in the New Testament. (1 Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians 5:22). Of special interest to fathers are the following verses:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 

--Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart. 

--Colossians 3:21

To provoke someone to anger is to be the cause of the anger. You have done something or said something or you have NOT done or said something that causes another person to become angry.

The word exasperate is the idea of making someone so exhausted through your actions or speech that they simply want to give up and get away. Exasperation affects one physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Both scriptures are written in a negative tone, more like a prohibition: Don’t do this! So, what are some specific things that should be avoided?

Paul does not enumerate, yet by applying the Golden Rule you might ask, “What kinds of things would provoke me to anger or exasperate me?” The following is a general list that might help you get started.

A father can exasperate his children…

• When he does not listen.
• When he disciplines in uncontrolled anger, more of a reaction.
• When he is often unreasonable: “No questions; just do it. Follow my orders!”
• When he is often overbearing: Children are often bullied and/or treated more like slaves than family members.
• When he is often insensitive: Communication by yelling. Harsh words. “Just deal with it.” “Get over it!”
• When he is often critical: “You never do anything right.” “You’ll never amount to anything.” “You can’t do that, what a foolish idea.”
• When he is generally unyielding: “Rule #1: Father knows best. If there are any questions, refer to Rule #1.”
• When he administers consequences that do not fit the offense, yet he does not acknowledge the error or apologize.
• When he intentionally teases to the point of embarrassment (especially in public).
• When he is in the wrong, but refuse to acknowledge and apologize.

‘Head of the home’ is not synonymous with dictator or overlord. Head implies leadership. As the leader of the home God expects fathers to govern with a keen mind that considers each individual in the family. A good father understands differences in personalities, abilities, and even personal interests. He welcomes input from his wife and from his children. He is also careful to admit to his own failures and shortcomings.

Father’s Day is a day on which fathers are honored. 

For self-evaluation: Do you lead every day in such a way that you are deserving of honor?


Mark Stinnett

May 4, 2025

The Struggle Is Real!

Perhaps you recall the scene prior to David facing Goliath. The Philistine army stood on one hill across a valley opposite the Israelite army. Each army had a hero, but only the Philistine hero came into the valley.

Goliath stood more than nine feet tall, a giant among men. He approached the Israelites and taunted them. He called for their hero to engage in personal combat. His boast was if Israel’s hero killed him, they would serve Israel; but, if he was victorious, Israel would serve the Philistines.

Day after day, morning and evening, for forty days Goliath came out and taunted Israel; and day after day after day Israel sent no response. Their soldiers were afraid; even their hero, King Saul, was afraid. Forgetting God’s victories in the past, King Saul and his army were paralyzed by the intimidating giant. They reasoned correctly that no one was strong enough to win a battle against Goliath.

Surely King Saul wanted to face Goliath, but he could not overcome his fear. Surely there were other soldiers who wished they could face Goliath, but they also were defeated in their spirits. Knowing the certainty of Goliath’s strength Israel stood helpless, defeated, and miserable.

This scene accurately portrays the human struggle against sin. In Romans 7:15-19 the Apostle Paul described the sin that looms in our lives as a power that cannot be conquered by our own strength. Like Goliath, the guilt of sin taunts us morning and evening, day after day after day. The human struggle is the desire to do what is good and right, but being unable to accomplish it. In contrast, we end up doing the very things we do not want to do. Paul described our plight: “O wretched man that I am!”

The Greek term wretched carries the idea of total exhaustion from hard labor. Isn’t that descriptive of our plight? With great effort and strength of will we struggle to overcome sin. Yet, in the end, sin is the victor. Sin comes in the strength of Goliath.

When King Saul and his soldiers saw Goliath taunt them each morning and evening, they looked with fleshly eyes and saw a giant. They could not look beyond their own weakness for God’s help. So it is with sin. When we see sin as a giant that we cannot possibly conquer, we are right.

David, the young shepherd boy, had been victorious over both lion and bear. His victories were not by his own strength but with the strength of God. As he assessed Israel’s predicament, he reasoned by faith that God would give this heathen giant over to him just as he had given over the lion and the bear. David did not place his confidence in the solutions of man, that is, the soldier’s armor. He placed his faith in God alone.

When the guilt of sin looms over us like a giant, do we numb ourselves with drugs (illegal or prescription)? Do we attempt to soothe our demons with our music or games or entertainment? Do we hide behind duty in our career? Do we escape through yet another vacation or weekend getaway?

Or, do we stand in the strength of the Lord placing our faith in his promises, trusting in His strength to overcome?

The human struggle against sin is felt by those who are in Christ. And yet, the struggle must be met on God’s terms, not with our own strength:

Be strong in the Lord and the strength of His might. 

--Ephesians 6:10

How do we do this? How do we find the strength of the Lord? Remember, He has given us His Spirit in which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”

Mark Stinnett

April 27, 2025

The Last Doughnut?

I usually skip breakfast on Sundays, but one Sunday morning I found a box of doughnuts on the countertop in the kitchen. I am a ‘meat and potatoes’ kind of guy, so I can pass up doughnuts. But there it stared at me through the clear cellophane panel, my favorite.

I indulged.

Bite after bite I enjoyed the sweetness; the perfect combination of frosting, filling, and fried dough...washed down with an ice-cold glass of milk. Ahh.

I don’t usually sit around thinking about what I’ve eaten, but that day I did. All morning long the doughnut sat in my stomach like a rock. It was tasty but only for a moment. It was filling, but not satisfying. My system was just not used to so much sugar, so the doughnut kept distracting me.

I thought about how compelling the taste was, yet how disappointing the overall result. In fact, the only benefit was the immediate and temporary taste experience.

I thought about how impulsive I had been. It often seems exciting to be impulsive. Yet, being impulsive is really nothing more than feeding an inner desire without thinking.

The more I reflected, the more disgusted I was with myself for lacking self-control. I came to a point in my thinking where the very thought of a jelly-filled doughnut was distasteful!

I am not angry with myself (or doughnuts), but I am determined not to allow myself to be fooled again. My decision is not rash or impulsive, but I don’t want to feel that way again. That might have been my last doughnut.

You can probably guess where this is going. Replace the word doughnut with sin and adjust some of the details.

Do you see the connection to the sweet desirable taste of sin? The sweet taste masks the deception. The taste is often very real and very sweet and very gratifying. Yet, the taste promises that the sweetness of sin WILL last, WILL bring happiness, WILL provide some kind of benefit. Yet, it is a deception. Sin destroys...always!

Satan wants us to focus on the taste and act on impulse. He doesn’t want us to think about the emptiness of sin. He doesn’t want us to remember past shame and guilt. He doesn't want us to think, just act.

Which past sin truly satisfied you? For which past sin did you later look back and find yourself thrilled with your impulsiveness?

If you sat and thought about a particular sin, I wonder if it would begin to make you feel sick to the stomach. I wonder if you would begin to find it repulsive. I wonder if the sweetness would lose its lure.

I wonder if it is possible for us to see sin for what it really is and come to the point that there truly is ‘the last sin’; not because we ran out of time in life, but that our desire for the sweet taste of sin has died.

Do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its desires.

What benefit did you then reap from those things that you are now ashamed of? For the end of those things is death.

For the payoff for sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

--Romans 6:12, 21, 23 (The NET Bible)

Mark Stinnett

April 20, 2025

That's Enough!

Adam and Eve were tempted to become like God and they ate the forbidden fruit. That’s enough! And God sent them out of paradise and cursed them.

Cain’s jealousy raged and he killed his own brother. That’s enough! And God cursed him and banished him.

In Noah’s day the entire world was bent on evil. That’s enough! And God purged the evil with a great flood.

Abraham asked God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for ten righteous souls. God said, “That’s enough,” but He could not find ten. That’s enough! And God destroyed the wicked cities.

Isaac lay on the alter, his father’s arm drawn back, knife in hand, ready to offer his son as a sacrifice. That’s enough. And God provided a ram.

The Egyptians held the Israelites in cruel slavery. The people cried out for mercy. That’s enough! And God ravaged the evil Egyptians through plague after plague after plague, ten in all. And God’s people safely walked away from their captors with the bounty of Egypt.

The Israelites complained for water at Marah. In the desert they grumbled for food. At Mount Sinai they grew tired of waiting for Moses and built an idol. That’s enough! And God sent a plague on the people, killing thousands.

God gave Israel a law and instituted a system of sacrifices for sin. A sacrifice was offered on the Day of Atonement for the sins of the people…year after year after year after year…

Not enough…

And most of the people lost faith and chose evil…And God patiently waited…And waited...And waited…THAT’S ENOUGH!!!

Then Deity came to the earth in the form of the created. And he lived, and touched, and smelled, and tasted, and heard, and saw just like us…and He was tempted to sin…just like us.

He was perfect, but no one else was perfect.
He showed people how to please God, but no one else could please God.
So, God’s judgment stood against man and his evil, corrupt, unbelieving heart.

But Deity had a plan…

• Jesus, son of a carpenter, human, flesh and blood, just like you and me…
• Jesus, Son of God, equal with God, Deity…
• Jesus, God/man, perfect, righteous, blameless, unblemished...
• Jesus, willing sacrifice...

                    For all mankind...
                            For all time...
                                    For all sin.

And on the day Jesus was crucified, God said…
          ...as he tore the temple curtain …
                    …as he shook the earth and darkened the sky…
                              …as he opened tombs and raised the dead…
                                        …as he accepted that perfect sacrifice…

                                           That IS Enough.

Because that sacrifice pleased God and that sacrifice satisfied God.
___________________

Now, all who appeal to God’s mercy through the blood of that sacrifice, the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, will know joy in life, and peace with God, and confidence in salvation, and confidence in the hope of everlasting life. So, for you...
Is that enough!?

Mark Stinnett

April 13, 2025

The Good Son

The Parable of the Good Son might not ring a bell because I am actually referring to the older son in the Parable of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15). The prodigal son asked for his inheritance, left home, lived a riotous life, and then returned home begging for a job as a slave. He was accepted back by his loving father as a son. The lesson is about God’s mercy for the lost person who returns to God. The older son stayed home. He was the good son.

The older son went about his work day after day, just a good son should. There was one day, however, that was remarkably different. He returned to his father’s house to hear what sounded like a celebration…. It was a celebration!

One of the servants told him that the celebration was for his younger brother who had returned home. The fattened calf, normally set aside for a an important guest, had been slaughtered for the feast. At this news the older son boiled with anger! HE had not made poor choices in life, not like his younger brother. It was not enough that his younger brother had returned home, they were throwing a party! Anyone would be angry! How insensitive.

Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever found yourself doing what you were supposed to be doing, yet you were overlooked or taken advantage of? Life’s inequities can often arouse anger. After all, hard work and dedication should be rewarded. Excellence should be rewarded. Personal sacrifice should be rewarded. Honesty and integrity should be rewarded.

In many respects the older son had every right to be angry. The younger son had disrupted the family enterprise. It was not simply a matter of taking money from the family’s savings account. Livestock and property were probably sold in order give the son his part of the inheritance. In addition, the family name was undoubtedly tarnished.

Perhaps the greatest inequity was that the foolish younger son had made his way back home and expected something more. A person could easily reason that the younger son was leeching off the older brother’s share of the estate.

Sometimes Christians feel a sense of anger toward fellow Christians who have wandered away from Christ but later returned. The younger son is a picture a Christian who has chased after a life of sin for a time, but later returned home to Christ. The foolish younger son should have known better, just as every Christian should know better than to leave Christ.

The older son displayed an attitude of arrogance. He had accepted his brother’s exit from the family and had effectively forgotten him. Now, he felt that the celebration for his brother’s return was unfair. It was unfair because of his brother’s sin AND because of his own righteousness. In HIS righteousness HE deserved better than his sinful brother. When a Christian is angry about the return of an erring Christian the same arrogance may appear.

The father said to the older brother: “My child, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours.” However, the older brother could not see that all the wonderful blessings he enjoyed from his father. It is possible for Christians to have the same blindness. Yet, blessings in Christ abound for every Christian.

The selfish arrogance of the older brother had displaced something. What was missing?

Earlier in Luke 15, a shepherd left ninety-nine sheep that were safe to go in search of his lost sheep. A woman went to great effort to find her lost coin. Yet, who went in search of the prodigal son, that is, the lost brother.

When a fellow Christian rebels and turn from God we should respond with compassion and stive to restore the severed relationship.

May God destroy in us any jealousy or arrogance that would displace our compassion for our brother who errs.

Mark Stinnett

April 6, 2025

The White Flag of Surrender

The commanding officer evaluates the battle: soldiers, supplies, reinforcements. He evaluates his strategic position and the battlefield. He evaluates the enemy. A message is sent and his superiors agree that the battle cannot be won. With certain defeat and unnecessary loss of life on the horizon, a white flag is raised: surrender.

It might not be a white flag, but surrender is also present in other circumstances. Disheartened competitors recognize that a score that cannot be matched. A runner lets up when he realizes he cannot pass the leader before reaching the finish line. A student is frustrated by an overbearing teacher. An unreasonable boss makes negotiations impossible.

Surrender is most often associated with defeat. It is disheartening. It is the realization that continued effort (fighting or competing or reasoning or negotiating) will not help. The will is crushed and strength is lost. Whether an enemy, a boss, a teacher, a parent, or a competitor; defeat is accepted. “I give up,” is the weak cry.

Those who follow Jesus surrender to God. Yet, something tells us that God is not the same as an opponent who stands against us. He desires our surrender, yet not to defeat us and not to lower our sense of personal value.

Years ago one of my children returned home from a competition where there was no scoreboard. I asked her how the game went. “We won!” she exclaimed. My wife shook her head, “No.” (One of the parents kept a tally.) My daughter saw no defeat because there was no visible standard that arbitrarily assigned a greater value to one team or individual over another.

God removes the arbitrary standard of victory set up in the minds of man. This was seen in the life of the Apostle Paul as he struggled with his thorn in the flesh. He prayed to God to remove his thorn in the flesh on three occasions. When he did not get help, he did not give up, yet he did surrender. He surrendered his will to God, understanding that God was working through him. He recognized that God’s strength worked through his weakness. God did not expect Paul to overcome this weakness, but rather to rely on Him. God expected faith, not personal achievement. So, in his weakness Paul surrendered and received the grace of God. (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.)

How can we surrender like Paul?

When confronted with difficulties, pray earnestly and frequently for God’s wisdom, God’s guidance, and God’s intervention. Then, live life, being alert to the opening and closing of doors of opportunity.

Do you have concerns over your job, an investment, college, children, retirement, your soul? Evaluate options and plan to the best of your ability. Ask God for insight and wisdom. Then, follow through with your plan. If God closes a door, give thanks for his gracious answer. (He may be protecting you.) If the door remains open, give thanks for his gracious answer.

Surrender to God first considers the advancement of His kingdom. It also involves a heart that relies on God to supply every need. Surrender is the giving up of one’s own will in submission to God’s will. Where uncertainties exist, kneel in prayer and trust that He will assist. You may be surprised to find freedom from worry when you completely surrender to God.

Raise a white flag of surrender to God’s will, and enjoy peace, security and victory in Him!

His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. 

 —2 Peter 1:3

Mark Stinnett

March 30, 2025