Why I Pray for Understanding

To emphasize the importance of discernment the preacher remarked that Christianity was a thinking religion. Dissatisfied, one woman quipped, “If they would just tell me what I need to do, I could do that.” (No thinking.)

A friend told me about his experience in the church of his youth. He had questions. He asked questions. He wanted understanding. He was shut down with answers like, “That’s just the way it is.”

A young lady visited several churches asking for help in understanding the Bible. Church folks kept telling her that she just needed to have faith.

Sometimes biblical teachings are clear and unmistakable. Yet, there are some teachings that are not so black and white. So, we need discernment.

You may remember Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron. They were priests and had received instruction about offering incense to God. They decided to change God’s instruction and “offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.” (Leviticus 10:1) A person could reason that they did not break a command because what they did was not prohibited. And yet, they did something different than what they had been told to do. They should have applied discernment and reasoned that God’s specific instruction excluded their ‘strange’ incense mixture.

Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,’” a teaching from the Law of Moses regarding the strict application of justice. And yet, Jesus taught that God’s people should learn to turn the other cheek, that is, absorb an injustice. He was not updating the Law or superseding the Law but communicating the need to think about the strict application of the Law. After all, would you want to be the one to carry out the consequences of putting out someone else’s eye if your eye was accidentally put out?! The simple point is that unquestioned obedience to the Law would have Israel full of people who were crippled, one-eyed, missing teeth, etc. However, after giving thought to the outcome of strict obedience, voluntary mercy and forgiveness would prove to be a better way.

In the Parable of the Talents two of the servants were given a sum of money. They put the money to use for their master. However, another servant hid his money and later returned it to the master. He was rebuked because he should have known what to do. He should have thought more clearly!

After telling several of the parables Jesus concluded by saying, “He who has ears, let him hear.” This stood in stark contrast to the cry of the Old Testament prophets. They warned God’s people of divine judgment because the people had eyes but did not see and had ears but did not hear. Jesus was calling for ears that were attentive to His message in the parables. The people were to listen and then ponder the parables. Some of the parables have no further explanation. It appears that Jesus believed that those parables could be understood both then and now by applying discernment. At other times His listeners voiced their lack of understanding and asked Jesus to explain. To those who asked, He explained!

“Ask, and it will be given to you” applies to discernment in Bible study. It also applies to the application of Scripture in our daily lives. God did not speak to mankind and have His word recorded to keep understanding hidden. He wants us to understand! In the first psalm David wrote that he meditated on the Law day and night. He craved understanding and received it.

Wisdom tells us to study and meditate on God’s word, to strive for understanding. 

Wisdom tells us to ask. 

Remember to pray for understanding.

Mark Stinnett

September 7, 2025

What is a Gift?

I have a beautiful Bible sitting on a shelf in my office. It is the older King Jame Version that I seldom use. I did not need another copy. I did not want another copy. It was a gift.

It’s a larger edition KJV Bible with gold gilding, multiple ribbons and an excellent genuine leather cover (not bonded leather). It has many nice features, and it looks good, smells good, and feels good to the touch. I looked it up online and found that it is an expensive edition. It was a gift.

It was not given so that I could find it a new home. It was a gift...to me.

It was given to me by an older friend with whom I had studied the Bible. Our friendship grew out of our mutual love for the Lord. When she heard that my family and I were moving away, she wanted to give me a gift to show her love and appreciation. She gave a beautiful, expensive Bible

I do not know if buying such an expensive Bible was a burden to her. Nevertheless, because it was expensive and brand new, I knew that it meant something to her. It was a costly gift and it was intentional.

Even though I do not need that Bible and though I almost never use it, I keep it. It means something to me. It is called sentimental value. It reminds me of my friend and her sacrifice. It reminds me of our friendship.

Have you ever given a gift that was a dud? It is true that many husbands have made mistakes by choosing gifts for their wives that were practical but not sensible. (Think, vacuum cleaner.) And yet, this is not the ‘dud’ that I am thinking about. Rather, have you ever given a gift that was appropriate yet under-appreciated or even rejected? You were sure it would bring joy, but you could see the disappointment on the person’s face. Maybe there was a kind smile and a “Thank you,” but you knew it was not genuine.

Let’s shift to yet another aspect of gift-giving. Have you ever rejected a gift. Perhaps, you received and accepted the gift, but you later ‘regifted’ it or simply set it aside...rejected. And, unlike my lovely Bible, the gift you received did not hold sentimental value. After all, you had made a list of potential gift ideas, but the gift-giver went ‘off script.’ You felt that the giver had not really listened. You felt disappointment, no joy.

Let’s pause here and agree that gift giving can be complicated. Even so, think about the way you give and how gifts have been presented to you. Think about the joys and the disappointments. Would you agree that, in general, the greater the sacrifice, the more meaningful the gift?

Now, think about God.

God is the giver of all good things. Everyone accepts the gifts God has given through creation, such as, sunshine, rain, natural resources, crops, etc.

The most precious and expensive gift that God gave was His Son Jesus. It was a gift of life for the purpose of fellowship with man. Many want this gift, but few embrace it because it is a gift that has conditions. To embrace God’s gift of life a person must no longer embrace the life this world offers. Only a few are willing to die to this world in order to embrace life eternal.

We, in return, give to God. But what can we possibly give? He’s made it easy by telling us what He expects and accepts. We offer to God: genuine thanks, a broken and contrite spirit (humility), faithfulness, obedience, worship. Even our service to others is regarded as a gift to God: justice, mercy, kindness, physical/financial assistance, even a cup of cold water.

This week, think about your giving, but do so in light of God’s gifts to you.


Mark Stinnett

August 31, 2025

What were Behemoth and Leviathan??

The short answer of the title question is: Uncertain. 

(But these creatures are important!)

Behemoth

The name Behemoth appears in the Bible only once (Job 40:15). Its description is that of a great and powerful creature. Some have suggested that Behemoth is the hippopotamus, while others think it is a reference to a mythological creature with symbolic significance, or perhaps, an extinct dinosaur. Each idea has merit, but also difficulties.

Leviathan

Following a description of Behemoth is a reference to Leviathan (Job 41). It is also a great and powerful creature. While Behemoth appears to have been a land creature, Leviathan was a sea creature. A series of rhetorical questions are asked about Leviathan, each suggesting a fierce creature that man cannot catch or overpower: “Lay your hand on him; remember the battle; you will not do it again!”

Suggestions for the identification of Leviathan range from crocodile to mythological creature to dragon to extinct dinosaur.

Making Sense of Behemoth and Leviathan

More important than the specific identification of these creatures is an understanding of why they appear in Scripture, namely in the book of Job.

God mentions Behemoth and Leviathan in a response to the man Job. It is possible that each creature symbolized something in the minds of the people of that day, similar to the way that a lion symbolizes courage to us.

Up to this point in the book, Job had endured terrible misfortune with regard to his family, his wealth, and his personal health. His friends were under the impression that since Job was suffering such misfortune, he must have sinned greatly. After all, according to their thinking, good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. However, Job insisted that his misfortune was not the result of sin. He was quite sure that if he could bring his case before God, the great Judge would vindicate him.

God did answer Job, but not as Job expected. Prior to mentioning Behemoth and Leviathan, God posed dozens of rhetorical questions to Job about creation. (See chapters 38 & 39.) God appears to have been pressing the point: I am Creator; you are not. Job understood and recognized his insignificance in comparison to his Creator. However, God was not finished.

Continuing to exalt Himself (It’s ok for God to do that; it’s not pride but truth.), God said: “Behold now, Behemoth, which I made as well as you…” (40:15). Then after a lengthy description, rich with symbolism of greatness and power, God concluded, “Can anyone capture him…?”

Then God spoke of Leviathan, presumably a creature that He had also made. It was a fierce creature that could not be caught or subdued by man. God concluded about Leviathan, “He looks on everything that is high; he is king over all the sons of pride.” (41:34) In other words, no one, not even man in his greatness, can match the power and fierceness of Leviathan.

Using two great and powerful creatures that God had created, Behemoth and Leviathan, His simple message to Job was, “You, little man, wish to bring your petty case of suffering before Me as Judge? I am Creator!”

God boldly asserted truth: “I am Creator; justice is mine.” In that, Job could rely on God’s justice even when he had experienced grave injustices. 

We may never know how to accurately identify these mysterious creatures. However, we can trust that our exalted Creator renders justice in all matters.

Mark Stinnett

August 24, 2025

"Holier Than Thou" ??

“Oh, you just think you’re better than everyone else!”

That’s how I’ve heard it. It’s usually said during a heated religious discussion or when someone is being corrected (and they don’t want to be corrected). It is a way of deflecting correction, halting the discussion, and shifting attention in a different direction.

Over the years it has been said that three areas should be avoided in conversation: sex, religion and politics. They are subjects of controversy where people have deep-seeded beliefs that they do not wish to have challenged. Add to that the that most people simply do not take correction well. After all, who wants to be told, “You’re wrong!”?

So, a simple defense mechanism is to attack back, “You just think you’re better than everyone else.” Or, “You think you are holier than everyone else.” Such a counterattack often disarms the other person so that they feel they must defend themselves against that accusation.

What would happen if when attacked back, a person agreed, “Yes, I am”?

“I am holy. I am not better, but I am holy.”

Let me explain…

In recent decades Christians have blurred the line between the saved and the sinner. For most, I think, it comes from a genuine desire to relate to others and share the goodness of God and His mercy. We do not want to appear arrogant in our Christianity. So, we try to relate to others: “I’m a sinner, just like everyone else.”

In one sense, that is a true statement. We can even quote Scripture: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Or, “There is none righteous, not even one.” (Romans 3:10) There it is, biblical proof that we are all in the same boat, all sinners. We think that helps us to be more relatable. I’m not sure that the result has been what we expected.

We don’t need to explain the two verses quoted above. In fact, even without those direct statements from Scripture, every human who is able to assess his conscience knows that he is a sinner. How do we know? Every adult has, at one time or another, violated his own conscience. He has done or said something that he believed to be morally wrong. Guilty! And yet…

From Acts 9 forward, Christians are referred to as saints more than any other descriptive term in the Bible. The word saint means ‘holy one,’ that is, one who is set apart, namely, set apart to God as one who was formerly dead in his sins but now alive in Christ. So, you are a saint; you ARE holier than those who are not in Christ. So, we can say with a humble and thankful heart, “Yes! I AM holier than thou,” yet, I am not better than anyone else. So, holiness is not a license for arrogance, but for humble thanksgiving.

The Apostle Paul began his letter to the Christians in Corinth: 

To those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling,….

King David recognized the beauty of being a saint…

As for the saints who are in the earth,

They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.

--Psalm 16:3

As a saint in Christ, you must embrace the different direction that you have taken in life. You are no longer lost in sin. You have been found by the grace of God. That defines your acceptance by God and His purpose for your life. It is true that you are not better than anyone else. However, you are better off. God has made you holy in Christ! Humbly embrace your sainthood!

Mark Stinnett

August 17, 2025

Instruction for Life

Not long ago I took a break for lunch at a favorite fast food restaurant. Seated directly behind me was a grandmother-granddaughter pair. I was not aware of the music coming over the speakers until Grandma informed her granddaughter: “This is not real country music. Real country music was sung by Johnny Cash.” She went on to name others of that era and continued, “Real country music makes you feel something.” (Long pause.) “It makes you think.” The lesson continued.

I call it a ‘lesson’ because Grandma was teaching the little girl (no more than three years old) the definition of good music and its value. I cannot help but think that there will be similar lessons to follow, lessons to reinforce the important truth taught that day. Grandma will someday pass from this earth and whether that little girl embraces real country music or she marches to her own drumbeat, I cannot predict. However, this lesson will undoubtedly be remembered as being of great importance to Grandma.

I cannot help but think that the grandmother practiced what she preached and listened to real country music. That would be another vitally important component of teaching:

1. Model the values, attitudes and behavior that you wish pass on.
2. Verbally express your values, attitudes and behaviors. After all, people, and especially kids, do not always understand your example.

Paul’s instruction, “whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7), may be applied to teaching. It applies to both verbal instruction and the lessons one models through example.

In my opening illustration, grandma thought it important to teach her granddaughter about country music. I reflected on the content of the lessons that I had taught my children.

Paul’s instruction to fathers about the content of parental instruction is compact: “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) There are many valuable life lessons. Yet, many have value only in this life. They are not the specific content of “the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” They are more often based on one’s life experience and home-spun philosophy. That is not what Paul meant.

The entire Bible is filled with the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Instruction is the verbal/written aspect of teaching while discipline is the hand-on, practical application of God’s teaching. Throughout Scripture we receive instruction on honesty, integrity, faith, morality, self-control, godliness, generosity, service, love of God, love of others, and more.

The ‘stories’ in the Bible are also important. Noah teaches faithfulness, patience, and gratitude. David (and Goliath) teaches faith and courage. Ruth teaches faithfulness. Nebuchadnezzar teaches humility (in contrast to great pride). The stories teach us something about the character of man but also God’s expectation of good character. We need to tell the stories, but we must not forget the lessons taught by those important examples. At the same time, we must not forget how God’s interaction with people teaches valuable lessons about His divine character.

You might say that every person’s life declares, “This is how to live life.”

Eyes are watching; ears are listening.

So, what are you teaching by your example? What lessons will continue to ring in the ears of your children, grandchildren and those who knew you? Make sure that you are providing instruction of eternal value.

Mark Stinnett

August 10, 2025

Mining the Scriptures

Anyone who is interested in genuinely understanding God’s word knows that Bible study requires time and effort; much time, much hard work.

I had a favorable experience several years ago when preparing for a Bible class in which Matthew 24 & 25 was to be considered. I was puzzled because the text seemed to refer to two different things with no apparent break between. I was eventually able to resolve my issues and answer my questions by applying three important elements of study:

Saturation: 

This is about the careful examination of a verse or passage or topic. You look at every angle asking questions and refining ideas. You are keenly aware of the difficulties as well as the details of the biblical material. You allow it to constantly turn over in your mind when reading or studying other passages/topics. Even unrelated studies are evaluated for a possible clue to understanding. The material and questions are always fresh.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And in His law he meditates day and night.

—Psalm 1:2

Timing: 

Have you ever experienced sudden insight into a passage of scripture that you had read many times before? Why were you able to understand more that day than before?

It may be simple timing.

Often a change in circumstances provides a heightened awareness of a need. Passages that answer that need seem to stand out. Some scriptures are better understood when a person is an adult, or when married, or with children. I wonder how aging may open my eyes to truths unseen before.

Financial difficulties, loss of job, health issues, or the death of a loved one can all give a person never-before-seen truths or greater clarity. Some passages are difficult simply because we are not ready to understand fully. The timing has not yet been right. Profitable study takes time, much time.

These things His disciples did not understand at the first; but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him….

—John 12:16

Outside help: 

Do you expect an explanation about Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and other Bible resources?

I am thinking about prayer and the Holy Spirit!

Bible resource materials are useful and should be consulted, but not first. Commentaries, Bible dictionaries and other resources are produced by men. Before turning to man’s resources it is wise to search for meaning and understanding in the immediate text and within the context of the Bible as a whole. Listen to God first. Then pray for understanding. He has given us His Holy Spirit to assist us.

Ask and it shall be given to you.

—Matthew 7:7

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

—Luke 11:13

God’s word was revealed to us for understanding, not to confuse. So, apply yourself and study. The reward is immeasurable.

Mark Stinnett

August 3, 2025

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