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

A Forgiving Spirit

Forgiveness is difficult. Forgiveness is not fair. Yet, justice demands that the one who offends another pay for his offence.

Justice cries out, “An eye for an eye.” Justice demands equity. Equity demands restoration, but you simply cannot un-ring the bell. Even when the thief returns stolen goods, the theft still occurred. It cannot be undone.

Relationships are affected; trust is broken. Justice is never completely served. In the “eye for an eye” system of justice, equity demands a second injury after the first, but does it never equal the first?

When justice is demanded, does it ever satisfy? Does it take away the hurt and repair the damage? Does it balance out the wrong done?

We must realize that mankind is unjust. For that reason, no one deserves justice (fairness) from others. In contrast, God is just and He alone can demand justice. He is just because He is by nature pure and holy.

Forgiveness may appear to be the opposite of justice. However, God is, by nature, just; and God is, by nature, forgiving. He is not schizophrenic as if His justice personality and His forgiving personality battle each other. Both are part of His nature and He is not in conflict with Himself.

If we were to compare ourselves to God, we would see that we are flawed and incomplete. Such reflection should affect our attitudes toward others.

We desire forgiveness from God, and we desire forgiveness from other people. Every one has given in to sin yet desires mercy and forgiveness. Every one of us has wronged someone and yet we desire that they extend forgiveness. 

So, what does it mean to ask for forgiveness?

When I ask you to forgive me, it is because I have done something to hurt you; I have committed a wrong against you. To ask forgiveness is to ask you to bear the pain of that wrong and release me from the debt I owe. I am asking you to go on living as if the wrong had never occurred.

There are three grossly unfair aspects to forgiveness.

• First, the forgiver bears the pain.
• Second, the offender goes free.
• Third, the forgiver may be shamed and appears guilty.

Jesus taught that forgiveness has no restrictions. What limitation do you find in the following statement?

If you do not forgive men, your Father will not forgive your transgressions. 

—Matthew 6:15

When Jesus was crucified, He asked God to forgive his murderers. In reality, He asked God to place their guilt on Him. He would bear the pain; He would bear the shame; He would appear to be the criminal.

Jesus recognized that the people who crucified Him did not understand what they were doing. Do not take that statement lightly. Is it possible for us to adopt the same understanding about those who hurt us? They really do not know what they are doing. The question is whether we really know what we are doing when we refuse to forgive...and when we do forgive.

As saints in Christ, when we are faced with a decision to forgive, we should remember that we have been forgiven by God. It is true that nothing is fair about forgiveness! However, when we forgive, we are just like the Lamb of God who has taken away our sins.

Pursue a forgiving spirit. 

Pursue the heart of Christ.


Mark Stinnett

March 23, 2025

Starting from Scratch

You are not really interested in my sermon prep but stick with me. This was an accidental eye-opener for me that may impact your personal study.

The text was 1 Corinthians 9 where the Apostle Paul wrote: “To the weak I became weak that I might win the weak.” I wondered if the same Greek term for weak was used in James 5:14, a difficult verse which had been part of a recent study. I looked and discovered that the word was the same.

At that point I began to wonder how I could work this newly found gem into my sermon. It would support my long-held belief involving a controversial interpretation of James 5:14. After a few failed attempts it suddenly struck me that “I” had gotten in the way of Scripture with my purpose. I let myself guide Scripture instead of Scripture guiding me!
So, what is the point?

When studying the Bible the baggage of life that we each carry can become a distraction. That may include past teaching by parents, friends, trusted preachers, beloved authors, etc. Our perceptions can be tainted by the thinking of our society in our location at our time in history. It can be difficult to approach Scripture with a clear and unbiased mind.

I vividly remember beginning a study on the biblical teaching of baptism. Before opening my Bible and starting from scratch, I prayed for insight and for the ability to be honest with Scripture. I made a personal vow to God that I would follow the text of scripture and that I would change my views and my teachings where necessary. My prayer frightened me. I realized it such an approach would be the moment of truth thinking, “What if…?”

What if I discovered that I had been wrong all these years? How could I face my parents and close relatives? How could I continue preaching and teaching at the same congregation? What would I say to my wife and children?

On one occasion Jesus said:

Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 

--Matthew 10:34

He was not talking about a literal sword and fighting. Rather, he spoke about the cost of discipleship. Just a few verses later He added:

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. (verses 37-38)

When reading and studying God’s word we cannot merely rest on the understanding from parents, friends, preachers, authors, or anyone else. We must engage in our own independent study. The result may be that we have to turn loose of teachings and conclusions from our past. It may mean clarifying teachings that have not been fully understood. We are each responsible for our understanding of the Bible. So, whether it is a passage of text like 1 Corinthians 9, a topic like baptism, or a question on a current social issue, mom and dad must not stand in the way of God’s word. Trusted people and fine Bible resources must not stand in the way of God’s word. And certainly, “I” must not stand in the way of God’s word. Ultimately, we must each start from scratch in our journey with the Lord.

That is not to say that we can trust no one in our study. Rather, it is to emphasize one’s personal responsibility in his study and his response to God. Only with sincerity and devotion will you be counted worthy of Jesus.


Mark Stinnett

March 16, 2025

Faithfulness

I remember preachers pounding the pulpit urging Christians to “be faithful until death” (Revelation 2:10). What does that mean?

Perhaps it is an oversimplification, but you could say that it means that a Christians should not be unfaithful to Christ. (Hmm. Not helpful.)

We understand faithfulness in marriage; it has a twofold meaning. First, the husband and wife both bring to the marriage all that makes marriage a marriage. Second, neither one adds to the marriage something that would pollute the marriage. 

Faithfulness also carries the idea of duration. So, in a marriage, husband and wife commit to each other for the duration of life.

Behind the actions of faithfulness is an attitude of faithfulness. A person intends to be faithful and does not deviate from that intention.

As an illustration, consider…

Many years ago my older sister and I left home at the end of our Christmas break to return to college. There was a blanket of snow on the ground as we began our trip south. Along the way the snow-covered highway became an ice-covered highway. Though driving slowly and carefully, I lost control. We spun around and slid into a ditch, the car pointing north. A kind man in a truck stopped and pulled us out of the ditch. There was no damage to the car and we resumed our journey south to college.

Question: At what point were we headed back home?

• The car slid off the road…heading home?
• The car was pointed north…heading home?
• We were pulled northward out of the ditch…heading home?
• We were a bit shaken up…heading home?

Though we had left the path there was never a point in which we intended to go back home. The mishap and the physical orientation of the car did not indicate a change of heart. Our intentions were always college bound (southbound). In fact, we later pulled off the road intentionally and looked for a place to eat, yet we were still on our way to college.

The illustration simply emphasizes that a person can be faithful to a choice, yet also experience setbacks along the way. Even then, faithfulness has the quality of perseverance and singlemindedness.

In short, faithfulness to Christ means no turning back from one’s choice to follow Christ. Once a devoted disciple to Christ, a Christian never quits, never returns to his former way of thinking and living.

Faithfulness also means, Christ only. There is no room for another Lord. You cannot mix Christianity with another religion or mix in another philosophy or mix in ungodly attitudes and sinful behaviors. The Bible never teaches “Christ…and,” rather, Christ alone.

In the Old Testament God is sometimes described as a jealous God. The Apostle Paul explained:

There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

—Ephesians 4:5-6

Faithfulness is ALL Christ,

     ONLY Christ,

          ALWAYS Christ,

               NO MATTER THE COST...Christ.

Mark Stinnett

March 9, 2025

Is 'Free Speech' from God?

Free speech: It’s our first amendment right...right?

The forefathers of our nation saw fit to guarantee all Americans the right to free speech. It protects the free and public expression of the opinions of citizens from censorship, interference, or restraint by the government.

Because of its brevity and broad interpretation, the free speech clause of the first amendment has been tested in court cases including issues concerning commercial advertising, burning the U.S. flag, wearing military medals by non-military people, publishing materials anonymously, publishing obscene materials, taxation of media, and more. Decisions handed down by the courts have often protected the publication of false statements, classified government documents, and pornography. What began as good has been used by some for evil.

What do you think God thinks about free speech?

While the first amendment is more about governmental interference in the lives of her citizens, God is interested in relationships and truth. For that reason, we ought to give careful thought as to how we use our free speech.

Found in a list of sinful practices that oppose godliness is malicious gossip. (2 Timothy 3:3). The word that the Apostle Paul used was about making false and harmful statements about others. In the same list he also warned about reviling, the use of abusive speech against others such as mockery or the spreading of harmful statements whether true or not.

Paul warned about boasting in Romans 1:30. The word that he used was about making false statements to elevate oneself. In the same list is untrustworthy, describing someone who agrees to do something but does not keep his word. The laws of the land might not prosecute you for boasting or being untrustworthy, but God sees those as evil.

You would think that God did not have to tell His people that lying was evil. And yet, it seems that we need reminders. For that reason, lying is explicitly forbidden in Scripture in numerous passages. It is also at the core of boasting, breaking promises, gossip, slander, deception, and other sins of the tongue. Paul identified liars as unrighteous people in 1 Timothy 1:10 and then added, “and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching.”

Sound teaching is wholesome teaching. The expected result of wholesome teaching is love and godliness. So, any kind of speech that does not produce love and godliness stands in opposition to God and His goals.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,” Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:29. We must not play games with God. We must consider what we say and how we say it. That applies to flaming emails, social media rants, judgmental political statements, and similar things.

We sometimes act as if exercising our civil liberties is of greater importance than maintain our relationship with God and others. We also sometimes forget the value of truth. Parental wisdom has taught, “Think before you speak.” That wisdom comes from God; free speech does not.

Mark Stinnett

March 2, 2025

Wise Eyes

Two young boys, brothers, walked up to the banks of a river while on a camping trip. Surveying the wide river they both imagined themselves playing in the water. Just as the younger brother kicked off his shoes and started for the water, the older warned, “You’d better not go in; remember what dad said.”

Hesitating, the younger brother replied: “It looks pretty good to me. I don’t see a problem.”

With another reminder from the older brother, they stopped and spent their time skipping rocks on the water.

What stopped them from going in?

They were the ones at the river. They had firsthand knowledge. They could see no dangers. Yet, they hesitated. They stopped. They listened to the voice of their father echoing in their ears.

We are often like the young boys. We might approach life like a wide inviting river. We want to kick off our shoes and wade in without a care in the world. Our eyes are open. We see no dangers.

We stand at the side of life's river. We can see that everything is safe. But our heavenly Father has warned us.

The boys could not see the dangers their father knew to exist. The same is true of us. We often cannot see the dangers that our heavenly Father knows to exist.

Fear stopped the boys, fear of their father. There was an element of scared fear, but they were not simply afraid. They knew their father and held him in high esteem. There was trust and respect and an understanding of potential consequences for disobedience. Fear. Respect. Honor.

Reverence and awe are not merely worship words. They are descriptive of our view of God every day and in all circumstances. Reverence and awe for God and His word will direct our feet to safety and steer us away from evil.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

--Proverbs 3:7

Do you have wise eyes?

Mark Stinnett

February 23, 2025

Where Are You Living?

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
--Ecclesiastes 7:10

Looking Back
This verse is about looking back. When life’s trials loom before us (job loss, family issues, lengthy illness, death, etc.), it is easy to drift in to the past. Missed opportunities can also weigh heavily. “Yesteryear” was easier. Life was simpler then.

Who do you know that often relives the ‘glory days’ of high school or college? Every conversation soon turns to that ‘great’ event of the past or the way it was.

“Those were the good ol’ days.”


This kind of thinking, Solomon said, does NOT come from wisdom.

Looking Forward
The other side of now is also addressed in Scripture. James wrote about those who make future business plans without taking into consideration the brevity of life. As an alternative to boasting about one’s future:

Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and also do this or that.” 

--James 4:15

The emphasis is not as much about the planning as it is the uncertainty of life. You do not know if you will live until tomorrow. Tomorrow is in the Lord’s hands. So, boasting about tomorrow’s plans is futile. Some people live in tomorrow pouring their thoughts and efforts into uncertain outcomes to the extent that they forget to live today.

Ah! Vacations!
You may remember vacations that would qualify as “the good ol’ days.” Each day’s agenda: play, play, eat, play. There were no responsibilities.

Ah! The early years!
What about the first few years of marriage? New wife, new job, bright future, great vegetable garden, new baby, good friends. What was so good about the early years of marriage? We remember the good but hardships and mistakes are often remembered with laughter.

Ah! The prospects of tomorrow!
Planning for the future can be quite fun, but speculative. Why? It has its feet firmly planted in...“if.”

Ugh! Today!
Many people are weary of the reality of today before it even beings. Today is filled with responsibilities and obstacles of many kinds. That’s no fun.

Wisdom From Above
Solomon teaches us that it is unwise to live in the past, while James reminds us of the uncertainty of tomorrow, that it is also unwise to live in the future. We are not taught to shut our eyes to the past or to the future. We should learn from the past. Whatever our future on earth holds, we can look forward in hope to our eternal home. Yet it is important to live now.

Look back! Laugh. Evaluate. Enjoy memories. Just don’t live there.
Look forward! Dream. Make plans. But don’t live there either.

The past is gone. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Today is reality. Today is your residence. Today is where your friends and family exist. Today is life. Meet the challenges and responsibilities of each day head on.

For a New Testament perspective on past, present and future, read Romans 5:1-5. Then, persevere through the hardships and consider how God is refining you into someone better.

Today, where are you living?

Mark Stinnett

February 16, 2025

Awesome!

Years ago some college friends and I took a trip out west. I had grown up where the tallest mountains were the nearby Ozarks of northeast Arkansas. (My friends had grown up with similar 'mountain' experiences.)

We were all anxious to see real mountains. While the Ozarks possessed their own charm, they could not compare to the majesty of the Rocky Mountains. From many miles away we saw the distant Rockies on the horizon as the seemed to grow larger and larger.

Still miles away we became more and more aware that the Rockies were far more beautiful, far more majestic, and far more breath-taking than anything any of us had seen before. We leaned forward in the car and looked from side to side to try and take it all in.

Peppered in among long periods of silence were brief expressions: “Awesome.” “Incredible.” “Amazing.” We were still far away.

At some point there was only silence in the car. Our language failed to provide adjectives suitable to describe what our eyes beheld. We were overwhelmed. We could only gaze.
____________

I think that most people in the world are rather unimpressed with God. I wonder if many people, even some Christians, just look at God somewhat at a distance. I wonder if we are just too busy to look at God. Many are busy working out doctrinal questions. Some are busy serving others or planning and doing church work. Some are just busy. Much of our ‘busy-ness’ is important. However, do you ever stop...and just gaze at God?
____________

My friends and I reasoned and agreed that it is impossible to fully capture the majesty of the Rocky Mountains through a camera lens. There are many stunning photographic representations of the Rockies. Yet, none capture the essence of beauty seen by the human eye.
____________

I think many people look at God through a lens of doctrine or a lens of service or a lens of kindness or a lens of judgment or perhaps some other lens. Their view may be true, but limited. Sometimes it is worthwhile to stop…
     ...and without a lens
     ...and not trying to figure something out
     ...just gaze toward God.


   You can see God in His creation.

        You can see God in the Law of Moses.

             You can see God in his anger.

                  You can see God in his mercy.

             You can see God in the prophets.

        You can see God in Christ.

   You can see God in His church.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

“Then the Lord God formed man out of the dust of the ground...
...and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.”
—Genesis 1:1; 2:7

Stop and gaze…
     What do you see?


Mark Stinnett

February 9, 2025

The Backdrop

Science is wonderful. Science has helped us understand the laws of nature, the elements, our solar system, and the known universe.

Through the pursuit of scientific discovery we have enjoyed many benefits through inventions and processes that have helped us grow food more efficiently, mechanize repetitive tasks, enjoy better health; explore farther into space, deeper into the oceans, and into infinitesimally small particles of matter.

Our lives are easier than the lives of our parents and grandparents. We have harnessed the power of water and electricity and the atom, although we have not explained all their mysteries. We continue to advance new discoveries, amassing libraries of knowledge in every aspect of our existence, all because of science. Yet, even with such advancement and tremendous progress, we are still mesmerized by science and scientists.

We are beholden to the latest scientific report that has advanced a medical treatment, probed the human mind, explained a societal trend, or explained a mystery from our past. We are still learning and we accept these reports as factual information. Science.

Science is not at fault for our idolatry; we are. Only a few centuries ago mankind moved from thinking dominated by superstition. We moved into a rational way of thinking about our world and have been conditioned to accept the results of scientific inquiry for quite some time. After all, science does not allow an individual’s personality, whims, preferences, or mood swings to influence it. Science boasts the removal of emotion, subjective impressions, and anything bordering on fantasy. Science is neutral. Science is honest. Science is true.

Scientific discovery is based on the scientific method that demands the unbiased observation and analysis of measurable things. For many years our society has worshipped this presumed objectivity to the point of believing almost every declaration made by modern science.

In this way, for generations, science has been the backdrop against which man understands himself and his universe.

However, since science is not equipped with instruments with which it can observe, measure, and analyze beyond the material universe, a tension exists between science and religion. Many, perhaps, most scientists have concluded that God is a myth conjured up by ancient man to explain things not understood. Spirituality, some say, is little more than a psychological phenomenon to explain or pacify one’s anxiety.

Science is wonderful, and yet, it leaves an emptiness within every person. Science cannot answer basic questions about reality found in the heart of man, questions such as...

• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• How/where can I find meaning?
• What is good? Is evil really evil?
• Does anything exist after death?

In truth, it is God who stands as the backdrop against which man finds understanding of himself, the universe, and his place in the universe. It is not man who explains God, but God who gives meaning and understanding to man. It was not man who created God, but God who created man And revealed himself to man….

In the beginning . . . God!

Mark Stinnett

February 2, 2025

What Do You Know about Satan?

The title question might grab your attention, but the real question is, “How much do you need to know about Satan?”

The latter question may be easier to answer than you think, and the answer is not full of speculation. You need to know only what God has revealed about Satan. The simple reason is that only God is trustworthy. After all, Satan is a deceiver, so he might not tell the truth about himself. Are humans more reliable? Where would a person go to obtain knowledge about Satan? If our knowledge of Satan is not from God, how can it be trusted?

People have many questions about Satan. Surely, we are not to be experts in evil. So, trust that God has given us all that we need to know.

The Bible refers to Satan in several ways. One key verse is found in Revelation 12:9.

And the dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world….

The dragon figuratively represented Satan. We also learn that the serpent of old was Satan. That is none other than the serpent who deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. He is also called the devil. There are other ways Satan is identified or described:

• Jesus called him the father of lies because speaking lies is his nature. (John 8:44)
• He is referred to as the prince of the power of the air and in this capacity he is “the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 2:2)
• Satan is undoubtedly the one Jesus referred to as “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31).
• Jesus referred to Satan as “the ruler of demons” (Matthew 12:24-29), to which the Jews gave a derogatory nickname that has various spellings and meanings: Beelzebul, Beelzebub, Beelzeboul.

The devil is described by Peter as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He may roar at times, but when a lion is prowling, “seeking someone to devour,” he is silent and cunning. (Similar behavior is seen in common feline house pets.) Peter’s defensive instruction is to “resist him, firm in your faith.” James is a little more expressive:

Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

—James 4:7

The Apostle Paul wrote about spiritual forces of wickedness that exist in the heavenly places, or heavenlies. This is not ‘heaven’ but a non-material existence for spirit beings, both good and evil. That may explain how Satan was able to approach God and make accusations regarding Job. It may also explain how Satan knew who Jesus was when he came to Him to tempt Him, and how demons recognized Jesus as the Messiah and the Son of God. (See Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:24; Luke 4:41.)

Based on the references to Satan in the books of Job and Revelation, Satan is restrained. God has authority and power over Satan. That is how God can assure us that we will not be tempted beyond what we are able to endure. (See 1 Corinthians 10:13.) In addition, Satan and his demons will ultimately be destroyed in the lake of fire, a reference to hell.

Of the many questions that remain about Satan, they amount to nothing in light of the fact that Satan is a real influence in the world today. We must recognize that he is a liar and his deceit can be very subtle. Our defense is in training our minds and our hearts with the word of God, the truth.

Mark Stinnett

January 26, 2025

Discipline with Integrity

I don’t know how well it will work, but I know that it’s right. (I am thinking about discipline as it applies to children in the home.)

My leading statement might not instill great confidence. However, there is a reason for making the statement: Kids make choices. By that, I mean that even perfect parenting will yield varied results. You might remember what God said to one of his prophets: “You shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you; and you shall call to them, but they will not answer you.” (Jeremiah 7:27) Like the people of God at the time of Jeremiah, children do not always listen, even when parents do everything right. Like all humans, children make choices and their independence grows with age.

Parenting is not hopeless, however. There are principles of discipline that should be followed. But first, what is discipline? 

In the Bible, discipline starts with simple instruction. It also includes training by modeling and by hands-on attempts by the child. Discipline also includes verbal correction, rebuke and physical consequences that may range from removing privileges, applying unwanted circumstances, and yes, even spanking. So, discipline is a very broad category.

There are a few principles that apply to all types of discipline in all kinds of circumstances:

• Make no idle threats. Never threaten a consequence that you cannot carry out or that you know you will not carry out. When you lie to your children about discipline, your children will also learn to lie.
• If you agree to something, do it. If you do not keep your word, children learn that it is ok to say things and not really mean what they say. That is simply a lengthy way of describing a lie. Children see through lies.
• If it is morally right in the Bible, then it should be right in your home. Model what is right and demand it in your children.
• If it is morally wrong in the Bible, then it should be wrong in your home. Among other things, the Bible teaches that children are expected to honor and obey their parents, and tell the truth. Parents who do not discipline a child for lying, disobedience and/or dishonor have placed themselves above God. Children will see that their parents do not regard God’s word highly.

The way parents discipline their children will reflect their view of God and His word.

Discipline has two primary goals:

• First, discipline is the means by which a parent keeps a child on the path of righteousness. Much can be learned from the book of Proverbs where discipline is a prominent theme. Ultimately, righteousness leads the child to the cross of Christ where he/she is then encouraged to follow Jesus.
• Second, discipline in the home trains a child to be self-disciplined. A child who has learned self-discipline is far more likely to be happy, creative, successful, and well-adjusted as an adult. A complete lack of discipline promotes instinctive behavior like that found in wild animals.

People differ in their viewpoint of child discipline and how it is to be applied. However, Integrity in discipline is about following God’s instruction in spite of everyone else’s opinions.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, 

but he who hates correction is stupid.

—Proverbs 12:1 (NIV)

Mark Stinnett

January 19, 2025

Here We Go Again!

In the church mail box came a mailer with the following message: “Inside: Two bombshell events the Bible says are dead ahead!” On the back was a chart that grossly misinterpreted some of the prophecies in Daniel as if they would be fulfilled in our day. They will NOT!

Yet again, an end-of-time/‘rapture’ forecaster has interpreted biblical prophecies to point to a time in his present day. I have never once heard one of these prognosticators shout to their generation: “Warn your great-grandchildren; in yet 100 years the prophecy will be fulfilled.” I have never heard one of them prophesy to another nation about things 200 or 300 years future. Never. It is always going to happen in the near present...and time and time again, the predictions have failed.

The Good

The good thing is that we can read the Bible and apply simple principles of interpretation to discover the divinely revealed truth. We can know the audience to which God’s prophecies were directed. In addition, we can determine either when or what kinds of conditions would make the fulfillment of the prophecy recognizable.

As for the prophecies in the book of Daniel, God actually named three of the four nations (all world empires) that would receive divine judgment: Babylon, Persia, and Greece. The fourth nation to receive God’s judgment would follow Greece, so, obviously, Rome. God also revealed a rather startling message to Daniel about his own people, the Jews. God told Daniel that the Jews would be judged. God judged the nation of the Jews in dramatic fashion in 70 A.D.

The overall message of the prophecies in Daniel is encapsulated in Daniel 2:44-45. The prophecy was about a future kingdom that was not of this world, in other words, the kingdom of God. The simple message: There would come a time when the people of God would no longer be ruled by men and the kingdoms of men. All of that is now history. Fulfillment of the new kingdom prophecy is described in Acts 2. It is a spiritual kingdom, not of this earth, just as Jesus said.

The Bad

The misapplication of biblical prophecy may give some people false hope. Taken at face value, those who teach that there will be a rapture before the final end of the world give false hope. Those who have no interest in God recognize that they will probably be spared and given yet another chance. So why turn to God now!?

At the same time, it scares some people. In the mailer that I received, warnings were given that included the use of digital currency, travel restrictions, worldwide vaccines. One must use a wide brush with broad strokes of biblical interpretation to paint conclusions such as those. Again, they are human interpretations!

The Ugly

At least as bad, perhaps worse, these kinds of predictions undermine the true message of Scripture when the modern-day prophets get it wrong. A watching world, concludes, “Here we go again! It’s another one of those Bible-believing quacks.” It gives Christianity a black eye and for those who already have a healthy skepticism, they lose interest in the Bible.

And by the way, the mailer gave a phone number and Internet address for a product catalog. Millions will be missing! Billions will die! But get your product catalog today! (Eye roll.)

The Bible says...

But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for 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

Mark Stinnett

January 5, 2024