My Grandpa’s Naïve Generation (chuckle)

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

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

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

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

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

—1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

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

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

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

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

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

--Psalm 24:3-4

You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

--1 Peter 1:13

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

--1 Thessalonians 4:7

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

--Matthew 5:6

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

--2 Corinthians 5:21

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

--1 Peter 3:11

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

And that’s no laughing matter in any generation.

Mark Stinnett

June 15, 2025

What's the Problem with Sin?

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

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

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

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

--James 1:13

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sin IS terrible. 

Sin IS repulsive. 

Is it time to reevaluate your desires?

Mark Stinnett

June 8, 2025

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

Part 5: Honor

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

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

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

How do you teach honor??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stinnett

June 1, 2025

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

Part 4: Teaching Moments

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

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

--Ephesians 6:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stinnett

May 25, 2025

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

Part 3: Spiritual Leader

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

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

--Ephesians 6:4

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

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

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

But what about their souls??

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

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

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

--Deuteronomy 6:5-7

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

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

Mark Stinnett

May 18, 2025

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

Part 2: Disciplinarian

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

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

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

--Ephesians 6:4

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stinnett

May 11, 2025

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

Part 1: Head of the Home

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

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

--Ephesians 6:4

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

--Colossians 3:21

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

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

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

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

A father can exasperate his children…

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

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

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

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


Mark Stinnett

May 4, 2025

The Struggle Is Real!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Ephesians 6:10

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

Mark Stinnett

April 27, 2025

The Last Doughnut?

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

I indulged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stinnett

April 20, 2025

That's Enough!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not enough…

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

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

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

But Deity had a plan…

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

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

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

                                           That IS Enough.

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

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

Mark Stinnett

April 13, 2025

The Good Son

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stinnett

April 6, 2025

The White Flag of Surrender

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

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

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

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

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

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

How can we surrender like Paul?

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

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

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

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

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

 —2 Peter 1:3

Mark Stinnett

March 30, 2025

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