The Gift of Motherhood

When I was young, Dad preached for 10 years. So, I heard about 1,000 of his sermons. I can distinctly remember only four:

• The one when he knocked over the vase of flowers sitting beside the podium.
• The one when he accidentally spit out his dentures...and caught them!
• The one when he called me to the front for misbehaving.
• The one on mercy.

I learned many lessons in life from my dad, but most of them were not from his sermons, and most of them were after college. The overwhelming majority of life’s lessons were learned in the home...in the kitchen...from my mom. Some of those lessons are as vivid today as if they had occurred yesterday; a lesson on lying and deceit, and one on pride. (Yes, I was guilty on both occasions.) Yet, most lessons were hidden in the myriad of mundane day-to-day activities and rather boring conversations.

Without taking her hands out of the dishwater or even glancing my direction she would instill a better attitude, correct childish reasoning, or question a faulty plan. There was nothing so profound as to be written down; nothing so wise as to be quoted. Yet, lessons, dozens and dozens of lessons, life lessons, taught, repeated, and lived out in practice each day.

My purpose is not to glorify my mother, but to magnify the God-given role of motherhood.

The Apostle Paul instructed Timothy concerning the role of women, but his instruction is not widely accepted today, even in the church. Paul reminded Timothy of Eve’s place in the creation order, and also of the deception of Eve. It is clear in the creation narrative that things changed for women as a result of Eve’s sin, and that change remains in force today. Then Paul made a rather remarkable statement:

But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

--1 Timothy 2:15

Surely, Paul was not referring to ‘labor and delivery’ but rather the role of motherhood. You see, God did not strike Eve down and call for a ‘do-over’ so that he could create a ‘new and improved’ Evelyn for Adam. God extended mercy to Eve and to all women in the role of motherhood.

‘Mom’ is one of the greatest influences, if not the greatest influence, on the life of every person. Mothers instill values deep within a child which will last a lifetime.

Dads, you have the responsibility of making sure your children love and honor their mother. Your task does not necessarily end after they leave home. Do your part to help your wife fulfill her role as mother.

Children, most of you have a mother who is there for you more than dad. In fact, it is easy to see her as usual, boring, and sometimes an obstacle to your otherwise exciting life. Thank God that she is there for your mundane, boring life, day after day after day. I’m serious, thank God for her. She...loves...you! God expects you to love and honor her...EVERY day, not just on Mothers' Day.

Moms, our society does not value the role of motherhood but promotes a self-serving attitude in women. Are you willing to agree with society’s thinking? Think about it. What is more important than the task of nurturing and instructing your own children in the Lord? 

Honor the Lord by taking very seriously your honorable God-given role as mother.

Mark Stinnett

May 10, 2026

Two Dads Are Just Fine??

The statement was displayed on a digital marquee in front of a local church building. I had to slow down and look again wondering if I had read it correctly at first. (You might want to sit down for this one.) The digital message came across in two parts:
   Jesus had two dads…
   And He turned out fine.

What were they thinking!? What were they trying to say!? Were they implying that Jesus was brought up in a home with a same-sex marriage!?

I paused and wondered if I had overreacted or misunderstood at first. I began thinking of plausible explanations for making such a statement. There were none.

The fact that we are currently living in a social and religious climate of tolerance toward homosexuality and same-sex marriage cannot be overlooked. Had the message been posted at another time, perhaps it would have suggested something different, but that is not the case.

So, I wondered whether the person posting the message intended for it to be understood in the context of same-sex marriage, or if perhaps he/she was simply trying to wake people up, initiate dialogue, or use sarcasm. Though trying to give the author the benefit of the doubt, I could not think of any reason that a person would post such a message. My conclusion was that the author was, at best, naïve or, at worst, foolish or insensitive.

I checked in with my teenage daughters: “What!? That’s terrible!” and “Are you kidding me!?” were their replies. My wife made a similar reply; so also a couple of friends. They all, like me, understood the message to promote tolerance for same-sex marriage.

Without a broader context the statement is sure to be understood in light of the current social and religious climate of tolerance. So, within this context, what does the ‘two dads’ statement imply?

• Jesus grew up in a home with two dads.
• ‘Two dads’ implies a same-sex marriage.
• Growing up in a home with ‘two dads’ has no adverse affect on kids. So, same-sex marriage is OK.
• Kids brought up in a home with a same-sex marriage might even turn out like Jesus.

Do you see the gross errors in the conclusion of the original statement? Even those who are tolerant of same-sex marriages should see the idiocy in the lack of reasoning. Consider:

• God and Joseph, the implied ‘two dads,’ were not married.
• God and Joseph were not even of the same nature. (God is spirit; Joseph was human.)
• Joseph was married to a woman, Mary, not God.
• Children who have ‘turned out fine’ do not indicate ‘fine parents.’ Some ‘turn out fine’ in spite of terrible parenting or difficult circumstances.

Christians, there are many things being written and spoken about same-sex marriage and homosexual relationships. Guard yourself from foolish statements like this one that pervert the truth and pull God down to the level of sinful man. Do not be naïve about gross misapplications of biblical truth by words that are cleverly pieced together in order to suggest contrived conclusions. The ‘two dads’ statement is misleading, to say the least. Not only do such statements fly in the face of common sense, they can draw you away from Jesus by confusing you with clever words. 

Be alert!

Mark Stinnett

May 3, 2026

A Reliable Witness??

I was recommended a book a few of years ago in which the author praised his new-found resource that had given him a deeper understanding of the Bible. He went on to talk about his time spent conversing about the Scriptures with Jewish acquaintances.

I have noticed several biblical resources that approach the Scriptures, even the New Testament, from a Jewish point of view. Does that seem odd, a Jewish perspective on the New Testament?

This is not a criticism, but what kind of biblical understanding I should expect from a person who has rejected Jesus as the Christ, and who embraces interpretations of the Old Testament handed down over the centuries.

Those of the Jewish faith can say truthful things. Yet, Jesus rejected the traditions of the Jewish elders of His day. At the same time, the Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day rejected Him and demanded His death. I don’t think the best teacher for a believer in Christ is someone who rejects Jesus as the Christ.

A while back I purchased a new Study Bible. I asked a friend of mine to look it over and give me his opinion. He alerted me to the fact that the primary author of the notes on the Old Testament regarded the Bible as nothing more than ancient literature. The author of the notes believed the message of the Old Testament to be metaphor, not composed of genuine historical content. I would not count that scholar to be a reliable teacher.

Yet, does it really matter?
“YES!” Your source of information has always mattered to God!

Do you know why Jesus rebuked and silenced the demons who correctly and openly identified Him as the Holy One of God (Luke 4:34-35)?

Do you know why Paul rebuked the girl with a spirit of divination who correctly identified him and his missionary companions as bond-servants of the Most High God (Acts 16:16-18)?

Those spirits were described as unclean, evil and demonic. They were not considered to be reliable teachers. They may have been able to say something truthful, but they would not be reliable witnesses in all things. They were not in pursuit of the will of God.

• Will a believer of the Jewish faith lead you to Jesus Christ?
• Will an expert in ancient literature point you to the resurrected Jesus?
• Will a proclaimed believer who openly rebels against God’s word give you enlightenment regarding God and His word?
• Will a sincerely religious person who denies that Jesus is the Son of God be able to take you into the depths of God’s wisdom?
• Will a non-believer strengthen your faith in God and encourage your heart toward your eternal hope?

Is truth important to you? Do you desire a strong faith and a fulfilled hope (expectation)?

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

--Romans 10:17

Paul wrote of the hidden wisdom of God:

For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

--1 Corinthians 2:10

We don’t need a Jewish perspective or a scholarly point of view. 

We have the Spirit of God.


Mark Stinnett

April 26, 2026

Fruit: From a Horticulturist

(The following was adapted from a conversation with friend who is a horticulturist. Her insights are presented followed by my own thoughts in italics.)

Growing fruit costs a plant an enormous amount of energy. Compare the amount of calories/energy in an apple with the leaves and bark of an apple tree, the latter leaving a terrible taste and few calories gained. More energy, flavor, scent, design and color go into the fruit than the rest of the plant. Plants are designed for their fruit to be taken to where it can multiply and grow. It doesn't matter that energy is hard to come by, photosynthesis being the only source. Plants that live year after year store energy to survive the winter dormancy and come back in the spring, but fruit and its seeds are the major channel into which collected energy is funneled.

This illustrates the principle taught by Jesus in the parable of the lost sheep in which a shepherd took great risks to find a lost sheep. God has given great energy and cost to save mankind from sin. How much energy, time, and money will we give for lost sheep?

Fruit is a vehicle for seeds: future plants. While the plant spends an enormous amount of energy on its fruit, the fruit is simply a means of transportation for seeds. The plant's 'goal' by producing fruit is to provide opportunities for more plants like itself to germinate and grow. The fruit itself is used up in the process, eaten or decomposed. Ultimately, a germinated seed is the result of a 'successful' fruit.

Did you ever think of yourself as the fruit of someone else’s efforts in the Lord? While you are directly connected to the vine (the Lord) others have taught, provided examples, and encouraged you. God used other Christians to plant seeds of Christianity in the ‘soil of your heart.’ You, in turn, are constantly dropping seeds on the many types of soil around you. Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV) Do your part in the kingdom of God.

The plant has no control over which fruit/seed becomes another plant. Plants are not concerned with which specific fruit/seeds are successful. They focus on producing as much good fruit/seeds as they can. The more fruit/seeds the plant produces, the better chance that some survive.

Do you try to evaluate the ‘soil’ of other people’s hearts? Jesus didn’t. He preached, taught, healed, and helped all kinds of people. He never looked at someone and decided that they were not a good ‘prospect.’ He simply planted seeds. The Apostle Paul said that he adapted himself to different circumstances in order that he might win some to Christ. (See 1 Corinthians 9:19.)

There are many kinds of fruit. Each plant species produces a different kind of fruit. Each is well-adapted to its environment and designed specifically to be carried by a certain means. Whether by animal, wind, water, or person, each fruit/seed has a successful but often unique way of traveling and becoming a new plant.

You are the ‘touch of Christ’ in your world. You touch your family, friends, fellow Christians, coworkers, neighborhood acquaintances, and many others in a unique way. Just as the Apostle Paul was uniquely suited to carry the gospel to the Gentile world, you may be uniquely suited to plant the seed of God’s word in someone’s heart.

Like nature, our task is not to analyze conditions, past success, or probable future success. God simply asks us to plant and water the seeds of His word. He will provide growth where the soil of the heart is fertile. For now, it is springtime in the kingdom of God, a time for planting and watering.


Mark Stinnett

April 19, 2026

Pick and Choose?

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The truth of God’s word is not dependent upon human compliance.

In God’s word are many instructions regarding life and living. Some are more about an individual’s response to God while others lean more to the way we interact with each other. Whatever the instruction, nothing changes in God’s words if you comply or if you rebel. His instruction remains.

Let me show you an example of what I am thinking about with a statement passed around in recent months on social media. I do not know its source although it is attributed to Rev. Benjamin Cremer. I don’t know if this person really exists, and if so, if he actually said/wrote this. Nevertheless, this quotation and ones like it flood the minds of modern readers.

“If you take the Bible extremely literally about human sexuality, but not about feeding the hungry, bringing good news to the poor, liberating the oppressed, forgiving debts, bringing health to the sick, or loving your neighbor, please don’t act like you take the Bible seriously.”

That sounds good, right? It sounds good and right! Surely, anyone who takes the Bible seriously must be serious about those good works. And yet, you might already see the slight of hand the author attempts.

The author of the quotation has isolated two general activities and set them against each other. On the one hand is ’human sexuality,’ which might be placed in the broad category of holiness. It is about one’s moral response to God. We might even say that it is addressed by the first great command, to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

On the other hand there are ‘acts of service,’ which might be placed in the broad category of love. It is about one’s love for one’s fellow man, something addressed in the second great command.

One of the reasons this quotation sounds as if it is the moral high ground is because the Bible contains something similar. In 1 John 3:17 we read...

Whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

However, let’s flip the original quotation upside down:

“If you take the Bible extremely literally about feeding the hungry, bringing good news to the poor, liberating the oppressed, forgiving debts, bringing health to the sick, or loving your neighbor but not about human sexuality, please don’t act like you take the Bible seriously.”

The way the original quotation reads, morality is set against loving service as if service is superior to morality. Yet, in the second modified version, loving service is set against morality as if morality is superior. Reduced down, both versions ultimately present tension between the first great command and the second. In reality, both commands come from God and do not compete. The second command is developed from the first and complements it.

If we look deeper, both commands are rooted in the character of God. God is holy and demands that we live our lives in holiness and purity. At the same time, God is love and He demands that we live our lives in love and service. In God there is no tension between holiness and love. God is holy in all his decisions and actions and, at the same time, He always acts in love.

So, do you need to love others through service? Absolutely. And also, do you need to maintain holiness through purity in your sexuality and all other aspects of life? Absolutely. Christianity is not a pick and choose menu. You are either a disciple of Jesus in every aspect of your life, or you are not a disciple.

Mark Stinnett

April 12, 2026

All Joked Up!

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His lessons were uplifting, a rich sustaining spiritual feast from God’s word. That was the first time I heard him preach. Then, a few years later, something had changed. He didn’t preach, he just entertained. We opened our Bibles, but the ‘lessons’ were filled with jokes and amusing stories.

• "Well, that’s like the man who…” (one liner) LOL
• “And that reminds me of the little girl who…” (joke) LOL
• “On one occasion when my boys were little….” (Illustration or just another funny? Hard to tell.) LOL

A friend’s daughter tallied 15 ‘funnies’ during the first half of the ‘sermon’ and then lost count. (Compare that to a late night talk show host who begins with a 4-5 minute monologue of humor.)

Jesus: jokester??

John: personal anecdotes??

Peter: one-liners??

Where was Paul’s amusing introduction to draw the crowd’s attention!?

“Jesus taught by telling stories,” we have been told. Yet how do the ‘stories’ that Jesus told compare to the stories told by preachers today? I have never once heard a preacher tell anything like the parables of Jesus that contain inexhaustible spiritual riches.

Almost 2,000 years ago Paul described our times:

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires. 

--2 Timothy 4:3

Too many times I have heard people remember the jokes and stories that preachers tell, yet forget the sermon content. Illustrations can be meaningful and might be amusing. However, when the humor distracts from God’s word, divine truth becomes secondary and is rendered ineffective.

Consider Peter’s words in 2 Peter 1:12-15

I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. (v. 12)

Read through the first 11 verses to identify “these things.” He was not interested in new or clever or funny. Rather, he was always ready to remind them of things they already knew to establish them in the truth.

I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder. (v. 13)

What did Peter use to stir the people up?

He remind them of what they already knew. It was the right thing to do.

And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind. (v. 15)

Peter was not interested in his audience getting all joked up. His goal was that they would remember, remember, remember the divine truth of God’s word after he was gone.

Given the choice of what to remember, choose the truth being taught instead of the illustration. Remember the Bible class lesson better than you remember the teacher’s personal anecdotes. Remember the content of the sermon rooted in God’s word instead of the name of the preacher.

What is your preference: God’s word preached or man’s entertainment?

Mark Stinnett

April 5, 2026

Searching for What Cannot Be Found

A scoffer seeks wisdom, and finds none,

But knowledge is easy to him who has understanding.

--Proverbs 14:6

Why is this proverb true?

How is it that a person could actually search for the very thing that God wishes for him to have, yet not find it?

Take a look at these proverbs about the scoffer:

"Proud," "Haughty," "Scoffer," are his names,

Who acts with insolent pride.

--Proverbs 21:24

"How long, O naive ones, will you love simplicity?

And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing,

And fools hate knowledge?

--Proverbs 1:22

He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself,

And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.

--Proverbs 9:7

Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you,

Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

--Proverbs 9:8

A wise son accepts his father's discipline,

But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

--Proverbs 13:1

A scoffer does not love one who reproves him,

He will not go to the wise.

--Proverbs 15:12

Do you see the character of the scoffer? 

Do you see his character flaws?

The scoffer is filled with pride. He is consumed with himself. He looks down on others. 

• His knowledge is superior or, at least, sufficient.
• His experience is superior, or, at least, sufficient.
• His ideas are superior, or, at least, sufficient. 

You cannot tell the scoffer anything; he needs no counsel, no advice. He does not listen to correction. He cannot be corrected. A term used in our day that may describe the scoffer is ‘narcissist.’

Go back and read the first chapter of the book of Proverbs. The purpose of the book is to impart wisdom. Yet, what is one of the keys to gaining wisdom?

Over and over and over, Solomon begs his son to listen! One who listens, truly listens, must exhibit humility. He must acknowledge that he is not sufficient within himself. He must be open to instruction, criticism, and correction.

The scoffer searches for wisdom but the very thing he needs stands in opposition to his character. He needs humility in order to listen but opposes it by his own pride.
Do you need proof?
Just read this to a scoffer.

Be wise.
Be humble.

Listen.

Mark Stinnett

March 29, 2026

Fat Soul

Even in our tolerant society, describing someone as fat is usually perceived in a negative sense. It is just not polite to refer to someone as ‘fat.’

However, in the Hebrew language of the Old Testament ’fat’ was sometimes used to communicate fullness or satisfaction or good health. That was Solomon’s meaning in a proverb contrasting laziness and diligence:

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The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,

But the soul of the diligent is made fat. 

--Proverbs 13:4

Humans understand cravings.

I once worked in an office setting in which a few of us would take our lunch together. We never watched the clock because one of my coworkers had an internal ‘lunch clock’ that went off at exactly 11:30 every day. He would pop up out of his chair, exit his office, stand in my doorway and “Ding, ding, ding!” an imaginary triangle. It was chow time.

We understand cravings. But what does the 'soul' crave?

A human being is made of body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Each aspect of the human being has its own cravings.

The 'body' craves food and drink, climate controlled environments, general comfort without pain, good health and a measure of strength, good looks, sexual satisfaction, rest, and maybe other things.

The 'spirit' consists of the intellect, emotion and the human will. There are cravings associated with each aspect of our spirit. The spirit craves knowledge and understanding, happiness and emotional stability, success and a sense of accomplishment, desires representing each of the three primary aspects of the spirit.

The human 'soul' is the ‘self.’ When God created mankind, He made man a “living soul.” The soul IS the person that you are. Your parents named your soul, not your body. When you refer to yourself you are referring to your soul. When someone calls your name, it is your soul being addressed. Your soul possesses your body and your spirit.

The soul is that aspect of your being that makes the ultimate choices in your life. Your body and spirit are influencers of the soul. Of course, the soul may allow the body to take charge; may allow the spirit to take charge. In general, these are poor choices because the body and spirit are generally interested only in satisfying the natural cravings they each perceive.

The proverb contrasts a soul lacking self-control with a disciplined soul. The soul desires something, presumably something good. Yet, lacking self-control, the lazy soul does not act. The ‘wanting’ is present, but the soul is weak and gives in to the influences of the body or the spirit.

However, the soul has the capacity to rule the body and refrain from giving in to its cravings. That is how a person curbs his appetite, engages in undesirable exercise, etc. The soul also has the capacity to quiet the cravings of the spirit. It is a matter of recognizing that which is of real importance and then accepting that as the greater value.

When the soul is diligent in pursuing things of real value, it engages self-control over the cravings of body and spirit. The result is a fat soul, that is, a soul that is satisfied or full, a soul fulfilling the more valuable choice. 

In the Proverbs the more valuable choices are wisdom, righteousness, justice, kindness, responsibility, etc. These are all characteristics of God. It sounds odd, but you should ‘fatten yourself’ on God’s character. 

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

March 22, 2026

They Predicted...

They predicted…

• 09/23/2017—The beginning of the end times.
• 05/14/2019—The rapture begins no later than this date.
• 01/06/2025—Notice received that ‘end time’ event is dead ahead.

Many other dates from the past with similar results could be added.

Many other future dates will likely be able to be added to this list.

There seems to be an unending parade of predictions by today’s self-proclaimed prophets. Yet another prediction came to our church email account on August 15, 2024 predicting “OUR Strange FIERY TRIAL.”

After skimming dozens of pages of difficult writing (because of excessive use of multi-colored text and highlighting, and other formatting features), I finally discovered what he meant by ‘Our Strange Fiery Trial.’ Piecing together numerous parts of prophecies in the Bible he concluded that the United States was in trouble with God and would fall on February 17, 2026.

I decided not to spend any more time trying to understand his calculations. Rather, I followed the advice God gave to Israel when they encountered people who prophesied about the future:

Whenever a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, and the oracle does not come about or the word is not fulfilled, then the Lord has not spoken it. The prophet will have spoken presumptuously, so you need not fear him. 

--Deuteronomy 18:22

I marked the date on my phone calendar app with a notice appearing the day before. That date, 02/17/2026, has come and gone with no change.

The man took snippets of passages from all over the Bible and then joined them together to make his prediction. He justified his method by using a prophecy in Isaiah that suggested that God’s word was given “line upon line, here a little, there a little” (28:13). In other words, the interpretation of God’s word is not based on the context of the passage, but discerning how to piece clues together from many disjointed passages.

Though citing New Testament verses that emphasized that we do not know the date and time of God’s judgment, he reasoned that God’s people should be able to discern dates and times while others cannot do so. And yet, Jesus did not single out one group that would know when a warning was to be fulfilled while another group would not know. We simply do not know when God’s judgment will come. Rather, we are taught to be ready.

If the U.S. had fallen on 02/17/2026, I might be reading his papers more carefully to understand how he arrived at his conclusions. But his doomsday forecast failed. He is yet another false prophet.

The Apostle John wrote, “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1) Do you know how to test the spirits? John was referring to the things people speak in the name of God. Some things spoken are truth and some are error. The only way we will know the difference is by comparing the things spoken by man with the things God’s has revealed in His holy word.

A person who claims to speak for God is trustworthy only if the things spoken accord with the things God has already revealed. That is how we know truth from error. If someone claims to know something about the future that is not clearly revealed in Scripture, just wait. Time will reveal whether they have spoken from God. So, don’t be deceived by the false prophets of our day. Keep your focus on God’s word. It is relevant still today.

Mark Stinnett

March 15, 2026

John's Final Warning

I had to turn my head to avoid looking. The wedding couple left the center of the ‘sanctuary’ (as it was called) to approach a near life-size statue. They both knelt and bowed before the statue. (That’s when I turned my head.)

It did not matter who or what the statue represented. How could they not see that they were bowing before an idol!?

The second of the Ten Commandments is, “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God….” (Exodus 20:4-5)

In short, NO IDOLS, regardless of what the image represented.

While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments and the law, the Israelite nation grew weary of waiting. They demanded that Aaron make a god/idol for them. Gold jewelry was collected and Aaron “fashioned it with a graving tool and made it into a molten calf.” Then the people said, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” 

(Read about this event in Exodus 32.)

The appalling idol may distract us from the reality of its intent. The people did not say that the golden calf was a god of the Egyptians. Rather, it was the god “who brought you up from the land of Egypt.” The calf was intended to represent their God, the God of Abraham, the Creator! Aaron acknowledged as much when he announced, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord.” (v. 5) The term “Lord” is literally the Hebrew name of God (sometimes written in English as ‘Yahweh’).

Israel was not turning away from God but making a physical representation of God...an idol. They were not justified in making the idol simply because it represented the one true God. Idols were forbidden regardless of what they represented. Idolatry was a despicable practice, an abomination. God destroyed nations for idolatry and turned away from His chosen people because of idolatry.

You don’t see much about idols in the New Testament until the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys in Gentile territories. We then read strong teachings against idolatry.

Historically the Eastern Orthodox church criticized the Roman Catholic church for using idols (statues and other images). They justified their own idols by noting that they were only two-dimensional representations which are technically not ‘images.’ And yet, change the words; they are still idols.

It’s a good thing ‘we’ are past all that, right? ‘We’ don’t have idols.

And yet, what are all the manger scenes at Christmas? What about the yard ornaments (statues of Jesus or Mary or Joseph or the saints)? What about images in stained glass? What are all the crosses that adorn the walls in our homes, adorn the jewelry worn around our necks and wrists? What is the ‘fish’ emblem carved into plaques or affixed on the backs of our cars? What is the crucifix atop our communion trays or atop the communion table in many church buildings? How have we justified/rationalized these idols?

Among the last writings of the New Testament is the short letter called First John. Here’s the final verse, a warning: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”

Take this warning seriously. Idols come in all shapes and sizes, from little silver trinkets to life-size statues and larger. The warning applies still today because idolaters will have no part in the kingdom of God!

Mark Stinnett

March 8, 2026

Honor Upside Down

Before he wore the title ‘apostle’ and went by the name ‘Paul,’ Saul of Tarsus was an enemy of Christianity. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, a disciple of Jesus, and clearly gave his approval. He had gone to the high priest of the Jews to ask for letters authorizing him to arrest disciples of Christ. Notice again, he had gone to the high priest.

After his conversion to Christ, the Apostle Paul began preaching the gospel. Because of his new allegiance to Christ, the Jews turned against him. When visiting Jerusalem on one occasion, he was falsely accused of preaching against the Law of Moses and defiling the temple of God. For that reason he was brought before the Jewish council among whom was the high priest.

In the course of his defense for preaching the gospel Paul indicated that he had lived his life with a good conscience before God. The high priest commanded those standing next to Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul immediately responded, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” (Acts 23:3)

Someone near Paul said, “Do you revile God’s high priest.” Then Paul replied, “I was not aware, brethren, that he was high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’” (This was undoubtedly a different man serving as high priest than the one Paul knew earlier.)

Of all people, the high priest of the Jews should have recognized the Messiah. The high priest should have realized that Jesus fit the description, that He was the Messiah. If not during the earthly ministry of Jesus, the high priest should have been one of the early converts to Christianity. Yet, rejecting Jesus the Messiah, the high priest ordered Paul to be struck for saying that he had followed Jesus in good conscience. It was completely upside down, circumstances that should never have developed. Even so, Paul recognized the position of the high priest when it was pointed out and he acknowledged that he had spoken wrongly against the high priest. Paul displayed honor in an upside down situation.

Jesus was on trial before King Herod and before Pilate, a Roman governor. How upside down was that?! God declared that Jesus of Nazareth was His only begotten Son. Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy as the Messiah of God. That means that He was the prophesied ’king.’ Upon His ascension Jesus entered into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God, language describing His enthronement. King Herod should have bowed to honor Jesus. Pilate should have been on trial before Jesus. Caesar should have made his way to Judea to find Jesus and show honor to Him. Upside down!

In his earthly ministry Jesus acknowledged the authority of Caesar by paying His taxes and He taught others to do so as well. When on trial He did nothing and said nothing disrespectful toward the Jewish authorities, King Herod or Pilate. The One who would soon be enthroned as King of kings showed honor to human authorities in an upside down world.

We recognize that we are still living in an upside down world. Elected officials make ungodly decisions at the city, county, state, and federal levels of government. It should not be that way. They should know better. The inequities anger us. Peter instructed Christians to submit to governing authorities. The honor we show human authorities is rooted in our respect for God and His authority. 

“Honor the king” (even in an upside down world).

The Apostle Paul did. 

Jesus the Messiah did.

What about you??

Mark Stinnett

March 1, 2026

Honor in Impossible Circumstances

"Fiery Furnace" Painting
by Toros Roslin, 1266

During the rule of the maniac emperor Caesar Nero, Peter wrote and circulated a letter among Christians in which he instructed: “Honor the king.”

In my previous blog the example of Daniel was used to suggest proper attitudes and behaviors for one desiring to live out this instruction. Undoubtedly you will remember that Daniel was not the only young noble taken from Jerusalem. With him were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, better known by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Their example also provides instruction in honoring those in authority.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego had been trained so they could enter in to the king’s service. Along with Daniel, they were given important roles of authority in the service of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. It is not surprising that they were in attendance when the king had gathered all the nobles of his empire to a celebration in which he unveiled a 90-foot golden image. Everyone was instructed to bow and worship the image when they heard the sound of musical instruments. There were consequences for anyone who refused to bow. Offenders would immediately be thrown into a fiery furnace to be burned alive.

Do you remember the general circumstances? Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego were young Jewish nobles carried from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. Their forefathers had turned away from God to serve idols. After sending many prophets, God warned that he would bring an enemy against them for their idolatry. That enemy was Nebuchadnezzar. So, the nation of Judah was captive in Babylon because of idolatry.

Unlike the brutal Assyrians who conquered nations and then intermixed the survivors, the Babylonians took other nations captive but kept them intact within Babylon. So, the Jews, for example, were able to preserve their national identity and maintain their religion and other customs.

So, Nebuchadnezzar called together all the “satraps, the prefects and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates and all the rulers of the provinces” to view and worship his golden image. Many of these rulers would have been like Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, men from other nations under the power of king Nebuchadnezzar; men who had been brought to Babylon and trained in service to the king.

Perhaps it is now clearer why Nebuchadnezzar had the fiery furnace death trap on site. Not all of his kingdom’s rulers were happy to be there. This was an occasion on which the king would assert his strength and solidify their service to him, if not willingly, then by force!

But the three young Jewish men refused to bow and were discovered and brought before the king. Though furious, Nebuchadnezzar gave them a second chance to bow. However, they refused saying that there was no need to go any further because they were not going to bow.

On the surface, the three appear to have been rebellious, and to a degree, they were. However, within their refusal to bow was a display of honor. In short, they told the king that he did not have to offer a second chance (which would have publicly mocked him and mocked his image). Theirs was a guilty plea and acceptance of their consequences. So, they first honored God in their rebellion against the king. Yet, even in impossible circumstances, these men demonstrated self-restraint and courageous humility by not making a spectacle of the king. Their boldness should not be remembered as defiance, but allegiance to God and humble honor toward the king when faced with an impossible situation.

Mark Stinnett

February 22, 2026

Honor in Challenging Circumstances

God desires for His people to be holy. Specific applications regarding holy behavior are found in 1 Peter. According to Peter’s instruction, God’s people are to submit to governing authorities including the king and governors. Peter wrote, “Honor the king” (2:17). That was a reference to the top ruling official in the land and applies to a president or prime minister or chairman (alternative titles of top leaders).

Many Americans give little or no thought to using harsh criticism, slanderous speech, and even hate speech against elected officials. They do so hiding behind ‘free speech.’ Unfortunately, some who claim to be Christians jump on the harsh speech bandwagon and in doing so intentionally dishonor the president. God does not guarantee free speech. He expects better.

The first recipients of Peter’s letter lived under the rule of the maniac emperor Caesar Nero. So, “honor the king” meant, “Honor Nero!”

What does it look like to honor a governing official who does not honor God? The Old Testament prophet Daniel provides a beautiful example.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, king of the first world empire, marched into Jerusalem and took many valuables, but also “some of the sons of Israel, including some of the royal family and of the nobles….” (1:3) Among those taken was Daniel. He, along with three other young men, was placed under the supervision of “the commander of the officials.” In general terms, this man governed over him.

Daniel and his friends were placed in a training program after which they would enter into the king’s personal service. They were appointed “a daily ration from the king’s choice food.” (1:5) However, Daniel believed the king’s food would make him unclean according to the Law of Moses. So, he determined not to defile himself. But, as a captive what could he do?

Daniel did not cross his arms in defiance and refuse to eat. He did not make a scene by vigorously protesting. He did not lash out or conspire with his friends by harshly criticizing their supervisor or the king. Rather, he asked permission to eat a different diet that he knew would not defile him.

Some time later, after having been placed in the king’s service, Daniel had the opportunity to interpret a dream that troubled King Nebuchadnezzar. God gave Daniel the interpretation of the dream, but it was not good news for the king. Nevertheless, Daniel delivered God’s message accurately and entirely. Surprising to some is the way Daniel prefaced the message: “My lord, if only the dream applied to those who hate you and its interpretation to your adversaries!” (4:8) Daniel had sincere respect for his pagan captor. Then, immediately after telling the king that God would bring him low and remove him from his throne, Daniel advised the king to turn from his sins by being righteous and by showing mercy to the poor.

Daniel’s examples teach us some things about submitting to authority:

• Daniel humbled himself and asked permission instead of protesting.
• Daniel told the truth, even though it was bad news.
• Daniel showed respect to his supervisor and to the king.
• Daniel displayed a genuine concern for the king and truly desired his welfare. He knew the king was a servant of God. (Cf. Romans 13:1-7.)

By honoring those in authority over him, Daniel drew attention to the God of heaven in a positive way. At all times he maintained his purity before God. By honoring the king he ultimately demonstrated honor toward God.

Honor those in authority. Your example and influence might save a soul.

Mark Stinnett

February 15, 2026

Deception: The Subtle Lie

It came as a cautionary warning and at the same time simple instruction. I had learned from my school friends that the aluminum foil on a gum wrapper could be separated from its wax paper backing and then pressed over a penny to make it look like a shiny dime.

I showed this neat trick to my mom and told her that a person could make a lot of money using the aluminum covered pennies as dimes. That's when mom's warning came, "You know, that is deceitful."

I was 11 years old and asked the meaning of this new vocabulary word.

Mom instructed, "It's a lie even though you didn't use words." She described the aluminum covered penny as a fake or counterfeit. (I knew those words.)

My disappointment was short-lived. After all, I realized that only a naïve person would be fooled. Fake, counterfeit, lie, deception; an unforgettable lesson.

People cleverly use a variety of words and phrases to mask the reality of their lie. At a very young age we all learned what it meant to tell a lie. We learned that lying is morally wrong and generally destructive. Nobody wants to be told a lie, and nobody wants to be labeled a liar. So, it is natural to try to mask a lie.

Many people think that 'white lies' are acceptable. Many people justify lying if it is for a good reason. It is not uncommon to hear people explain (rationalize) how their lie was not really a lie, it just wasn't the whole truth (deception).

Deceit might be the worst kind of lie because it is not as easy to evaluate as a 'boldfaced lie.' Deceit is most often subtle. As in my illustration above, deceit might not use words. Where words are used, cleverly crafted communication may obscure the full truth. Deceit often involves trickery. In whatever way it is described, however, deceit is always a lie.

Numerous passages in the Psalms and Proverbs describe a companion to deceit: destruction. Deceit is destructive because it violates trust. When trust is lost family relationships are broken, friendships are destroyed, work relationships are strained. Broken trust is difficult to repair.

It is no surprise, then, that Solomon issues a clear and strong warning:

Put away from you a deceitful mouth

And put devious speech far from you.

—Proverbs 4:24

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil,

But counselors of peace have joy.

—Proverbs 12:20

Those who use deception in life carry a ‘toolbox’ full of techniques to shade the truth and manipulate the perceptions of people. Sadly, most deceivers have manipulated their perception of themselves: self-deception.

Whenever you are tempted to deceive someone, you should remember:

• God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). It has no part in His kingdom.
• One of the most common strategies of the devil is deception. After all, he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) Do you really want to be like the devil?!

Be wise. No lies.

Mark Stinnett

February 8, 2026

Who Draws Your Attention?

What a struggle we humans must overcome.

Think about the ways we sometimes think. 

Imagine passing by a neighborhood just up the road. Thoughts wander…

I wish we could afford that kind of property. I’d like to get to know those people. Maybe they could provide some good contacts for my business. I’ll bet we could get our kids on their ball team, one of the best in the area.

I would never live in a house of that size with only two kids. They are no better than my family, they don’t even live a godly lifestyle.

They should rename their address ‘Easy Street.’ They take lavish vacations. I wish they would invite me along just to take care of their dog. It must be nice to take off and travel whenever and wherever you want.

How easy it is to ‘size up’ other folks. Everyone has a different scenario, but we (humans) often look at those around us and wish we had what they had: possessions, position, lifestyle, etc. Many people wish to ‘rub elbows’ with those who are perceived to be important people. Yet, to what end?

Do not be envious of evil men,

Nor desire to be with them;

For their minds devise violence,

And their lips talk of trouble.

--Proverbs 24:1-2

It is easy to rationalize this proverb backward. In other words, we can easily evaluate whether a person is ‘evil’ on the basis of whether they obviously ‘devise violence’ or their ‘lips talk of trouble.’

However, the proverb was not written to define evil people, but rather to illuminate the way of evil people. Proverbs 2 describes the ‘evil’ man as one who leaves the paths of uprightness. So, the reality is that a person who has left the path of uprightness will ‘devise violence’ and ‘talk of trouble.’ That is their nature.

Now, it would be wrong to assume that all those who have money, or possessions, or position, or power, or a certain lifestyle, etc. are evil. That is not what is being said. Rather, there are many people that have left the path of uprightness and yet have acquired money, possessions, position, power, etc. The question we must ask ourselves is whether those desirable things justify our natural human desire to be like them or be with them.

Consider God’s view of the evil man:

For the crooked man is an abomination to the LORD;

But He is intimate with the upright.

--Proverbs 3:32

Before glancing toward those with riches, possessions, power, position, a desirable lifestyle, etc. we should recognize that those things do not define goodness. Those things do not define godliness. Those things do not make a person a friend of God. Many evil people have acquired desirable things.

Whenever a person envies the evil man and desires to be with him, he declares a desire to align himself with one who is detestable to God. It is better to be drawn, not to riches, power, position, etc. but to be drawn to goodness, righteousness, purity, and the things of God.

Train your eyes to desire to be like those who are beautiful to God.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

February 1, 2026

Brother to Destruction

There are people who are busy. There are busybodies. And then there are people who work.

Work is good. Work is generally productive. Work is most often tiring.

Many people naturally equate ‘work’ with physical effort, maybe some grunting and huffing and puffing, and weary muscles at the end of the day. Of course, not all work wears a person out physically. Some work is mentally exhausting. ‘Work’ is a broad term that describes human effort to accomplish things. Sometimes, our ‘play’ involves work.

We all have our opinions about ‘my’ work, ‘their’ work, and all the things that people call work that aren’t work at all. Set your opinions aside for a moment and listen to Solomon. He wrote something quite practical.

He also who is slack in his work

Is brother to him who destroys.

—Proverbs 18:9

I think the proverb speaks for itself, but if not, re-read the proverb and then pause...think of the results.

• What is the result of the one who is slack in his work?
• What is the result of the one who destroys?

Solomon presents us with a fact about work. He approaches the fact from a negative standpoint but makes no judgment, offers no admonition, and gives no advice. He just leaves it out there for you and me to consider.

I suppose someone might want to contest Solomon’s conclusion. Someone else might want to issue a personal declaration justifying their work or lack of it. Surely someone will quip in agreement, “Well, isn't that the truth!”

Solomon doesn’t target anyone in particular. Again, he just leaves this truth out there for us to consider.

I immediately thought about a few lingering projects at my house. I pictured the ‘unfinished’ work and then recognized that while it is unfinished, it looks similar to destruction. I can rationalize that it is a ‘work in progress.’ But to be honest, I’ve been ‘slack in my work’ on those projects.

Now I have a choice.

As with other proverbs, do you see how this proverb works?

Solomon did not tell his reader what to do. He simply helps his reader face a truth in life. For this proverb, it doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or a criminal. You must decide what you will do with the truth presented.

It is the kind of proverb that motivates me to do better. And it also reminds me of some other teachings about work in the Bible. Consider…

If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 

(The full passage in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 is quite interesting.)

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you, so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need. 

--1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.

--Ephesians 4:28

God expects His people to work so that they are not a burden on others but rather, so they can help others. So, don’t be a slacker. Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 18, 2026

Abominable

The word ‘abomination’ doesn’t come up much in casual conversation. In the Old Testament, however, you will find the word over 100 times. The Hebrew word was also translated loathsome or detestable on a few occasions. Even if you do not know the precise meaning of the word, you probably get the sense that it is a bad thing. You might say that it is worse than the things you usually think of as bad.

The word appears first in reference to the brothers of Joseph who were loathsome to the Egyptians. Later, we read that “every shepherd is loathsome to the Egyptians.” (Genesis 46:34) So, it is most likely that this extreme prejudice was rooted in their occupation, not their race.

The next mention of something abominable is found in the book of Leviticus in reference to homosexuality. The pagan nations of Canaan were guilty of this and other abominations. When reading Leviticus 18, you get the idea that God was not simply giving Israel a gift when He promised them the land of Canaan. Rather, He was cleansing the land of people who were so far removed from His holiness that they had become an abomination. So, God cleansed the land by purging it of the evil nations and bringing in His holy nation to possess it.

‘Abomination’ is sometimes used in the context of things that God hates, but it is worse than ‘hate.’ Someone in our day might say something like, “If there’s one thing I hate, it is….” Or, “The thing I hate more than anything else is….” The way God expressed His extreme hatred for something that He hates the most was by using the word abomination.

When you start looking into the things that were an abomination to God you might notice that you begin to feel dirty. You might even begin to turn your mouth downward like you would when you feel nauseous. You read about things like the worship of false gods, bowing to idols, child sacrifice, and homosexuality. It should not be surprising that it is detestable to God when someone causes strife among friends.

When writing this article I realized that at this point I was literally feeling a little queasy. Let’s be straightforward. Things that are an abomination to God make Him feel like vomiting.

I also noticed that unlike some of the laws found in the Law of Moses, things that are an abomination to God are always an abomination. For example, there were food restriction in the Law of Moses that no longer applied in the new covenant. Jesus declared all food to be clean. The same is not true about abominations. You could say that anything abominable to God in the Old Testament is abominable in the New Testament. That said, did you know…

A false balance is an abomination to the Lord,

But a just weight is His delight.

—Proverbs 11:1

The balance scale has been used for millennia to ensure fair trade. Yet people have found ways to cheat by using a false balance. Solomon was teaching that God delights in fairness, justice and equity. If you wish to please God you will be fair, ethical and law abiding.

In our day many people live by a code of ethics that allows them to be unfair as long as they don’t break a law. They say, “It might be unethical, but it is not illegal!” That is an abomination. It makes God want to vomit!

Do you need to rethink your ethics? 

Be a delight to God.

Be wise.

Mark Stinnett

January 11, 2026