A particular young man made it his life’s goal to make more money than his father. Another young man made it his life’s goal to be the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Yet another young man made it his life’s goal to become so famous that his name was known throughout the world. Each one thought that when they reached their goal, they would be at the pinnacle of human existence - they would be satisfied and happy. However, each one was sorely disappointed...

In our examination on the importance of joy, one might get the impression that being joyful is good in every situation, unless sorrow is specifically called for. However, situations exist in which people should not take joy - yet some people do. When this happens, it is generally a symptom of deeper problems. The one who lacks sense. Proverbs 15:21 says, “Folly is joy to him who lacks sense, but a man of understanding walks straight.” This proverb is interesting because...

This year we have examined joyful endurance, and for obvious reasons we have spent a lot of time examining joy. But the question arises: are there times when joy is not preferable? Are there times where joy is inappropriate or not helpful? To examine this, let’s look at Ecclesiastes 7:1-6...

Cost-benefit analysis is an important skill that most of us use in every part of life. When looking for a job we ask, “Is the expected income worth the time and stress?” When considering a large purchase, we ask, “Is this item worth the money it will cost?” When considering dessert, we ask “Is the taste worth the calories?” When deciding if we will travel in the snow we ask, “Is my reason for getting out today worth the chance of a car accident?” We do cost-benefit analysis a

Marriage was designed by God to be a beautiful union of man and woman. However, as with every good thing, the enemy tries to twist and corrupt that union into something that destroys people and their relationship with God. We as God’s people have the ability, and even duty, to reject the enemy’s corruption and follow God’s beautiful design for union between man and woman...

Most religious groups want to be holy. And God’s word teaches us how to be holy (c.f. 1 Peter 1:15-16). If those desiring to be holy simply did what God says to do, then the world would be a much better place. But for many, just “doing what the Bible says” seems oversimplified and they feel that there must be more to it than that.