March 2008

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You Know a Marriage is in Trouble When …

by Warren E. Berkley

Both tell the counselor that the other one is the problem. Counselors and preachers often have this experience. The husband says, “she is really a problem,” and the wife says, “the whole trouble is him!” When the report of conflict is dominated by “me” and “what I need” and “what I deserve,” you know there is trouble. When husband and wife verbalize selfish concerns, absent concern for children or obedience to God, you know there is trouble. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Phil. 2:3,4). more …

Supporting Gospel Preachers in Hard Places

by Ed Whittlesey

“I would love to see the Lord’s church grow strong in this country, with healthy faithful congregations everywhere.” “I came … mainly as a result of my desire to spread the Gospel in an area which had been closed to the Gospel for 40 years. The people here were especially hungry for spiritual food …” “These brethren will meet 7-9 hours a day studying the bible and this is inspiring.” “In 1967, only a small sound group of Spanish-speaking brethren in the whole city…” “Upon visiting this place, I recognized the need for sound preaching and teaching primarily in small communities and indigenous villages.” “Opportunity.” “No one else was going there so a few of us preachers decided someone needed to.” The above responses were offered by Christian men evangelizing across several countries throughout the world when asked, “What was the single most compelling thing that made you desire to preach the Gospel in your area?” more …

What We Think About Matters

by Jay Taylor

Satan declared war on mankind long ago and that war continues to this day. He never rests in his efforts. He is constantly on the prowl. His one goal is separating us from God and he never forgets that.

We, however, often forget that the battlefield where this war is waged is the mind. Satan knows that as a man "thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). He knows that our thoughts shape our attitudes, words, and actions. In fact, our thoughts determine who we are. What I am as a father, mother, friend, child, or Christian is determined by my thoughts. What we think about matters. more …