The Way is Narrow

By Benjamin H. Liles

          "Those who enter God's kingdom come through [me] the narrow gate. The gate that leads to destruction is [pleasant and] broad and wide for those who go that way. Yet, the road to life [you will experience trouble and] is very narrow and difficult; there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14, a mix of New Living Translation and how Christ is referring to himself).

How God Answers Idolatry (Ezekiel 14)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples? You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you" (Romans 2:21-24, New Living Translation).

Treasures in Heaven

By Benjamin H. Liles

          For the better part of this month I have been working on an idea I have had to help those of us who follow Christ to maintain their walk with Jesus as well as to help build faith. I'm not fully ready to divulge more, yet, but keep waiting as I will share more in days and weeks to come. With that said, I want to look at what Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21: "Don’t store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. But store your [for yourselves] treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. Your heart will be where your treasure is."

Education a la Carte (Book Review)

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Every parent considers ways of teaching their children. Should they allow the public school system? Maybe some consider private school. Others go with a more nontraditional route: home-schooling. With the rise of threats being made to children in the school system, parents have more ways of thinking of how to give their children the best education available. Dr. Kevin Leman provides that way in his book Education a la Carte.

How to Listen so People will Talk (Book Review)

By Benjamin Liles

          In this world, we need to learn to listen to people more than we talk. The importance of this is so that not only do relationships flourish, but also that others feel heard and in some way are validated. Becky Harling does a phenomenal job with her book How to Listen so People will Talk. In her thirty some odd years as a certified speaker and coach, she has learned how to draw people out so they feel comfortable enough to talk. 

With a Merry Heart

The best paraphrase I can think of is 

"A joyful heart offers healing."

By Benjamin H. Liles

          This morning I want to do something hugely different. While over the past year I have focused primarily on the gospel of Jesus Christ, today I want to look at something a lot of people claim Christians are not. Joy. How many of us go around looking like we have just eaten something akin to a pickle? You know, that sour look on the face that leaves your mouth puckered and somewhat unable to talk all that well? I made you laugh? Sorry. Can't say it may not happen again.

Serve Your Neighbor, Serve God

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Looking at them, Jesus said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, because all things are possible with God" (Mark 10:27, Holman Christian Standard).

Russia Rising (Book Review)

By Benjamin Liles

          Mark Hitchcock writes with great ease and candor about Bible Prophecy, especially as it concerns what's going on in the Middle East and her biggest support--Russia. I had the great privilege to review this book on behalf of Tyndale in exchange for my honest feedback. And that's exactly what you'll get with what I'm about to say. Before I even dove in to reading this book, I have been going over the things Ezekiel was given charge by God to tell the people of Israel up to Chapter 13 so far. I have yet to fully get to Ezekiel 38 and 39 in terms of what's being said.