"To tell the truth" was an American television show where three guests all claimed to be the same person who had an unusual profession or job. One of the guests was indeed that person, the other two were imposters, who tried to fool a celebrity panel into picking them as the right person. A commentator called the show "Let's lie to celebrities", making a joke out of the show's format. (more…)

As disciples of Jesus Christ, our goal should be to live in peace with all people: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men" (Romans 12:18). And in the next chapter Paul summarizes the command to love our neighbor this way: "Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10; see also verses 8-9). (more…)

In the parable of the sower and the seed we learn something about one of Satan’s favorite tactics. From what Jesus tells us about the seed sown by the wayside that Satan is active in preventing people from retaining that seed in their minds (Matthew 13:19). This makes sense, since Satan hates the plan of God and wants to prevent people from fulfilling their calling. (more…)

Knowing Israel's history, we are aware of the fact that Israel did not fulfill God’s will and purpose for the nation. God calls the Israelites of the Old Testament a stiff-necked people. In my sermon in Schluchsee I talked about the "third temple" and mentioned Israel's failure to remain loyal to God after Solomon had built the first temple. (more…)

We just kept the Feast of Tabernacles with its symbolism of the 1,000 year reign of Jesus Christ, a time of physical abundance for everyone on earth. What book of the Bible do the Jews read as a tradition during the feast? The book of Ecclesiastes. It reminds us of an important lesson from King Solomon's experience. (more…)