Posts by John Staiger (Page 50)

“He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favour than he who flatters with the tongue” (Proverbs 28:23). Why are we so easily caught in the flatterer’s trap? Is it because, despite its obvious tackiness (to everyone but us), flattery actually makes us feel shiny? And who doesn’t want to feel shiny? Given the amount of negativity around us on any given day, any appreciation seems better than none…until that is! Flattery never carries caveats. It is the effusions…

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge—Leviticus 19:18. Years ago, I was visiting a congregation in a faraway land. I must have looked as if I belonged there because an old brother walked up to me and started speaking to me like a long-lost friend. He had moved back into the area and had recently returned to that congregation. He said, “You know, I should never have left this church. These brethren are the salt of the earth. But…

And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you [King Agrippa], but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am [a Christian], except for these chains” (Acts 26:29). Desiring the salvation of everyone is the ultimate mark of Christian maturity; having compassion for all souls is to be most Christlike. However, the thought of telling everyone we meet about Jesus scares most of us into…

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Mt.16:18). I assure you, Satan did not miss the memo cancelling his power over sin and death! However, realising that Jesus could not be prevented from building His church, Satan did what he does best—he produced counterfeit copies instead. So, here we are 2000 years later, we have hundreds of denominations, and all…

King David led Israel’s army from the front. He was a true warrior-king. With him were his “Mighty Men;” all men of renown. One of them, a man named Eleazar, was among “The Three Mighty Men.” His fame was forged in battle with the Philistines at the Battle of Pas Dammin. It was there that the Israelite army retreated before the Philistines, but “Eleazar stood his ground.” Kingdoms were established by the skill and bravery of men like Eleazar. When…

There was a high school student who wasn’t always motivated to study and did his best to come up with questions to delay the start of classes. On one occasion, as his history teacher was about to begin class the student asked, “Sir, is it true that man is doomed to repeat history?” The teacher, knowing a distraction when he saw one, said, “Yes, especially if he flunks it.” Churches have their fair share of the distracted too. But left…

If the average First Century Roman was even aware that Britain existed, they would have laughed to think that it would one day rule a world empire that would make their own small by comparison. But like the mighty Roman Empire, the British Empire is no more. Add to these The Assyrian, the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, and the Greek Empires, and we see a common trend: Empires rise, and empires fall. From their inception, empires believe that their expansionist policies…

If any three men on earth were personally invited to an assembly of the righteous, it was Peter, James, and John. Before them, during an exhausting night of prayer on a mountain with Jesus, appeared Moses and Elijah with the transfigured Christ (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:2-10; Luke 9:28-36). But this divine marvel did not cease there. Suddenly, the Father spoke from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Mt.17:5). If…

Ironically, Jonah would be happy that people remember him more for his sojourn inside a ‘whale’ than for what he really was: An incredibly effective preacher. This is the man who converted the whole capital city of a ruthless empire with a one simple eight-word sermon: “Yet forty days and Nineveh will be overthrown” (Jonah 3:4). From the first instant, Jonah knew that God was sending him on a successful mission. So, when Nineveh repented, Jonah couldn’t help but have…

The celebrity news of the 1960s and 70s overflowed with gossip about the turbulent marriages of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (they were married and divorced twice to each other). In 1969, at the height of Burton’s career, he bought his wife a 69.42 carat diamond for $1.5 million. What many admirers did not know was that she had had a $2800 replica made for all but her most prestigious public appearances: lest the original be stolen from her. Though…