“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) I had a friend telephone me this week. She has a close relative who may have contracted a terminal illness. I knew that she was deeply concerned for his soul when she asked me, “Will a Catholic go to heaven?” As first blush I was caught a little off guard by her question because I am not that familiar with what Catholics […]

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Last week, I received a telephone call from a angry reader who labeled me a hypocrite and said I had no right to tell anyone how their priorities should be organized. “Oh great, I thought. If the column on priorities offended him, then next week’s column on tithing is sure to add insult to injury.” Some believers argue that the whole […]

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15) My wife and I met a couple recently while out of town on business. We were discussing cars and associated expenses. The husband said that he had just put a new set of tires on his car. Now this is a Christian couple, tithers, who have worked hard all their lives and planned well for their retirement. The children were all grown and […]

“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:15) When I entered the healing room that day I was shocked by what I saw. It looked like a funeral parlor with no room to spare. I don’t know when I’ve felt more uncomfortable in a church. One of the lay workers who was assisting the pastor sensed my shock at what was going on. As I looked on the […]