Teaching Resources International

“Government, Bah Humbug! …” (October 2020 Update) 

Why does government exist? There are many opinions about government. Especially during election years, people espouse all sorts of opinions about government. But why do we have government? There is really only one reason – because of sin. Now I know that when I write that, many of you are thinking, “That’s right. Preach it! The problem with government is sin – sinful politicians, godless laws, and sinful corruption and unfair taxes.” Some will even say that government is a “necessary evil.” And many will say, “it is time to do away with government all together.” 

But that is not what I mean at all. Government exists because we are all sinners. If there was no sin, there would be no need for government. Government exists because sin exists. When sin passes away in eternity, there will be no need for government. But until there is no sin, government is an absolute necessity.   (more…)

Read Full Post »

“Lies and Deception …” (September 2020 Update) 

It’s that time again when the eyes of all Americans turn to the elections. In American elections, there are many things that are unpredictable. But one thing we can be sure of – we will all hear a lot of lies and deceptions! And it’s not just from one party but it seems to be the “nature” of (most) politicians to use exaggerations, lies and deception to get themselves elected. In fact, unfortunately, an old joke is mostly true: Question: How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer: His lips are moving! Fortunately, there are a few politicians who do not fit this joke – unfortunately, they are few! 

But what is the reason for this? What is the source of all these lies and deceptions? And more importantly, how can we navigate this election year and avoid falling for the lies and deceptions?  (more…)

Read Full Post »

“Greater Love Than This …” (February 2020 Update) 

Even though it is very different from the original, we have enjoyed watching the new “Lost in Space” series on Netflix. The storylines have been riveting and full of action. But what we have liked the most was a focus on family relationships and the fact that love changes people (we won’t give you any specific examples – no spoilers!). 

There are many theories about the Atonement of Jesus in the history of the church. Most of them have elements of truth to them. The Substitutionary Atonement theory reminds us that Jesus died in our place. He became our substitute! This concept is seen throughout the Bible where a lamb is substituted as a temporary payment for sins. Jesus became one of us so that he could die in our place by being our substitute. “Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!”  (more…)

Read Full Post »

Thankfulness … (November 2019 Update)  

We listen to a lot of old songs in our family. One of our favorites is the soundtrack from “Fiddler on the Roof” (which is actually based on stories Called “Tevye the Milkman” by a Jewish Ukrainian author, Sholem Aleichem). We love all the songs but especially “To Life” (L’Chaim). One verse sums up the biblical attitude toward thankfulness: “God would like us to be joyful even though our hearts lie panting on the floor; How much more can we be joyful, when there’s really something to be joyful for.” 

As believers, we have so much to be thankful for – even when things are not going well. In his book, The Godly Man’s Picture Drawn with a Scripture Pencil, Thomas Watson says, “Praise and thanksgiving is the work of heaven and he [the godly man] begins that work here which he will always be doing in heaven. The Jews have a saying – the world subsists by three things: the law, the worship of God and thankfulness. As if where thankfulness was missing, one of the pillars of the world had been taken away and it was ready to fall.” The psalmist says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so” (Psalm 107:2) and “it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord” (Psalm 92:1). As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday in America, it is good for us to think biblically about our thankfulness. Here are some thoughts from Thomas Watson about godliness and thankfulness.  (more…)

Read Full Post »