Accountability

Qualities Needed in Trials

The thought of this scripture passage, as it pertains to the Word of God, may be described as follows: (1) It demands attention (vv. 19-20). We don’t hear enough because we are too quick to speak. The Lord gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. (2) It demands reception (v. 21) …

The Watchman and His Message

Up to this point Ezekiel has pronounced judgment upon Judah (Chap.’s 1-24) and the surrounding nations (Chap.’s 25-32) for their sins. After Jerusalem fell he has turned from messages of doom and judgment to messages of hope, comfort and future restoration for God’s people …

Turn and Live

In this passage the principle of individual accountability is reiterated and confirmed (vv.19-20). The principle that a son should not suffer for the sins of his father has been well established (II Kings 14:6; Deut 24:16). Perhaps a question had been raised from Exodus 2 …

Preparation For Moses Death

The enemies who bring God’s judgment on Israel were as evil as Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 32). This points out the depth of evil into which Israel had fallen. Through this detailed analysis of the law, it has been made clear that God’s standards are absolute and that He will not tolerate sin. Even …

Jeroboam’s Evil Reign in Israel

While Amaziah was being held prisoner in Israel, Jehoash, king of Israel, died. When this happened, Amaziah was released and returned to Judah. Azariah (referred to as Uzziah later), his son, had been acting as king while he was in prison. Now Amaziah resumes his reign over Judah …

IllustrationMayor of Jerusalem Who Fixed the Pothole

One of the few mayors in the world to have his home number listed in the local telephone directory was Teddy Kollek of Jerusalem. Kollek decided to keep his phone number listed when he was first elected, and he has not regretted it. “It gives people a feeling of last r …

IllustrationThe Bridge is Out – STOP

I once heard the story of a huge rainstorm in a southern state where the bridge across a large stream was washed out. Soon after the storm a man was driving down the road in his car, and just as he rounded a sharp curve, he saw where this bridge had been washed out. He imme …

IllustrationSwindoll – Guilty as Charged

Chuck Swindoll tells how several years ago some of the fellows in his church recognized his car when he ran a red light. As a result he was invited by them to meet him at a coffee shop for breakfast, or they said jokingly “face the media.” He arrived early with a big …

IllustrationDoes Being Close Count?

A story is told in which an accountant answered an advertisement for a top job with a large firm. At the end of the interview, the chairman asked, “One last question—what is three times seven?” The accountant thought for a moment and replied, “Twenty-two.&quo …

IllustrationResisting Temptation

Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God (81 percent) and when they were physically tired (57 percent). Resisting temptation was accomplished by prayer (84 percent), avoiding compromising situations (76 percent), Bibl …