Long before the Corinthian crisis, this same inflation of intellect plagued the Pharisees. Their meticulous “theological precision” led them to construct complex oral traditions to safeguard the Torah. Over time, however, they committed the ultimate intellectual error: they equated these “traditions of men” with the very “Word of God” (Mark 7:8-13). They possessed an exhaustive, granular knowledge of the law, yet Jesus noted that their technical accuracy was entirely divorced from the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith (Matthew 23:23).   Read More

Trusting God's wisdom is often easier to talk about than to practice. We prefer immediate answers, clear direction, and quick resolutions. Yet God's wisdom frequently requires patience, faith, and a willingness to wait for Him to work.Ruth understood this reality. After losing her husband, she faced an uncertain future. As a widow in a foreign land, she could not see how God would provide or what ...  Read More

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16-NKJV). The book of Hebrews addresses Christians who, after years of serving the Lord, began to drift from the truth and were in danger of hardening their hearts to unbelief and of reverting to their former ways. Facing persecution and considering abandoning their fai...  Read More

1 Peter 5:5 - "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble" (KJV). In a world that celebrates self-promotion, personal branding, and the relentless pursuit of recognition, humility stands as a countercultural virtue that seems almost antiquated. Yet, thro...  Read More

The world constantly teaches us that peace is found in change. Change your image. Change your relationship. Change your status. Change your environment. Reinvent yourself, and then you will finally be fulfilled.The church in Corinth lived in a culture much like ours. It was a city obsessed with status, identity, advancement, and self-expression. Even Christians there began to believe that spiritua...  Read More

Our standing before God doesn’t hinge on resolving every exegetical question perfectly for our salvation would be based on our perfect understanding of every single issue Instead, it hinges on the cross of Christ. Let’s hold that tightly — and hold each other gently.  Read More

Today, we praise God for the opportunity to fellowship in Keith's ministry (Philippians 1:3-5). By God's grace, our Franklin church family is blessed to partner in this ministry, helping to provide the financial support needed so Keith can fully devote his time and energy to preaching the gospel. (2 Corinthians 9:12).  Read More

In the family of God, no one should face life’s difficulties alone. Every one of us is called to be both a receiver and a giver of this cherishing care. When we offer a listening ear, a timely word, prayer, practical help, or simply faithful presence, we reflect the heart of Christ.  Read More

Jesus makes a bold and hopeful declaration in Gospel of Matthew 5:6:“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”Hunger is not casual—it is urgent. It moves us, shapes our priorities, and reveals what we truly depend on. When Jesus speaks of hungering for righteousness, He is pointing to a deep, consuming desire—not just to do what is right, but to live by ...  Read More

In a culture that prized individual autonomy above almost all else, the seventh chapter of 1 Corinthians stood as one of the most provocative texts of the New Testament era. While Paul’s instructions regarding marriage and intimacy might have appeared at first glance to be a list of ancient regulations, a revolutionary concept lay beneath the surface: the total, mutual surrender of self.Paul’s cen...  Read More

In our American culture, we’ve grown custom to our “rights”. We’re reminded of them every day via screens, billboards, etc., sending the message that we are the masters of our own destiny, the owners of our own bodies, and the sole judges of our own desires.  Read More

If you follow the recipe perfectly you’ll get exactly what you want: victory and justice. You’ll also get a whole lot more than you bargained for: damaged reputations and friendships, broken trust and potentially a big wide church split. This is why many in the world, who are in need of reconciliation (the forgiveness of their sins), see zero need to be added to the Lord’s church…because the church seems no different than the fractious world they live in!  Read More