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John Taylor was a British eye surgeon in the 1700s who, driven by arrogance, fabricated a prestigious reputation. He pursued celebrities and became the personal eye doctor for King George II. Taylor traveled the country performing medical shows that promised miracle cures, often escaping towns under the cover of night carrying bags overflowing with villagers’ cash. However, he was eventually proven to be a charlatan. Records suggest Taylor likely blinded hundreds of patients. History remembers him not as a medical luminary but as the man who destroyed the eyesight of two of the century’s greatest composers: Bach and Händel.

Taylor craved reputation and acclaim, but his epitaph declares his lies, and the embarrassment and hurt he caused. Proverbs explains how egotistical addictions lead to devastation. “Before a downfall,” we read, “the heart is haughty” (18:12). Taylor’s disgrace warns us of how arrogance can ruin our lives, but one’s foolishness often harms others too (vv. 6-7). The “downfall” is great indeed.

While a proud heart destroys us and others, a humble heart leads toward a life of meaning and joy. “Humility comes before honor,” the proverb says (v. 12). If we selfishly pursue only self-interests (v. 1), we’ll never find what we crave. If we yield our heart to God and serve others, however, we honor Him and reflect His goodness.

The post Dr. Fred Hartman – Replacement Theology (Part 1) appeared first on MGO Radio/Canada's National Bible Hour.

Read: Luke 16:1-10

Mina pouted as her older sister, Jackie, folded a pastel quilt and placed it on top of a large stack of quilts their mother had made.

“Ready to go?” Mom asked as she hurried into the living room. Kitty, Mina and Jackie’s toddler sister, giggled as she bounced on Mom’s hip.

“Ready!” Jackie replied, grinning.

“Why can’t I go to the craft fair too?” Mina whined.

“Dad will take you and Kitty this afternoon,” Mom said.

“But babysitting Kitty is boring,” Mina said. “I want to help at the fair!”

“Shh, don’t listen to her,” Jackie said teasingly, cupping her hands over Kitty’s ears.

Mom passed Kitty to Jackie and led Mina to the couch. “Mina, we’ve talked about this. You are helping me by babysitting.”

“But why does Jackie get to work at the booth and I don’t? Do you love Jackie more than me?” Mina wailed.

Jackie groaned. “Mina, please. You don’t really believe that. If it means that much to you, I can watch Kitty and you can go with Mom.”

“Really?” Mina asked, hopping to her feet. “Yay!”

“Hold on,” Mom said. “I appreciate your willingness, Jackie, but I will make the final call. Mina, there’s a reason why I chose Jackie, even though I love all three of you equally.”

“Why?” Mina asked, slumping back down.

“Jackie already spent years babysitting both you and Kitty. Because I can trust her with smaller responsibilities, I can give her bigger responsibilities. Even now, she put your interests before her own.”

“Oh,” Mina whispered.

“Believe it or not, I’m doing this out of my love for you, based on Jesus’s example,” Mom said. “Jesus loves us and is shaping us to be more like Him, and He offers us opportunities to be faithful and show His love to others. But because He knows us so well, He only gives us challenges we can handle. I want to give you a task you can succeed in to encourage and prepare you for bigger challenges to come.”

Mina nodded. “I guess you’re right. I’ll be faithful by taking care of Kitty today.”

Mom hugged Mina. “Thank you.”

–Hannah Chung

How about you? Have you ever been given a task that felt too simple? Maybe you’ve compared yourself to older siblings or friends who were given tasks you wanted instead. Jesus was always willing to do anything God asked of Him, from washing dirty feet to dying on the cross for us. As you experience Jesus’s love, you will realize any task is important when it shows others His love and faithfulness.

Today's Key Verse: Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. Luke 16:10 (CSB)

Today's Key Thought: Even small tasks help us grow

We want to live wisely, but that can seem impossible at times. Discover what the Bible means when it says that wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord.”

Receive 

What does it look like for you to grow in wisdom? Scripture invites you to begin by fearing the Lord—by learning to revere Him for who He truly is and letting that reverence shape your daily choices.  

Reflect 

• Read the verses connected with this episode below. As you reflect on the Scripture, what stands out to you? 
•  Isaiah 10:13 
•  Psalm 107:27 
•  Exodus 28:3 
•  Deuteronomy 34:9 
•  1 Kings 5 
•  Psalm 37:30 
•  Deuteronomy 4:6-7 
•  Proverbs 1:1, 7-8  
• Proverbs 21:23 
• Proverbs 3:18 
• Proverbs 16:7 
• Proverbs 15:32-33 
• Proverbs 10:1, 27 
• Proverbs 25:1 
• Proverbs 9:10 
•  Proverbs 14:27 
•  Proverbs 19:23 
•  Proverbs 22:4 
• Proverbs 2:1-5 
• When you hear Proverbs 1:7 say that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” what stands out to you personally? How does that shape the way you think about wisdom and learning? 
• As you reflect on Scripture, what kinds of good fruit or growth does the Bible connect with fearing the Lord? Where have you seen any of these take shape in your own life? 
• How does it encourage or comfort you to remember that the benefits of fearing the Lord are meant to guide how we live, rather than serve as promises to hang on to? 

Respond 

(Use this prayer to start a conversation with God) 

Jesus, help me to truly revere You—not out of fear that pushes me away, but out of awe that draws me closer. Grow me in wisdom as I learn to trust who You are and submit my heart to You. Show me, day by day, what it looks like to honor You in my thoughts, my choices, and my relationships. Help me recognize how walking in reverence shapes the way I respond to others. May Your wisdom guide me so I can live with a heart that reflects You. 

Discover more about the topics in this episode with these recommended resources

“Why are you crying?” The question was asked by a volunteer for a Christian relief ministry helping those whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The woman (who had burst into tears in the previous moment) replied, “I’m not crying because I lost everything. I’m crying because love just showed up.”

God’s heart shows itself in His desire that we help those in need. When Moses gave the people of Israel God’s instructions before they entered the land He’d promised them, he told them, “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted” toward the poor. “Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Their hearts toward the poor were to reflect God’s own: “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart” (15:10).

Whether in disaster situations or everyday life, when we give to those in need out of the blessings God has kindly given us, we make evident the love of His Son, who came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In fact, God promises He “will bless” those who share His unselfishness with others (Deuteronomy 15:10), both in this life and the next (see Luke 14:14). We can’t see God yet, but others may catch a glimpse of Him when we emulate His compassion for them. May His love show up as kindness through us today.

Why would a man go from toting a Bible to toting a gun? Clinton Goodwin will explain how he went to San Quentin for armed robbery. Don’t miss this true dramatization coming soon from the Classic files of “Unshackled!”

People may wonder why God allows temptation in the first place, but He often uses our desires and bad habits reveal His power and grace in our lives, and form our character to more like Jesus Christ. Dr. Lutzer describes how renewing our mind and restraining our emotions, and keeping current accounts with God will equip us to fight temptation and sin.

How to Say No to a Stubborn Habit

Counseling Consultation and Referrals

Coming Home: An Invitation to Join God’s Family

What Does the Bible Say About Sin: 5 Sins that are Hurting Your Relationships

If you enjoyed listening to Focus on the Family Weekend, please give us your feedback.

Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, married, or divorced, don’t miss this Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman. Author and Emmy-nominated producer, Laterras Whitfield wants to help you step into the classroom to learn how to build healthy, loving and long-lasting relationships. In a world fixated on finding the right person, he says the focus should be on becoming the right person. Hear encouragement on Building Relationships with Gary Chapman.

Featured resource: Student of Love: Your Guide to Discover, Uncover, and Recover Healthy Relationships

Donate to Moody Radio: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/buildingrelationships

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Read: Luke 15:11-24

Brock was sprawled on his bed with a book when Seth, his older brother, came into the room. “Hey, Brock, did you know that Dakota Smith talked with Pastor Briggs after church yesterday and decided to trust Jesus as his Savior?”

“Great,” Brock said halfheartedly. “Maybe he’ll stay out of trouble now.” Then he frowned. “But what if he doesn’t? What happens if he sins again? I always wonder about that. Or even you—you’re a Christian. What if you sin again?”

“You mean you think I don’t sin?” Seth grinned. “Wow! Go on thinking that!”

“But what if you started doing really bad things?” Brock asked.

“Well, sometimes Christians do really bad things, Brock. But when I do something wrong, that doesn’t mean I’m not saved anymore. I’m God’s child forever.”

“I don’t know,” said Brock doubtfully. “I don’t want to trust in Jesus till I’m sure I can live right.”

“Brock, no one can live right—that’s why Jesus died on the cross for our sins. We can only be good in God’s eyes by trusting in Him.” But Brock still wasn’t sure, and Seth couldn’t convince him otherwise.

A few days later, an older boy from church crashed his parents’ car while driving it recklessly. “Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are so upset,” Mom said. “But they’re glad Caden’s okay.”

After Mom left the room, Seth turned to his brother. “It’s too bad Caden’s not a Peterson anymore, isn’t it?”

“What are you talking about?” asked Brock.

“Well, Caden took his parents’ car without permission and crashed it into a tree.”

“But he’s still a Peterson,” said Brock. “He’s still their son.”

“Right,” said Seth. “And just like Caden still belongs to the Peterson family, a Christian who sins still belongs to God’s family. Once you trust in Jesus, you’re God’s child forever. Christians still sin, but when we admit our mistakes to Jesus, He forgives us. If you wait until you’re good enough to trust in Jesus, it’s never going to happen. Only He is good, and once you’re part of His family, He will help you live in a way that shows His goodness to others.”

Slowly, Brock nodded. He was beginning to understand.

–Agnes Livezey

How about you? Have you put off trusting in Jesus because you think you can’t live the way a Christian should? When you know Jesus, He forgives you when you sin and gives you the ability to do what’s right. Once you become part of God’s family, you’re His child forever. Nothing can change that. If you haven’t joined His family, don’t wait any longer. (To learn more, go to Have You Heard the Good News?)

Today's Key Verse: I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. John 10:28 (NKJV)

Today's Key Thought: You are God’s child forever