There’s a Bible out there to suit everyone’s taste! That’s right! You can select from dozens of Bibles where one is sure to suit your style! 

Here are some of today’s offerings!

• Outreach Bible
• Here’s Hope New Testament
• Life Application Bible
• Life Recovery Bible
• ESV Student Study Bible
• CSB Military Bible
• American Patriot’s Bible
• Adventure Bible (with cartoon illustrations for kids)
• NKJV Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible (Infused with commentary)
• NLT DaySpiring Daily Devotional Bible for Moms
• CSB She Reads Truth Bible
• Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women
• Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men
• Every Man’s Bible NLT
• NIV Compact Girls’ Ultimate Backpack Bible, Faithgirlz Edition (A portable Bible for tweens.) (There’s one for boys too!)
• The NIV Artisan Collection Bible for Girls (with lots of artistic features)
• CSB Pastor's Bible
• NKJV Minister's Bible
• ESV Preaching Bible
• The Voice Bible (Uses compelling narratives, poetry and teaching that enables the reader to hear God and experience His presence.)
• Flourish: The NIV Bible for Women
• The Bride’s Bible
• CSB Coach’s Bible
• NIV Outdoorsman Bible
• Spiritual Warfare Bible
• Catholic Bible
• Jewish Bible
• NKJV Prayer Bible
• NLT Spiritual Growth Bible

And there are dozens more...

Yes, some of these are simply Bibles with ‘cool’ packaging. Yet many contain the Scripture intermingled with commentary intended to give a predefined focus to the text, a particular slant to the word. Without judging those who have compiled and published these specialty Bibles, one cannot help but wonder: “Is God’s word different for each person?”

Publishers market Bibles to make a profit, but what was God’s purpose in revealing his Word?

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…. 

--Romans 12:2

I fear that man has been transforming the Bible into his own image. For many, God’s word has lost its appeal, so the words or popular writers, speakers, and commentators are added. This appeals to the individual tastes of people, yet God has appealed to man through the cross. 

Jesus said in John 12:32...

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.

There are difficult passages in the Bible. YOU need to wrestle with the difficult passages, not simply hand your mind over to someone else. How many times did Jesus end a parable with, “He who has  ears, let him hear”?

Understanding is for those who desire it, who spend time in the word, and who use spiritual discernment. Understanding is not an academic pursuit and it is seldom accidental, easy or convenient. You must apply yourself to the reading of the scriptures and the practice of God’s word.

But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. 

--Hebrews 5:14

At some point it is a time to simply read the word; no notes, no commentary, no helps...no slant. Just listen.

Mark Stinnett

June 22, 2025

We both chuckled when I shared some of the game rules my mom had grown up with. My grandpa would not allow his kids to use dice, so they had to make their own spinner when moving game pieces around the Monopoly board. My mom and her siblings were also forbidden the use of ‘spot’ cards (the kind with spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds).  Dice and spot cards were the tools of gambling, a practice considered morally wrong by my grandparents. The thinking of my grandpa’s generation seemed naïve. 

We chuckled.

Then, my friend, looking upward and tapping his chin with his forefinger, paused and thoughtfully said, “You know, those folks were really serious about not sinning.”

I was taken back by his statement because I had only thought of their behavior as uninformed and silly. I had never considered the possibility that they were consciously trying to avoid sin.

My friend went on to explain his understanding of my grandparent’s generation. He told me that their guiding principle came from scripture:

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

—1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)

Modern translations have: “Abstain from every form of evil” or “Reject every kind of evil.”

The point is that their generation was intent on following Scripture in order to practice godly living in their daily lives. Even though I personally see nothing wrong with using dice or spot cards, I certainly admire such an attitude toward godly living.

Moral tolerance, soft doctrine, and benevolence are the fashion trends in today’s Christian community in the United States while godliness, holiness and purity have taken a back seat. Topics such as righteousness,  truth and sound doctrine are too often thought to generate arguments. For that reason, they are avoided. The result is a religious environment that extends a generous hand to those with physical needs (though not as effectively as secular charitable organizations) while tolerating “every form of evil.”

Generosity, service and benevolence are good. However, godliness, purity and holiness are not to be ignored:

Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully. 

--Psalm 24:3-4

You shall be holy, for I am holy. 

--1 Peter 1:13

For God has not called us for the purpose of impurity, but in sanctification. 

--1 Thessalonians 4:7

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 

--Matthew 5:6

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

--2 Corinthians 5:21

He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it.

--1 Peter 3:11

We must love one another by extending benevolence and service and we must devote ourselves to God in righteousness and purity and holiness.

And that’s no laughing matter in any generation.

Mark Stinnett

June 15, 2025

Part 5: Honor

God has assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. The last few articles have focused on the text of Ephesians 6:4. Prior to that instruction (verses 1-3), the Apostle Paul addressed children:

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother...that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth.

Many years ago, when my children were small, it occurred to me that this instruction could not possibly be directed at very young children; they cannot read! I reasoned that as parents, my wife and I had the initial responsibility to teach our children to “honor your father and mother.”

How do you teach honor??

It is likely that you have been touched by stories or news clips in which honor was shown to someone in our military. It might have been a crowd of people gathering to celebrate a soldier returning home from duty. It might have been the moment when the solemn silence at a funeral of a fallen hero is broken by the eruption of the 21-gun salute and the mournful call of the bugle playing Taps.  Or perhaps you have witnessed a small child standing at attention to salute a soldier in uniform. Honor.

A father instructs his son regarding our nation’s flag. He teaches the meaning of the stars and the stripes. He remembers aloud those who have sacrificed so much for the freedom it symbolizes.

A mother tells her children about their two grandfathers who served in the military. She displays pictures of the men in uniform as she relates stories which had been told her. She shows her children the folded flags displayed on the mantle to honor the service of each man.

A schoolteacher teaches, not merely the words, but the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance.

There are many ways to illustrate honor for our country and those in uniform. The common element in all of these is value. Honor is given to people and things that we greatly value. Our value is evident by the way we speak and how we show respect. We draw special attention to the things and people we value. We commit ourselves in loyalty and service to the objects of our honor. We protest and even punish dishonor of any kind.

Dads, value your wife and demand that your children cherish and value their mother. Moms, value your husband and demand that your children value and respect their father.

Value godly character in your home. Tell your children: This is how we act. This is how we speak. This is what we say. This is who we are. Then, be sure to demonstrate those same godly values.

Are you loyal to God? Do you value His word? Do you honor His people? Do you value spiritual ideals? Expect these from your children.

One of the most important ways to teach honor is to teach obedience. Disobedience is nothing other than dishonor. Yet, obedience honors parents and honors God. A wise parent will discipline disobedience and dishonor.

Finally, when your children honor you, even if you do not feel deserving, accept the honor. In doing so, you allow them to fulfill God’s instruction to honor father and mother. Honor is good. Honor is right. Teach honor!

Mark Stinnett

June 1, 2025

Part 4: Teaching Moments

God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline in the home to fathers. Of course, mothers are not excluded; they are just not given the primary responsibility. God’s expectation is for parents to teach their children about God and to train them according to God’s word.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The purpose of all instruction and discipline is to instill useful principles in the minds and hearts of our children for good living. More specifically, our goal as parents should be to instill within our children a sense of reverence for God for a lifetime of devotion to Him in preparation for Christ’s return.

What can a Christian parent do to carry out this instruction??

While some families may choose to have periodic organized times for devotional or Bible study, we must all take advantage of the daily opportunities that arise. The following are just a few examples of unforced, natural teaching moments.

When fixing the car, you may have an opportunity to mention federal and state regulations which you may not like, but that you follow because you honor the laws of the land as Scripture teaches.

When teaching your daughter how to manage her finances you might take the opportunity to say something about God’s blessings and the value of honoring Him in a weekly contribution or by financially assisting someone in need. Instill the value of generosity, an attribute of God.

• In the evening while on a fishing outing you might pause to enjoy the sunset and draw attention to the majesty of God’s creation.
• After hosting friends for an evening in your home you might say something about how God values fellowship and hospitality.
• After an exhaustive, yet ultimately successful search for an important lost item, you might be able to impress upon the heart of your child God undying love and compassion for lost souls. Consider also what might be taught when that valuable item is never found!
• When your children observe poor behavior in other children, you might be able to teach something about the value of discipline.
• When finances are tight and you cannot participate in a desired activity, teach something about financial responsibility or contentment.
• After experiencing disappointment, you may teach something about the nature of our broken world and the enduring hope of eternal life with God.
• After having applied effective discipline, you have an opportunity to reinforce your love for your child, in spite of the wrong that was done. You may also be able to teach about God’s mercy and forgiveness.

If we intend to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must have the instruction of God in our heart. So, we must be people who use God’s word to govern our lives. In addition, we must be constantly aware of teaching opportunities. Then, when those situations arise, we must take advantage of the opportunity for the benefit of our children.

And finally, if we are to discipline and instruct our children in the Lord, we must ensure that the things being taught are already being demonstrated in our own lives. Our lives should punctuate and reinforce our instruction.

Mark Stinnett

May 25, 2025

Part 3: Spiritual Leader

God assigned the primary role of leadership and discipline to fathers. Consider the context in which this role is defined:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

The simple phrase ‘in the Lord’ places the responsibility of fathers in the context of spiritual leadership. The desired result of leadership in the home is not to produce model citizens or people with great careers (both good things), but to please God. ‘In the Lord’ could be thought of as ‘according to the Lord.’ A father’s leadership should be according to God’s expectations. So also, his instruction and discipline should be according to God’s expectations. This is carried out by devoting oneself to the principles taught in God’s word.

A father is not a dictator who controls his children so that he can create an illusion of spirituality. He truly leads his children to Christ. A father’s instruction is first from God with the purpose of training his children to be like God in their personal character and in their values. Discipline has the ultimate goal of directing attitudes and behaviors toward God.

It is great to teach our children how to fix the car, fish and hunt, manage money, repair the house, cook, entertain guests, negotiate business deals, distinguish the big dipper from the little dipper, write an essay, grow vegetables, play a sport, grill chicken, unclog the sink, remove melted crayon from the back seat of the car, invest money wisely, manage electronic devices, plant a tree, keep a pet, and find the best deal on an online auction.

But what about their souls??

The discipline and instruction of the Lord is spiritual instruction including faith, humility, godly character, service, devotion to God and concern for one’s fellow man. The discipline and instruction of the Lord is applied to all areas of life but should focus on preparation for the Lord’s return.

The discipline and instruction of the Lord is rooted in God’s word. That does not mean that a dad must organize formal Bible training times with his children, have them memorize and recite scriptures, or quiz them on Bible facts. Some fathers might choose these kinds of activities, however, we can learn something from God’s plan for instruction for ancient Israel.

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise. (Deuteronomy 6:5-7)

I knew a dad who took his son into the back yard before a fishing trip and spent time teaching him how to use a new rod and reel. Another dad heard a peculiar noise from the engine of a passing car and shared some valuable auto info with his son. One opportunity was more formal and planned while the other presented itself quite by chance. In both cases knowledge and experience were shared as valuable instruction to be passed on.

Fathers, how well do you know God and His word? Based on your experiences what can you teach your children about God’s way of handling life’s trials, keeping oneself pure, the value of eternal life? How are you preparing your children for the Lord’s return??

Mark Stinnett

May, 18, 2025

Part 2: Disciplinarian

Who was the primary disciplinarian in your home when growing up? Parents, who is the primary disciplinarian in your home now? Would it surprise you to learn that the Bible designates the father as the primary disciplinarian in the home?

The Apostle Paul echoes many teachings from the book of Proverbs in a short admonition to fathers:

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

It would be erroneous to take this verse out of context and reason that mothers are not responsible for discipline or instruction. Yet, the simple truth is that the primary responsibility falls to fathers.

Some fathers might be tempted to delegate disciplinary responsibility to the mother. It is wise to remember that head, or leader, is not the same as dictator. A man must never simply hand off his responsibility as father. Translation: Man Up! Don’t wimp out on your God-given role as dad.

Discipline and instruction are separate ideas but related. Discipline is more about actions while instruction has more to do with the mind and attitude. Instruction promotes self-discipline. Yet, when simple instruction fails, a parent must take the next step: correction. In general, correction is verbal, often a reminder of past instruction. It may also come with a warning of future consequences if instruction is not followed.

While instruction and correction are more verbal, there is also the need for training. Training is a positive form of discipline that involves verbal instruction and demonstration, as well as application on the part of the child. Training involves telling them, showing them, and then letting them try. Additional instruction and correction, along with parental patience, are important for successful training.

Discipline is necessary when a child demonstrates a poor attitude at some level of instruction. It is best thought of as a part of instruction and training, not punishment. Discipline has a positive goal of changing a child’s attitude and behavior. It may call for extreme measures which include corporal punishment, i.e. spanking or other physical consequences. It should not be assumed that this is the first disciplinary option in all cases, nor is it always the most appropriate.

Fathers, you set the tone for discipline and instruction in your home. You must communicate with your wife about the discipline and instruction of your children. While your wife is deeply involved with the children, you lead the way. You provide direction in the values and behaviors that are important for your children.

Do not abandon your wife and place the burden of discipline solely (or mostly) on her shoulders. There ARE times when it is appropriate for your wife to be able to say to your child, “Wait until your father gets home!”  It is your job to rescue your wife when she is exasperated with the children. You must deal with the most difficult situations. You are the one to make the hard decisions.  God has given this responsibility to YOU, the dad.

Intimidating? Perhaps. Yet, the book of Proverbs is a tremendous resource for learning to be a good father and a good disciplinarian. Treat it like an instruction manual. If you haven’t read it lately, start TODAY!

Mark Stinnett

May 11, 2025