By: Obed Pineda It is said that the quality of a person’s leadership is best observed when confronted by adversity. It is curious that many want the prestige that comes with the label of leader, but few truly understand the responsibility, sacrifice, and dedication required of one. For this reason,…
By: Obed Pineda There are old folkloric tales that suggest that the etymological roots of our English word “sincere” can be traced as far back as to the days of the Roman Republic, before Julius Caesar ushered in Rome’s Imperial period. One tale claims that in those days marble craftsmen…
By: Obed Pineda From about 2000 B.C. to 536 B.C., the ancient world found itself submerged in a power struggle for world domination between some of history’s most prominent military powerhouses, from the Assyrian Empire to the Persian Empire. The children of Israel regrettably found themselves in the midst of…
By: Obed Pineda Sitting from his unmerciful prison cell in Rome, knowing that his martyrdom was sure to take place there, the great apostle to the Gentiles scribed his final epistle to his beloved and trusted protégé (cf. 2nd Timothy 4:6-8). There is little doubt that it was the purpose…
By: Obed Pineda In a letter penned with the intention of stirring up the embers of encouragement and steadfastness in the hearts of those who suffered great persecution, the inspired Peter espoused “we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles – when we…
By: Obed Pineda On a certain occasion two evangelists had returned home from a small third world country suffering from severe drought, famine, and disease, where they had just enjoyed their most successful missionary trip. The locals had received them with open arms, desirous to know more about the Gospel…
By: Obed Pineda “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (Proverbs 15:28) There he was sitting in silence, listening very carefully to the ongoing debate between four aged men held in high regard by their community. The highly charged…
By: Obed Pineda In the days of our Savior’s life here on earth, there was a valley that could be easily identified by anyone traveling to Jerusalem from the south, most likely because of its peculiar appearance. Sitting just outside of Jerusalem, it was held by her inhabitants as a…
By: Obed Pineda “Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.’” (Acts 18:9-10)…
By: Obed Pineda From 971 B.C. to 931 B.C., Israel enjoyed its greatest period of prosperity and peace as a kingdom. Such was the beauty of Solomon’s reign that the inspired penmen affirms, “he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to…