“Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” (1st John 3:13) Jesus warned His disciples to anticipate this response from the world in John 15:18-25. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet... Continue Reading →
Worst Case Scenarios: The Layers Behind Sinful Choices
The phrase “love one another” is something that will be seen in those who are of Christ. In 1st John 3:12, John speaks of Cain… saying “Not as Cain….” The charge is to love one another, “Not as Cain…” Cain is the contrast of what it looks like to love one another. He was “of... Continue Reading →
The Cost of Compromise in Christian Culture
A spirit of compromise has invaded our Christian culture. Fear that if we do not keep up with the times and be politically correct we are going to be silenced or fail to grow as a church; therefore, an effort is made to make it more accommodative, inclusive and convenient. Rather than improving the spiritual... Continue Reading →
God’s Kingdom Established With Power
“Verily I say unto you, that there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” Mark 9:1 This teaches that the kingdom of GOD would come with power in the lifetime of 1st century residents. In spite of the... Continue Reading →
Faith Like a Mustard Seed: Unlocking God’s Power
In Matthew 17, a man pleads with Jesus to heal his epileptic son after the disciples failed. Jesus questions their faith and then heals the boy. When the disciples ask why they were unsuccessful, Jesus explains in V20 (ESV) "It is because of your little faith" using the mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, to... Continue Reading →
The Unique Authority of the GOD of the Bible
Why the GOD of the Bible as opposed to other supposed deities? The Creator of Genesis 1 and His authority are self-sustaining. GOD’S existence does not cease or diminish as a result of man’s acceptance or rejection. This, among other things, distinguishes the LORD of the Bible from imaginary deities. THE GOD of Genesis 1... Continue Reading →
Reigniting Passion Through the Gospel Only
The Gospel is GOD’S power to save (Romans 1:16). This truth should light a fire within us, defining what true success looks like and how it is obtained. However, we sometimes lose sight of this purpose. Our forgetfulness often comes from worldly thinking. One challenge we face when trying to uphold the Gospel with worldly... Continue Reading →
GOD’S Predestination and Man’s Choice
In Ephesians 1:7, Paul speaks of the beloved, Jesus Christ, in whom we have redemption. In Christ, we find redemption. The soul of man needs rescuing from the bondage of sin. Through the blood of Christ, there is restoration, recovery, and deliverance for the soul. Through the blood of Jesus, redemption brought the forgiveness of... Continue Reading →
The Power of Grace: From Death to Life in Christ
While we were dead in our sins and unable to save ourselves, God's grace provided a way for us to live, through Christ. “…. that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:7 The amazing reality that He has... Continue Reading →
A Guide to Enduring Faith
Hebrews 11 presents a powerful list of faithful men and women who lived by faith despite facing significant challenges. The chapter opens defining faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." These children of God were not seeking rewards in this life but rather in the life to come.... Continue Reading →
