“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 →
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 →
Emotions are not always reliable.
In Genesis 37, Jacob had a strong feeling about his son Joseph. Joseph’s brothers, consumed by jealousy, sold him to a group of Ishmaelites. They took his coat of many colors, which was a gift from their father. They dipped it in goat’s blood and brought it back to deceive Jacob. Jacob responded, “It is... 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 →
Do not be deceived thereby…
In Proverbs 20:1, Solomon describes wine as a mocker and strong drink as raging. Whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. Wine mocks, derides, ridicules and teases its consumer. Allowing ourselves to be deceived by it shows a lack of wisdom. What will be the evidence of one who has allowed themselves to be deceived... 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 →
Are Christians Permitted To Drink In Moderation? Exploring Scripture’s Wisdom
“Likewise, must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre…” (1st Timothy 3:8) “The aged women, likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things…” (Titus 2:3) Elders are instructed to “not be given to... Continue Reading →
