Jesus said that those who made the decision to follow him would experience suffering for having made that decision. The early church soon found out the truth of those words and Peter’s first epistle addresses that development head on. When he wrote it the pressure and suffering had already begun and he said it would get even worse. Of course, …
Pure or Impure: The Choice is Ours
The Old Covenant beliefs were frequently faced with the possibility of becoming “impure” or “unclean” before God. Many things could create this state of uncleanness, like touching a dead body, or having open sores. In the condition of uncleanness, they were disqualified from certain rights and privileges relating to association with others and to temple worship. In like manner, New …
Back to Basics
Ever since I first heard the truth of God’s Word, my desire has been to share it with as many people as I can. Clearly, the best way for each of us to do that is to both live and speak that truth, like Jesus did. The first step in doing that is to know the truth. Titus 1:1“Paul, a …
Don’t Fear Religious People … WIN THEM!
In the past few weeks, I’ve had the blessing of guest speaking at some local non-denominational churches. These small local assemblies are full of people with a genuine love for God and a desire to know the Bible more fully. At each church, people approached me afterwards to either ask questions or to offer positive comments about the message I’d …
It’s All About Relationship
The quality of your life and mine, both spiritually and emotionally, is directly proportional to the quality of the RELATIONSHIPS we have. The more people you truly love and are loved by, the easier it is to joyfully endure the often cruel assaults on life, also known as “fiery darts,” especially with a spouse. When things are wonderful, life is really …
The Biblical Perspective of Fellowship (audio)
Fellowship in our current Western culture has become a broadly used word to describe everything from government programs to civic organizations. Is fellowship just another way of describing a collective group or community or does it imply more? The Bible offers a much more nuanced picture of fellowship; one which will thrill the heart to perceive and practice. In this …
How’s Your Fruit Account?
Generosity and giving was one of Jesus’ favorite topics of discussion. Here are a few facts about his teachings on money: • Sixteen of the thirty-one parables have a money or stewardship theme.• One of every ten verses in the Gospels directly mentions money.• Jesus refers directly to money in 288 verses.• Jesus taught about money more often than he …
The Belt of Truth
Dear Truth Seeker,In these last days, the Body of Christ is clearly in an all-out spiritual war with the enemies of righteousness. This war is not with people but with the demonic forces which deceive millions and promote ungodliness and evil. I can make this claim with great confidence because it has been this way from the start. Ephesians 6:10-17 …
Reality Is Always Your Friend
Why is reality your friend? Because the meaning of reality is “the way things really are.” If for any reason you are out of touch with reality in any area of your life, you are undoubtedly subject to a diminished quality of life, to say the least. In the Bible, the Greek word translated “truth” basically means “reality.” Because knowing …
What Should Christians Hate?
Dear Lover of God and Christ, Other than hating your team’s Super Bowl opponent, February is all about LOVE. The Gift Card, Candy and Floral Lobbyists make sure that Valentine’s Day is the highlight of this month. Beside loving one’s spouse, fiancée, etc., February 14 can also be a reminder to us about the relentless love of God as expressed …