There is a single tool that is exceedingly more important than any other in the life of the fruitful Christian. Those who have studied and learned how to use it effectively have been wildly successful in their lives while those who did not adequately appreciate it, often failed miserably. The significance of this often underappreciated and undervalued item cannot be overstated. History reveals that even individuals who were exceptionally skilled with this life altering implement often lost everything when they neglected it. Continue reading “The Most Important Tool in Every Christian’s Toolbox”
Prophetic or Pathetic? Rob Bell and the Spirit of the Age.
Many are trying to pick up the prophetic mantle and speak for God today. Just recently, well-known Pastor / Author, and Oprah Winfrey protégé’, Rob Bell, announced that if the church did not conform to modern cultural views and beliefs, it would be increasingly irrelevant. When did Rob Bell become the protestant Pope? Who ordained him to speak on behalf of God about the precepts and dictates of Heaven?
Since the early days of Judaism – and later Christianity – people of faith have contended between the voice of God and the voice of the world. For millennia there has been a struggle to determine right from wrong. Modern culture tells us that the Bible is full of fairy tales to scare children into obedience. Worse, many well-known seminaries and Bible colleges have been infiltrated by teachers who see the role of scripture as a mere suggestion. Many have relegated God to a force of energy rather than a person who is interested in all that concerns us. They drill well-orchestrated demonic doctrines into the minds of future preachers, who then, all-too-often, carry those lies into their pulpits. These views are a far cry from what the Bible tells us about itself. Continue reading “Prophetic or Pathetic? Rob Bell and the Spirit of the Age.”
A Disciplined Life
In a generation that preaches, “If it feels good do it” and “Just follow your heart” is it even possible to live the life of a real disciple? Should we abandon meaningful spiritual pursuits and capitulate to the cultural currents that surround us? Are our half-hearted efforts good enough?
According to many popular voices today, we have been far too obsessed with trying to live a good life. After all, haven’t we learned by now that it is simply too difficult? Instead, we are told that God’s love is enough and that His grace renders the effects of our sin null and void. “Live and let live.” Continue reading “A Disciplined Life”
Hiding, Waiting and Preparing
You know it’s going to be a bad day when the Queen Mother starts a coup.
God had clearly warned Ahab and Jezebel that their sins were piling up and that they would one day come face to face with God’s justice. Despite God’s gracious warnings and miraculous works of the Prophets, the royal family continued their evil. In fulfillment of God’s word, a man named Jehu rebelled and started a bloody and violent campaign that led to the deaths of Ahab’s descendents including Joram, King of Israel and Ahaziah, King of Judah. Continue reading “Hiding, Waiting and Preparing”
Will They Care You Died?
His name meant, “God is exalted”, but he failed to live up to that great calling. His Grandfather and Father – though not without their faults – were considered by God to be faithful and righteous. They had been blessed. Yet, despite the destiny implied by his name, Jehoram, King of Judah, went down in history as one of the worst Kings to ever live.
Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. No one was sorry when he died. They buried him in the City of David, but not in the royal cemetery. (2 Chronicles 21:20 NLT) Continue reading “Will They Care You Died?”
Can Jesus Trust You?
Have you ever cared deeply for someone yet could not trust them? Have you poured your life into someone only to have them later betray you? Have you ever considered that God sometimes has the same trouble with us?
Jesus traveled everywhere teaching people how to be reunited with God. He tirelessly ministered to their spiritual, emotional and physical needs. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and even fed the thousands when there was not enough food. Multitudes flocked to see the miracles and hear His teaching. People donated to His ministry and professed their unwavering love and devotion, yet He did not trust them. Continue reading “Can Jesus Trust You?”
Thriving on Scraps
She was an unwanted foreigner with very little societal standing; a member of a race that was shunned, spit upon, and worse. Her people were considered no better than animals and sometimes worse. She had asked everyone she could find for help, but time and again she went away empty-handed. Following untold sleepless nights full of tears and agony, the weary woman was on the edge of hopelessness and despair. If the need had only been for herself she probably would have resigned herself to defeat long ago, but it was for someone far more precious; her daughter. Continue reading “Thriving on Scraps”
Is Life Really Unfair?
Have you ever experienced a time when you were praying, seeking God, doing good deeds, going to church and more, yet you were struggling to get by? Have you ever been frustrated when someone seems to be living the good life despite godless actions and mistreatment of others? Have you ever heard yourself pray, “It’s not fair God?”
If the truth is known, many of us have probably been there at some point in life. We work and struggle to obey God only to watch others – who don’t give God a second thought – pass us by in the race of life. It can be a real challenge to remain humble and trust God when we feel overlooked. Continue reading “Is Life Really Unfair?”
How We Tell Others about Jesus
SCRIPTURE:
For “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” but how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” Romans 10:13-15 (NLT)
MESSAGE:
Scripture is clear. People can’t be saved until someone tells them how. Let’s take a look at three ways the Bible tells us to engage the ministry of winning others to Jesus.
Like everything in God’s universe, it all begins with words. The Bible tells us that we should pray. Scripture provides at least three specific things we should pray for when we desire to see more followers of Christ. The first thing we should pray, is that Father God will draw people to Jesus. John 6:44 tells us that people cannot come unless the Father draws them. Secondly, we should pray for workers (Col 4:2-6) who will lovingly and with dedication share the Good News with those who have not yet come to know Jesus. Also, we should pray for empowerment to overcome fear, rejection, arguments, and more. (Acts 1:8) Continue reading “How We Tell Others about Jesus”
Why We Spread the News
SCRIPTURE:
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” Isaiah 6:8 (NLT)
MESSAGE:
Is faith supposed to be public or private? Are Christians called to preach to people? Are you satisfied with the spiritual state of the people closest to you?
We live in an age when simply saying “Merry Christmas” offends people, and a growing number of detractors are attacking Christianity as intolerant. Many modern classrooms and media outlets lay the blame of countless historical and modern tragedies squarely at the feet of the Christian Faith. It is easy to see why so many followers of Christ tend to withdraw to the safety or their churches and prayer closets. They have been told that faith is a private matter and should not be discussed or displayed in the public arena. Continue reading “Why We Spread the News”