Pastor Mails Body Parts

Body partsIt sounds like the story line from an episode of CSI or Criminal Minds, but this case is real. A well-revered pastor cut the body of a woman into twelve parts and sent them to leaders of twelve different nations. When all was said and done, the clergyman was identified, but never arrested. In fact, he eventually became a hero of sorts – a world-wide legend.

Our story begins when the preacher in question solicited a woman for ongoing sexual companionship. Though they never got married, in the traditional sense, he developed a deep fondness for her. Continue reading “Pastor Mails Body Parts”

Somebody’s Going to Die

somebodysgoingtodieThe specious debates underway in the United States today over the much publicized visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are mere window dressing for a deep and abiding evil that has existed for millennia. The last time this evil was so evident, it ultimately led to the deaths of an estimated eleven million people. This time may be even worse. Continue reading “Somebody’s Going to Die”

The Smell of Burnt Flesh

BurntFleshWhat does Old Testament animal sacrifice have to do with us today? Did God really demand it? Why?

In today’s high-tech culture and high-tech churches, the world of our spiritual ancestors often appears barbaric and uninformed. If we are not careful it is easy to judge them through the lens of our modern world-view. When we do, we completely miss the significance of their worship. Continue reading “The Smell of Burnt Flesh”

The Most Important Tool in Every Christian’s Toolbox

TheMostImportantToolThere 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”

Do You Need Favor?

camelsWouldn’t you love to meet someone who has the power and influence to radically change your life for the better? Have you ever hoped to be discovered and move toward the life of your dreams? The Bible lays out some principles you need to follow before that is likely to happen.

One of the most noted men in the Bible, and indeed in history, left his homeland and headed to a place he had never been. Although things weren’t always easy, he worked hard and trusted God. Eventually Abraham was wealthy, and was given children – in his old age – who could enjoy the fruit of his labor. His son Isaac was designated to carry the family name and the greatest blessings of God, but there was a problem. Continue reading “Do You Need Favor?”

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”

Can Jesus Trust You?

TRUSTHave 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?”

Why We Spread the News

conversationSCRIPTURE:

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”

Debilitating Demons that Detour Your Destiny – Part 4

RebellionSCRIPTURE:

“Then they plotted among themselves, ‘Let’s choose a new leader and go back to Egypt!’”
Numbers 14:4 (NLT)

MESSAGE:

Now that we considered the demonic spirit of fear in part 3, we move to the spirit of rebellion. If we allow the spirits of entitlement and fear to run roughshod in our lives, they will often lead us to full-scale revolt. Rebellion is something that God takes very seriously. The Apostle Paul tells us that no authority rules without permission from God. (Rom 13:1) This can be a tough pill to swallow, especially for those of us in Western civilization where politics are sometimes a full contact sport.  Don’t get me wrong, our system of government, gives us the right and the responsibility to let our voice be heard – especially when our ideals are firmly rooted in the Word of God. What we do not have the right to do, is slander and gossip those that lead us. Continue reading “Debilitating Demons that Detour Your Destiny – Part 4”