Tag: Spiritual

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Shared Sin

SCRIPTURE:

“But we have sinned and done wrong. We have rebelled against you and scorned your commands and regulations.” (Daniel 9:5 NLT)

MESSAGE:

One of the most dangerous and destructive things I have witnessed in the church over the years, is spiritual pride. Regular pride is bad enough, after all the Bible says, “pride comes before destruction.” (Proverbs 16:8) Spiritual pride, however, takes things to a whole new level. Spiritual pride often comes dressed in faux-righteousness. We (or the devil) actually convince ourselves that we have the moral high-ground and are speaking the very words of God. Continue reading “Shared Sin”

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United In Christ

crossSCRIPTURE:

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:20-21 NLT)

MESSAGE:

Last evening I had the wonderful privilege to attend a gathering of several hundred people representing various groups of Christianity. It was moving as leaders prayed blessings over one another and the people they represented. It was amazing to see generations of infighting and doctrinal differences dissolve in the light of Christ who has made the many one.

During our time of prayer God reminded me of the importance of laying aside our minor differences for the greater purpose of His Kingdom. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being pluralistic. I fully affirm that there is only one way to get to God. That way was clearly articulated by Jesus when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 NLT) Continue reading “United In Christ”

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A Garden Perspective of 2015

adam-and-eve-expelled-from-paradise-1961SCRIPTURE:

“After sending them out, the LORD God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”
Genesis 3:24 (NLT)

MESSAGE:

A scene in “Star Trek – The Undiscovered Country” shows Mr. Spock talking to his intended replacement about a painting which hangs in his quarters. That 1961 painting (pictured here) by Marc Chagall is entitled, “Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise.” Mr. Spock explains to Lt. Valeris that it is displayed as a reminder that “all things end.”  Centuries earlier, the world renowned painter Michelangelo had also captured the ancient event when he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. That work was entitled, “The Fall of Man and the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden.” Continue reading “A Garden Perspective of 2015”