Is Jesus Coming Soon?

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:7-9Continue reading “Is Jesus Coming Soon?”

No Atheists in Hell

“Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God?” (1 Corinthians 6:9a NLT) There are several verses in the Bible, especially in the New Testament, that outline many of the things we can’t continue to do if we expect to go to heaven. So much so we often getContinue reading “No Atheists in Hell”

Is God Safe?

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT) In C. S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia,” there is a scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, when the children learn that Aslan is a lion, “the Lion, the great Lion.” “Ooh!” said Susan, “I’d thoughtContinue reading “Is God Safe?”

Forsaking the Fake

“One day Saul said to David, ‘I am ready to give you my older daughter, Merab, as your wife. But first you must prove yourself to be a real warrior by fighting the Lord’s battles.’ For Saul thought, ‘I’ll send him out against the Philistines and let them kill him rather than doing it myself.’”Continue reading “Forsaking the Fake”

The Guise of Control

“For you are a slave to whatever controls you.” (2 Peter 2:19b NLT) Every person is controlled by something or someone. We don’t govern even our own life. What does govern can vary from person to person, but ultimately, one day God will bring everything under His control (Philippians 3:21). But don’t we have freeContinue reading “The Guise of Control”

Your Race of Faith?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT) Outside magazine ranContinue reading “Your Race of Faith?”

Church Person or Jesus Person?

“For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified.” (1 Corinthians 2:2 NLT) There is a common expression that I’ve heard used in various settings that says: “Fake it ‘til you make it!” In some arenas of life that may be appropriate; however,Continue reading “Church Person or Jesus Person?”

What Does Holiness Mean?

“God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.” (1 Peter 1:2 NLT) Holiness as described in Scripture may beContinue reading “What Does Holiness Mean?”

Are You Living Within Your Margins?

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT) Margins are like guardrails on the highway, they help protect us from disaster. We need to set boundaries beyond which we know we exceed to ourContinue reading “Are You Living Within Your Margins?”

The Cramped World of Self

“The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment isContinue reading “The Cramped World of Self”