“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” (Psalm 133:1 NLT) It is wonderful to live in harmony and oneness, especially in a family – husbands and wives, moms and dads, parents and children, and even as co-workers or neighbors. And as we think of the Church as the “Family ofContinue reading “Unity Without the Gospel”
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Faith Without Good Deeds
“How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?” (James 2:20 NLT) Throughout the Bible there are numerous truths that are emphasized in comparison with something else. Things like “faith without good deeds,” “knowledge without love,” “pleasing God without faith,” and many more. In the next few posts, I’d like to highlightContinue reading “Faith Without Good Deeds”
What Does It Mean That Jesus Has Overcome the World?
“…But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33b NLT) John Piper said: “You cannot know what prayer is for, until you know that life is war.” Neither can you know how valuable and profoundly important it is that Jesus has overcome the world, until you know that being a believer in JesusContinue reading “What Does It Mean That Jesus Has Overcome the World?”
You’re Doing More Than You Realize
“A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart…” (Matthew 12:35a NLT) Have you ever been discouraged? Of course you have, as I and every other believer who ever lived has. What does it mean to be discouraged? From a Biblical perspective, it means “to be disheartened, dispirited, or broken inContinue reading “You’re Doing More Than You Realize”
What Is a Hypocrite?
“It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”” (Matthew 7:5 The Message) Have you ever been called a hypocrite? I have. And it stung.Continue reading “What Is a Hypocrite?”
What Are We Saved To? (Part 2)
“I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. I want to suffer with Him, sharing in His death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” (Philippians 3:10-11 NLT) In yesterday’s post we began to look at what we’re called “to”Continue reading “What Are We Saved To? (Part 2)”
What Are We Saved To?
“Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.” (1 Timothy 6:3 NLT) There is much more to being a follower of Christ than being forgiven. The emphasis of many is what we’re saved “from.” We are delivered from a lifeContinue reading “What Are We Saved To?”
When God Says “No” – Part 2
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away.” (2 Corinthians 12:8a NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at why God answered Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane “no.” Today we’ll look briefly at how God answered the Apostle Paul’s request for physical healing, using his experience as a springboard into whyContinue reading “When God Says “No” – Part 2”
When God Says “No”
“My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me.” (Matthew 26:39 NLT) Has God ever said “no” to you when you thought you were asking in complete faith and trust? Have you ever prayed, agonizing in your spirit, begging God to take something: a pain, some form ofContinue reading “When God Says “No”“
What Is Fellowship?
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 NLT) The term “fellowship”is used frequently among believers in Jesus, but I’m afraid we have largely lost sight of its meaning. We say things like: “Let’s meet up atContinue reading “What Is Fellowship?”
Walking With Jesus 