We Don’t Clean What We Don’t Know Is Dirty

“Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive your evil thoughts, for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (Acts 8:22-23 NLT) These stern words to Simon the sorcerer came from the Apostle Peter following Simon’s request to receive the HolyContinue reading “We Don’t Clean What We Don’t Know Is Dirty”

Is Obedience to God Optional?

“I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I amContinue reading “Is Obedience to God Optional?”

While There’s Time

“We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the One who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. But while I am here in the world, I am the light of the world.’” (John 9:4-5 NLT) Jesus had a deadline, and so do you and I. We allContinue reading “While There’s Time”

Taking a Spiritual Retreat

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to sayContinue reading “Taking a Spiritual Retreat”

The Path of Everlasting Life

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT) One of the tragedies of the sexual “revolution” of the sixties that has continued through to the present day isContinue reading “The Path of Everlasting Life”

The Hinge of History

“When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby lying in the manger.” (Luke 2:15-16 NLT) As weContinue reading “The Hinge of History”

Beyond the Visible

“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NLT) Do you realize that on many levels the most meaningful aspects of our lives are created and stored in the unseen places of our heart? Can you draw a picture of love? Describe the impact of compassion? Formulate thoughts that can adequatelyContinue reading “Beyond the Visible”

When Wills Are Wed

“Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. Such people claim they know God, but they deny Him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.” (Titus 1:15-16 NLT)Continue reading “When Wills Are Wed”

Salvation (Part 2)

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT) In a very real sense, personal salvation, the ability of an individual person to be saved, wasn’t available until the Holy Spirit was given. How do I know that? Because accordingContinue reading “Salvation (Part 2)”

Salvation

“Jesus responded, ‘Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Luke 19:9-10 NLT) What are the “components” of salvation? When does salvation begin? How do I know I’m saved?Continue reading “Salvation”