“But afterward Jesus found him in the Temple and told him, ‘Now you are well; so stop sinning, or something even worse may happen to you.’” (John 5:14 NLT) The man to whom Jesus spoke in the above verse had been lying by the pool of Bethesda, hoping to be able to get into theContinue reading “Why Sin Matters!”
Tag Archives: sin
Perfection
“But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48 NLT) The only two people I’ve ever known who are perfect are Jesus and my wife. Jesus is God, so that explains why He’s perfect in every way. My wife is perfect to me because she was God’s choiceContinue reading “Perfection”
Understanding the Nature of Sin
“Well then, should we conclude that we Jews are better than others? No, not at all, for we have already shown that all people, whether Jews or Gentiles, are under the power of sin.” (Romans 3:9 NLT) The only appropriate response to the glory of God is worship. Anything less is blasphemy! That’s why RayContinue reading “Understanding the Nature of Sin”
Are You a Good Person?
“Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6:7 NLT) Imagine you’re on vacation. You’re driving with your family to a beautiful destination. The surrounding area is already “teasing” you with it’s unique and inviting majesty, so much so you didn’t notice that youContinue reading “Are You a Good Person?”
If Only He’d Waited! (Part 2)
“’Tonight all of you will desert Me. For the Scriptures say, “God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”’” (Matthew 26:31 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at Judas’ betrayal, considering that in each of us resides the potential of being a betrayer. The fact is, “… everyone hasContinue reading “If Only He’d Waited! (Part 2)”
If Only He’d Waited!
“When Judas, who had betrayed Him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse.” (Matthew 27:3a NLT) Not many who come to Christ identify with Judas. Judas’ name is synonymous with “betrayer,” which, of course, he was. The troubling consideration for me is, so was Peter . . . andContinue reading “If Only He’d Waited!”
The Relevancy of Relationship
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:21 NLT) The word “relationship,” as defined by The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, simply means “the state of being related or interrelated.” Many today have relatives without relationships. And a growing number of people are living togetherContinue reading “The Relevancy of Relationship”
Forgiving Like Jesus
“If another person sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” (Luke 17:3b-4 NLT) How does Jesus forgive? Think of the most insidious, demonic, vile, painful, horrific sin anyone could commit againstContinue reading “Forgiving Like Jesus”
A Few Hours with My Mentor
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you.’” (Matthew 8:4 NLT) Last week I was privileged to spend a few hours with my mentor and friend who recently turned 90 years old. His dementia is worsening, but while we were together, he seemedContinue reading “A Few Hours with My Mentor”
Is Divorce the Answer?
“’For I hate divorce!’ says the Lord, the God of Israel.” (Malachi 2:16a NLT) Our goal as Jesus followers is to follow God and His choices for us, not seek to have Him agree with our choices. What are we to follow? In short, His paths of righteousness. What does that mean? Righteousness simply meansContinue reading “Is Divorce the Answer?”
Walking With Jesus 