'#grace' Tagged Posts (Page 3)
JUDGEMENT (PSALM 1)
We’ve all heard it said before, “Don’t judge!” Underlying the statement is the concern that mankind unfairly judges others. God does not though. As THE JUDGE of the universe, he is the one who establishes & declares what is right and wrong which the psalmist points out. That’s key for us! Because he does so, he then calls us to a specific manner of living. So judgement is actually helpful in that it guides us. But it also reminds us…
THE SPIRITUAL BATTLEGROUND
We often think of battle in a physical sense. Wars between nations or people groups. But there is a very real spiritual battle taking place every day, and it is located closer than we think. Understanding the where, may help us to gain greater perspective into the conflict we see around us, noticing the spiritual element.
BALANCE IS KEY
Balance. It is a key to life. Whether we are talking about what we eat or simply the ability to stand, balance is key. And it is particularly important when we come to the Scriptures. Many doctrines require a balanced approach. Too far one direction and we are in legalism. Too far the other and we abuse grace. The same is true as we come to Ephesians 6 this coming Sunday and begin to discuss spiritual warfare. We must keep…
REVENGE – A DISH BEST NEVER SERVED
Revenge. A dish best served cold. Or so the saying goes. Reading from the book of Proverbs however, we find that it is a dish best NEVER served at all. Rather, we are called to entrust these hurts, these acts of evil against us unto the Lord. What are we instead called to and is there perhaps a greater purpose? We’ll explore that today.
THE WAYS OF THE LORD ARE WISE NOT FOOLISH
I’ve heard it and seen it written various times that believing in the Lord and the ways prescribed in his Word are foolish. Interestingly, I was in Proverbs 3 today and Solomon writes in direct contrast to that. And we find it not only there but also in Ecclesiastes 12. In light of what our nation is celebrating this month, it is all the more a call to understand the wisdom of the Lord and of us to proclaim that…
#ASKPD: JUDGMENT IN JOSHUA
As I was reading through Joshua 11-12 today, I noticed a phrase that I have seen in the New Testament. Pondering on that for a moment, it helps us to answer the question about why see the drastic measures of God’s wrath in the Old Testament, particularly as Israel enters the land. Take a moment to watch and consider.
GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS…
As I read through Psalm 118 today, I was caught by the fact that it is bookended by the same exact words. As the psalmist writes down everything in between, he proves the point is introduces and concludes with. Indeed we should give God thanks for he is…
COMING ALONGSIDE ONE ANOTHER (PART 2)
We’re continuing to explore that subject of coming alongside one another from Galatians 6:2 with five more observations today. This is an important ministry of the church that we are to have to and with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
COMING ALONGSIDE ONE ANOTHER
We started this discussion during Sunday School on April 18, 2021 after some things said during the service about the need to encourage fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in putting on the new man and putting aside the old. This week, we’re exploring a bit deeper this subject of coming alongside one another as we think about what the Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:2.
WHAT HAVE I DONE (DEUT 1)
Why have you allowed this God? What have I done to deserve this? Do you hate me? Those are questions that either you or others have asked as they’ve gone through various situations. The nation of Israel did too. Isn’t it interesting how we forget what God had done. As we go through various situations, it’s important to pause and think for a bit on what God may be doing, how he may be growing us, or even how he…
THE GOSPEL
In a world full of bad news, this is the best news of all. Hope in a world filled wit hopelessness. Security in a world of uncertainty. Freedom in a world enslaved. Joy and peace in a world that is anything but. This is about your eternity and your present.
SITUATION, TRANSFORMATION, TESTIMONY
The Equality Act is up for a vote in the House of Representatives tomorrow. I am grieved to see the disregard by our politicians for the effects this will have on our nation across the board. At the same time, I am also grieved to see the struggles of so many who are trying to find their purpose and identity apart from God. As I was thinking on this today, Paul’s words in Romans were on my mind – not…
ARE WE BECOMING SPIRITUAL NONES?
There is a growing population of what is now termed the “spiritual nones.” They are individuals who see Christianity in particular as harmful, as helpful but not a part of it, or are unaffiliated believers. I wonder though if there are more spiritual nones than the survey takes into account. We are suffering a “spiritual plight” in America where Christians are more and more identifying with the world than the Lord & Savior who bought them with his precious blood.…
WE KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS (REVELATION 19-22)
We’ve made it to the end of our New Testament reading and what a great place to end the year in the Bible. We conclude with the glorious future that awaits all those who have placed their faith in Christ Jesus for salvation. Thanks for journeying with us through the New Testament this year. We’ll be starting something new in 2021 as we continue to explore the Word of God together. God bless.
GENUINE COMMITMENT (REVELATION 3)
Genuine. Commitment. Two words that we often look for in the relationships that we establish with people in our community, as we see a spouse, as we make friends. We look for people who are genuine and who are committed. Those same two words could be a banner for Revelation 3 as God calls us to a genuinely committed relationship with himself each and everyday expressed through simple obedience. Take a moment to read the chapter and watch. Revelation 3…
ABOUT MORE THAN PROPHECY (REVELATION 2)
When people think of the book of Revelation, they often think of end times events and prophecy. Yet the book starts with letters to various churches, words from Jesus himself. And the content of these is much on practical Christian living & church body life. Revelation 2 NET
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
WHAT MAKES HELL HELL? (#ASKPD)
Over the years, I have heard various people makes jokes about hell often laughing it off as some party place they wish to go to. Or it has been used as adjective or adverb in the form of a question or of exclamatory surprise. As much as it may be used as a curse or joked about, it is the scariest of existences for those who refuse to trust in Jesus as their Savior. Why? Take a moment to read…
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED (JOHN 14)
There is much that can distress our hearts and minds today. Just think through the social and political turmoil over the last year. Then we add to that the daily events in our lives that tug at our hearts and minds to worry and be anxious. Jesus calls us to a different path – “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He calls us to rest in him and trust in him. It’s not always easy, but it gives a…
RESPONDING TO BAD LEADERS & LAWS (#ASKPD)
Sunday we covered the subject of civil disobedience (for that message, please see the link below). Let’s continue that subject a bit asking: “How do we respond to bad leaders & bad laws?” What part can we play in our society as citizens? And what should be our ultimate concern? This is a huge topic that even these few moments here won’t exhaust. Yet, we’ll give a few answers to these questions. “To Obey or Not Obey? That’s the Dilemma.”…