Thoughts on Christ and His Word

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. Hebrews 11:1 > "Being sure" (convinced) is an intellectual state of being. When we are sure of something it will affect our emotions and eventually our actions. It is dangerous to reverse this process and allow our emotions to lead our intellect and our lives. > But how can we be "sure" that what we believe is correct or that the One we are trusting in is Real and Trustworthy? > All the faith-acts of the people in Hebrews 11 are based on their belief that God exists (He is Real) and that He is Good. > And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 > Therefore He is worthy of our Trust and Faithful obedience. > How do I know He is Real? Should I just believe in Him like kids believe in Santa Claus ...

Taking risks for God and his kingdom is scary, but can be very rewarding. John Ortberg writes: It is the very fact that the outcome [of our actions] is unknown that gives courage and hope and daring meaning. If the outcome were always known ahead of time, there would be no point in playing the game. Not-knowing is our fear, and our growth. - from "When the Game is Over, It all Goes Back in the Box > It reminded me of something God showed me a long time ago (in August of 2004 to be precise). Having my time with God by the lake near my house in Miami, I was struck by these words uttered by Mordecai, Esther's cousin: > And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this? Esther 4:14b > This reveals that while Mordecai had no direct promise of God or command of God to tell Esther to go to the king and deliver Israel from its enemies, he sensed and was convinced that this was her duty. He believed God would deliver the Jews, but he wasn't s...

"If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd." -Elisabeth Elliot > Recently someone questioned my definition of "sexual immorality". In my messages on holiness and sexual purity I define sexual immorality as "any sexual activity that is outside of marriage." So if I am willfully engaging in some act with another person (not my wife) that is sexually stimulating I would consider it a sexually immoral act. > I later went to my Bible dictionaries to see if perhaps I had misunderstood this topic or strayed from what is doctrinally sound or accurate. So here's the most detailed definition I found ("fornication" is the old English word; modern translations like the NIV use "sexual immorality") > FORNICATION — sexual relationships outside the bonds of marriage. The technical distinction between fornication and ADULTERY is that adultery involves married persons while fornication involves those who are unma...

This will be my third visit to you. "Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." 2 I already gave you a warning when I was with you the second time. I now repeat it while absent: On my return I will not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others, 3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you , but is powerful among you. 4 For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him to serve you. 2 Corinthians 13:1-4 > Paul wrote that he would "not spare those who sinned earlier or any of the others " because Christ was not weak, but powerful in dealing with habitual, pervasive and gross sin in the church. > What sin was Paul talking about? The sins of "many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have...

I was asked this question recently and I have been pondering it ever since. Obviously the person who asked was not engaging in a mere game of 20 Questions. This person was considering leaving church. Nowadays people switch churches just as fast as they do hair dressers. Some people are loyal to their hairdressers and some are not – probably at the same rate as loyalty to their church. This cannot bring a smile to God’s face. I’m talking about leaving a church where the person has been attending and involved for over six months, in some cases 6 years or more. They checked it out, decided that this was their church, and then they leave. Sometimes people leave a church because it is no longer meeting their needs. Is that OK? Sometimes they leave because of a disagreement with the pastor on perhaps minor or major doctrinal issues or church values. Is that OK? In either case I would say the process of leaving is more important than if they leave. Do they follow a process that promote...

Lately I’ve been thinking about this topic because of the destructive ramifications of Cultural Christianity. I’ve seen people destroy what were once good, solid relationships because they buy into the subtle lies of Cultural Christianity – which at its core is selfish, self-centered, and spiritually immature. Cultural Christianity is where a person’s Christianity is submissive to the values of the popular culture around them. Biblical Christianity is where a person’s Christianity is submissive to Biblical authority and the principles contained therein. A cultural Christian in our American culture would put a lot of emphasis on his/her own Freedoms and Rights. I have the right to wear a bikini I have the right to see whatever movie I want I have a right to come and go into various churches as I please Biblical Christians understand that the Bible’s emphasis is on our responsibilities. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the ...

Not everyone of us is going to be fulfilling the Great Commission the same way. We know that Paul traveled and preached the gospel in various cities in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. It seemed the longest place he stayed was Ephesus, and he only stayed there two years. On the other hand we see Philip, one of the first deacons of the Jerusalem church. After persecution came to Jerusalem he ended up in Caesarea where he seemed to grow roots. Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied. Acts 21:8-9 > Many years had passed since Philip had arrived in Caesarea (Acts 8:40). While Paul did his part to fulfill the Great Commission by traveling and preaching, Philip stayed in one place building up the church. > All of us must be involved in the Great Commission, but how we do it will depend on how God has gifted us. Our personality, gifts, talents, and passions will dete...