Posts from 2021

It is fascinating in studying the book of Colossians to notice, that while some form of false teaching was threatening the church, Paul repeatedly stresses the preeminence and sufficiency of Jesus and His gospel. While some description is given concerning the nature of the error affecting the church, the exact problem never is completely spelled out. Its precise identity eludes us. However, by emphasizing Jesus and His gospel as Paul does, the church would have everything needed to combat error…

It is a thought that should be a source of great joy and comfort – the church belonging to Jesus was in the mind of God from eternity! God was not caught off-guard when the crown of His creation, Adam and Eve, would make the choice to disobey and bring sin into the world. God knew that provisions would need to be made in reconciling the relationship that sin had broken between Himself and mankind. He knew that redemption would…

The devil will use temptations and troubles to worry and weaken us, but God can use them to strengthen us (see 1 Peter 5:10-12). When problems cause us to worry, the prescription is prayer. 1 Peter chapter 5 speaks of God as the Mighty Warrior-King and as Merciful Lord and Shepherd. As Warrior-King, we are to think of His mighty hand and know He will lift us up (5:6). He will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us (vs. 10). Our…

The Gospel is God’s power to save – Romans 1:16. The power to save is in the message, not in the messenger. We have an opportunity to invite friends, neighbors, and loved ones to hear the message of God’s word every week when we gather to worship. However, a special opportunity to hear the word of God proclaimed this coming Sunday with our special sermon series on the topic of “Renewing Our Faith And Focus On Jesus.” It is a…

Everything about the Cross of Christ says God wants us back, and everything else in the whole world pales in significance when compared to the love and grace displayed there. Surely Paul had this in mind when he penned, “But God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal. 6:14). [All Scripture quotations are from the NKJV unless otherwise…

The audacity to question the authority of the King of kings! Yes, it happened, and it happened on repeated occasions during the earthly life of Jesus. One such occurrence is found in Matthew 21:23, after Jesus had again ‘cleansed’ the temple. Matthew records that upon entering the temple the next day, the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus as He was teaching and asked, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” The authority…

Why does it seem some Christians could write a book on worry because we’re such experts? It’s very easy to cross the line from being concerned about a matter to worrying, isn’t it? Why would anyone want to obtain the life equivalent of a PhD in worrying? Talk about a “”terminal degree!” As one who has been far too prone to worry, the Lord’s words in Matthew 6:25-34 have often blessed my life. And they’ll continue to bless the lives…

It’s a verse in your Bible which you no doubt have great familiarity. Romans 12:2 reads, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (NKJV) The word that we find ‘conformed’ could be translated ‘fashioned’ or in a very literal way ‘squeezed.’ In other words, don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own…

The older I get the more the word “pace” has come to mean. In a world where speed and hurry are much over hyped, pace really should have its place, especially in the lives of Christians. It has been said, “It is never found in Scripture that Jesus hurried or ran.” This is true. Never is it even hinted that Jesus had to “kick it into high gear.” Yet no one ever accomplished more than our Lord. The Master of…

“It’s too good to be true!” How many of us have uttered that statement before? Sadly, we live in a time when many are skeptical of most things. We live by the mantra, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” meaning that it’s a lie and we should pay it no attention. However, when it comes to the promises of God, we must challenge ourselves to put that mantra aside and realize that if God said…

Some of the last words stated in the letter of Hebrews are these: “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased,” (Hebrews 13:16). God desires people who are dedicated to Him in service, willing to make sacrifices in this life. Jesus said that He was seeking disciples willing to deny themselves, take up their cross on a daily basis and follow Him (Luke 9:23). As we scan the pages of…