Church Blog (Page 8)

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…

In a world consumed with worries, Jesus makes it clear that worry to the point of being distracted from spiritual matters is unacceptable. Rather, as God’s people put first seeking His spiritual kingdom and His righteousness, all worries or distractions should take a back seat. How is this possible? Jesus offers three keys to avoid worry in this life. First, we don’t need to worry because we have a God who is able to see even in the secret places.…

“What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet” (Psalm 8:4-6).  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth…

The best investment anyone can make these days is to wisely invest ourselves in others in the body of Christ who will faithfully love and serve long after we’re gone (cf. 2 Cor. 12:19). I recently sat down with a couple of younger men and asked them how can we better encourage future leaders. After all, isn’t this really what “The 2 Timothy 2:2 Principle” is all about? Here are 5 practical suggestions for encouraging future leaders. 1. Be Intentional.…

The song bearing the name, “Step by Step,” is based loosely on Psalm 63 (with some other possible Scripture references as well.) It begins with these words: “O God, you are my God, and I will ever praise You. I will seek You in the morning, and I will learn to walk in Your ways, And step by step You’ll lead me. And I will follow You all of my days.” Consider now the first verse of Psalm 63: O…

Is there anything that has promised so much, but delivered so little as procrastination? Some delays are dangerous, while others are absolutely damnable? Procrastination has been aptly called, “the Devil’s chloroform,” or “spiritual suicide on the installment plan.” Procrastination blinds us to the opportunities and blessings of today, promising action “tomorrow.” There is a wealth of wisdom in Proverbs 27:1, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Procrastination undoubtedly costs souls –…