Christian Life

Too many people simply have not thought long and hard about the Gospel. As a result, people are confused – and the gospel often is assumed or reduced. Thankfully, a study of things associated with the gospel will do much to remove the confusion, faulty assumptions and misguided reductions which too often occur. Let’s highlight 20 truths/blessings associated with the gospel. Admittedly, it’s a lot to try to take in, and that precisely the point! The Kingdom of God. See…

Although there is some disagreement among experts as to precisely why, there is an abundance of evidence which indicates young people are experiencing a seemingly unprecedented level of stress. Psychologist Daniel Keating noted: “Depression, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed are not all the same thing, but they do share a common feature: experiencing a level of stress that is beyond an ability to cope, with a negative impact on health and on the ability to function well in many situations” (Keating,…

We have been challenged through the preaching of God’s Word by Brother John Baker to consider the price paid for our salvation and the motivation it should provide to us as disciples of Jesus Christ. The main points from his sermon last Tuesday evening need to be recorded and put in a place we can see them often. Here are seven perspectives that every disciple (follower, learner, or understudy) of Jesus needs to adopt:  1. A disciple believes he is…

It’s not a question of if we’ll struggle and suffer; it’s a matter of when. That may be a reality we recognize in our lives, but it can be an altogether different matter when actually facing those times. How can we face our struggles with faith and strength in the Lord? (cf. Ephesians 6:10). How can we intentionally entrust our souls to a faithful God when we’re struggling? (cf. 1 Peter 4:19). How can we shine for our precious Lord…

May we never get to a place in life that we think we cannot learn. Learning is something you can do every day, no matter who you are. School might not be in session for the summer months, but learning never takes a break! Near the end of the book of Proverbs, four very small animals are listed with lessons to be learned. What can we learn from them and their life-styles? Examine Proverbs 30:24-28 for the answer.  The ant:…

These words were part of David’s lament for Saul and Jonathan (2 Samuel 1:19-20). Yes, the mighty CAN fall. It is a reality that happened with King Saul, and it’s something that can happen to any of us too. No one – not elders, deacons, preachers or teachers is completely above such a possibility (1 Cor. 10:12). However, an amazing thing about Saul is that he remained king of Israel for approximately 20 years AFTER God had rejected him (cf.…

Scripture exhorts us to love out of a pure heart (1 Tim. 1:5). Christian love is to be without hypocrisy (Rom. 12:9); it is to love “even as” the Lord loves us (John 13:35). We are commanded to have a love that is fervent and sincere (1 Pet. 1:22), as well as one that is ever increasing (1 Thess. 3:12). True love is an attitude of the heart and will that must display itself in action. It is not lethargic…

Lessons About God and Suffering from the Book of Job  Here are a few quotes that are really worth thinking about-  God would sooner we had holy pain than unholy pleasure.  God sometimes has to put us on our backs in order to make us look up.  Calvary is God’s great proof that suffering in the will of God always lead to glory.  Job was already a wonderful man of faith, but he came to learn more about himself, suffering,…

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1Peter 5:5-6). Since there are times when all of us suffer from sinful pride, what are some helps for overcoming it in our lives?  Remember That God Hates Pride. The Bible makes that very clear in passages like Proverbs 6:16-17 and 8:13. And anything God hates should be as far removed as possible…

It was difficult to leave the church building last Sunday afternoon without a smile on your face. We had nine outstanding young men lead our worship and each was well prepared and did a fantastic job, to the glory of God. It was a former elder of this congregation, nearly 90 years of age, who summed up best what had just taken place. “None of us is going to live forever, we better be preparing for the future, today.” We…

What a message we’re privileged to proclaim as Christians. God has the power to take away sin (John 1:29). He can remove guilt and cleanse our consciences (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Jesus the “Great Physician” can provide true healing for those who hurt. Surely these are truths we must believe, humbly and lovingly apply, and tell to the whole world!  The Old Testament often beautifully depicts the vividness and power of forgiveness ultimately made possible in Jesus. Consider the…