November 12, 2013
The assumption that the origin of the universe can be extrapolated from its present visible condition is here denied. The Bible teaches that God spoke the universe into existence, ex nihilo – out of nothing. We were not there when this happened, but God has revealed this to us through His Word. According to Hebrews, those listed in chapter eleven’s “faith hall of fame” had a faith that included this foundational truth: God created the universe and we are His creation.
November 11, 2013
Like the antelope that wanders off from the herd on its own and is eaten by the lion, so is the vulnerability of the believer who begins to isolate from gathering with other believers. Being stirred up to “love and good works” may disturb us, but it is necessary for our growth and maturity.
November 6, 2013
Jesus is our Great High Priest. He stands between God and man as our Mediator. His salvation is not partial or temporary but to the “uttermost.” Jesus saves us by His sacrificial death and then He keeps us by the power of His resurrection life.
November 2, 2013
The Bible is not just some old, hard-to-read, leather bound book. It is living and active. It is like a scalpel in the hands of the Great Physician when we submit to His Lordship, allowing Him to cut away the flesh and give us a new heart. Don’t handle this Book flippantly. It’s not a coffee table book or coaster. It’s not just a wedding or graduation gift. When unsheathed, it’s sharper than any two-edged sword that never needs sharpening. Handle it with care.
November 1, 2013
Hearing and listening are not the same. Our ears may hear a sound without tuning in to understand. But listening goes to the heart and produces understanding. This understanding at the heart level makes it possible to respond to God’s voice. What causes hard hearts? Hearing God’s voice without leaning in to understand and reply with obedience. This continual turning away instead of turning towards results in callused hearts and spiritual deafness.
October 31, 2013
Praying to Jesus, we do not pray to One who is distant and unaware of our feelings and temptations. He has suffered and been tempted, yet without sin. He is well acquainted with our griefs. Do not try and overcome temptation alone. Cry out to the One who cares. He understands and will help.
November 16, 2012
A reminder that marriage is not merely a social construct, but a divine ordinance instituted by God. As a people, we are to “give honor” to the institution of marriage. As individuals, we are to “remain faithful” to our spouses in marriage. Marriage was God’s idea, not man’s. It is a gift from God. Like any gift He gives, we can dishonor it and experience hurt. Or we can honor it and know divine blessing.
November 14, 2012
A reminder that we are running a race that many faithful have run before us. They endured. They finished well. How will we run life’s race? Will we “strip off” worldly weights that slow us down? Will we avoid the sin that trips us up? There is a crowd of faithful finishers watching and waiting for us to cross life’s finish line! How are you running life’s race of faith?
November 12, 2012
Sola Fide (Faith alone). God is not pleased by our effort, but by our faith. It is Christ’s work that satisfied God. It is our faith in Christ’s finished work that pleases Him.
November 11, 2012
Don’t neglect meeting together with other believers. We need mutual encouragement and especially as the Day of Christ’s return draws near. Will we see you at church today?