There are hard truths in the Bible that we don’t always like to accept. Of course, there are the ones strewn across the Old Testament where God wipes out a bunch of so-called “innocent” people (I put the word “innocent” in quotes because it requires a much longer analysis than I have time for here). […]
How One Forfeits the Forgiveness of Sins Read More »
Whenever I’ve asked my congregation to raise their hands if they’ve suffered this past week, month, or year, everyone raises their hands and there’s inevitably a collective sigh and usually a few chuckles. It’s a form of group commiseration, I suppose…a sort of, “Well, this is our life, and we don’t suspect it’s going to
Stop Playing the Victim Read More »
I’ve been around some shady people and, as a result, at times have been terrifically frightened. I’ve since carried in my flesh a baseline suspicion of others, including persistent doubts that people, overall, are doing the right thing and acting honorably with integrity. When I was younger, I was much less likely to give someone
The Benefit of the Doubt Read More »
Jesus loved to cut to the chase. He didn’t pull any punches because He was interested in presenting others with the Truth. Sometimes said Truth hurts a little, but in the end, it’s the best medicine even for an already aching soul. For example, have you ever been worn out and someone weaker than you
What does every human ever born deserve from the holy, sovereign God of the Universe? Justice. God has never been unjust. Not once. The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat
Why Are We Not All Dead? Read More »
As a teacher, I’m always on the lookout for new perspectives. There are a few pastors whose sermons I will listen to from time to time, some of who have long since gone home to be with the Lord. These men often give me things to think about and I often walk away with a
God Has Never Learned Anything Read More »
Life is tough. It’s a fight. It’s so comforting, though, knowing that it’s in the Lord’s nature to protect His children. The world feels like acid most days, aggressively attempting to strip me of any notion that I am indeed a protected individual. My weakness is in my own strength. I’m a “strong” person by
For Your Protection Read More »
If you’ve ever felt like an outcast, be encouraged. You’re not alone. You’ve never been alone, even when it felt most like it. One of the great tricks the devil plays is convincing you to abandon hope in this world, rejected as a pariah. Don’t buy the lie. In every group there exits an axis
Ever Feel Like an Outcast? Read More »
Jesus’ mother, Mary, was greeted by the angel Gabriel as, “O favored one.” As the story unfolds, we find out why. In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the
Her Humility Is Humbling Read More »
God is unity. God is love. The essence of God’s character implies He cannot be divided. We don’t ever get just a part of God, nor should we ever presume that He is OK with man attempting to divide Him. His essence (and all aspects of who He is) is indivisible. To love God is
God Cannot Be Divided Read More »