OUTLINE: “born again to a living hope” 1 Pe 1:3By grace through faith, believers enjoy an abiding knowledge of their eternal life being a reality; that being a child of God means absolute salvation and guaranteed sanctification. (Ps 43:5; 146:5; Ro 15:4, 13; 2Th 2:16-17) Humility Remains Open To TruthOur job is to resist closing […]
Part 31 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
OUTLINE: “Is there anything that is actually “unfair” in our lives???”Ro 5:6For while we were still helpless [unable to pluck ourselves from certain eternal death], at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. “Is there anything that is actually “unfair” in our lives???”1Jn 4:1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are
Part 29 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
You may remember the popular TV show that ran from the 1950s to the 1980s called Name That Tune. Obviously, given its prolific span of running time, the show was a great success. I can understand why, too, because it was one of those game shows that people could play along with from their own living
OUTLINE: Gen 8:21bThe imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. We invent ways to distract ourselves, then we imagine it’s OK with God! Jer 17:9“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? Gen 8:21b”The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Jer 17:9“The heart
Part 21 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
OUTLINE: Gen 8:21bThe imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. The truth is the easiest of all things to understand. “Against You, You alone…”David’s humility oozed simplicity. He didn’t try to dodge the truth about himself. He owned it, confessed it, repented from it, to God’s glory. (cp. Ac 13:22) David’s HumilityHe reckoned himself
Part 20 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
OUTLINE: True humility says, “God’s will be done!” Your Will Be DoneWe must find our peace from within, from Christ, the only one whose promise is true (Jn 14:27). Sin will lie to us…proposing that we might find peace somewhere else, or with someone else (e.g., opposite sex, friends, bosses, etc.). To believe such a lie is
Part 13 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
OUTINE: No Pity PartiesMay we never suggest that the Lord isn’t with us and doesn’t give grace to the humble (Jas 4:6). The Influence of SinIf you’ve turned inward, focusing on self (goals, aspirations, desires, relationships, etc.) then sin has gained on you. Whenever our “undistracted devotion” (1Co 7:35) is interrupted, it is a telltale sign that
Part 11 – The Deceitfulness of Sin Read More »
Every year, my congregation and I celebrate our Lord’s birth with a special Christmas message. Over the years, it has varied quite a bit. Thinking back, I can remember messages that were focused on the supreme nature of the One who became a man to die for our sins. I also remember deeply heartfelt messages
I like to play a little game with people called, “Watch this!” This may sound evil for a pastor like myself to do, but maybe I just have an odd sense of humor? In any case, it’s fun because all parties usually end up laughing at the outcome. I help ensure this by only targeting
This Little Game I Play Read More »
And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “THE SPIRIT OF