Style Over Substance
Our’s is an image conscious society. How we look is ail important. Designer labels (which change in value based on generations) are crucial for our self esteem. We spend billions wearing clothes that provide free advertising for designers who could care less about us. Our society is obsessed with youth. We will take botox injections,
Sanctified By Reproof: Part 2
(taken from Living a Holy Life, pg. 11-16) Second, we can be reproved by the Word of God through a private rebuke from a fellow believer. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matt. 18:15).
Let it Rain
Have you ever found yourself caught out in the rain? During one of our recent deluges, I took note that the sky was dark, and that rain was imminent. However, I made the fatal mistake most men would make. I thought I could get out of the car, run my errand, and be back before
A New Criterion For Success
Many of us sense that the church is in between one thing and another. We are in a period of transition in value systems. Ego-based ministry is collapsing. Our culture had its stars — Madonna, Michael Jackson, and O.J. Simpson. We had our own stars too. In fact, the church became literally star struck in
Is There Such A Thing As A Right to Privacy?
We talk a great deal in this country about privacy or the invasion of privacy. We value our privacy. We build privacy fences. We close the curtains so people can’t see in our houses. Yet, we live in a day when it seems “Big Brother” is watching us. With the constant growth of the technology
Sanctified By Reproof: Part 1
(taken from Living a Holy Life, pg. 9-11) We are sanctified by the Word of God (John 17:17). The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and applies it to our lives (II Tim. 3:16, 17). The Word of God is profitable for doctrine – it teaches us what is right. It is profitable
Breath of God
Is there anything in life that is as sweet and precious as a newborn baby’s breath? To a new parent, the touch of their breath against your hand, your face, or your neck brings such a peaceful assurance. Their breath is an awesome reminder of the responsibility just placed into our hands. In those first
The Church: A Non-Prophet Organization?
Many ministers of my generation were raised on a spicy diet of fire-and-brimstone preaching. Years ago, some preachers could describe hell so fearsomely, that people in the pews would begin to tremble, then burst out to repent at the altar right during the preaching. Congregations simply expected their pastor to preach like a prophet from
Climb Up Sunshine Mountain
Climb climb up Sunshine Mountain, faces all aglow. Why does the writer of this passage choose the term climb? Most likely it is the author’s view of the Christian life that has influenced the choice. This writer’s view of the Christian life is progressive — that it is moving upward and is best represented by
Be Careful of Living in the Past
I love music, all kinds of music. I like classical, oldies, country, Christian, rock and roll, jazz, blues and any other brand you can name. I find myself putting a hold on my channel surfing when I come across one of those Infomercials from Time Life on the hits from the 60’s. I love watching
Maturity
(taken from Building Christian Unity, pg. 30-32) Principle #3: The body matures as each member ministers. “According to the effective working by which every part does its share” (Eph. 4:16). Are you doing your share? Each of us has a ministry to fulfill in building the Body of Christ. Are you doing your part? Remember,
Are Your Standing FOR or AGAINST?
Have you ever read Washington Irving’s well known short story “Rip Van Winkle?” The story is based on a German folk tale about a man who was cheerful, but lazy. He was married to a nagging wife who drove him to the highest parts of the Catskill mountains. There, he met a strange fellow who