November 9, 2016

What Hasn’t Changed Since the Election

Sunrise

The United States has just gone through an unpredictable and divisive Presidential campaign season. Our society has changed a lot over the last few decades and more changes are surely coming – whatever those changes might be. Yet there are certain things that have not changed since the election and will not change. In this article, we are going to consider six things that this election has not changed.

Note: This article was written before the election. This was done deliberately. I wanted to be sure to focus on what is true regardless of what the results might be and not react to whatever might have happened in the election. With that being said, let us consider six things that have not changed.
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November 2, 2016

Our Adequacy Is From God

Man Above the Clouds

There are times in life when every one of us, no matter who are are, feels inadequate. We might feel incapable of doing what we need (or think we need) to do. We might feel as though what we are doing is insignificant. We might feel as if we are unimportant to the world and to those around us.

However, we should not feel this way, especially as Christians, even though it may be tempting at times. Why should we not feel inadequate? Paul explained that “our adequacy [sufficiency, KJV] is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). Consider the text:
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October 31, 2016

Sermon on the Mount: Conclusion

Sermon on the Mount

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).

When Jesus finished speaking, the people knew that there was something different about Him. He taught with authority. They could tell that His message was one to which they should listen. The same is true today – we must also listen to Jesus’ message and do what He instructed.
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October 24, 2016

Sermon on the Mount (Part 6): A Different Life

Sermon on the Mount (Part 6): A Different Life

In this sixth and final lesson, we are going to look at how the life of a disciple is a different life. Our lives are filled with choices that we need to make. These choices reflect who we are. As Jesus’ disciples, we are to make choices in line with His will. This will invariably make us different from the world. In the end, these choices come down to deciding between what is right and what is wrong. We must be different by choosing what is right. Furthermore, we must be willing to be different for the sake of what is right.
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October 19, 2016

What Did Not Exist in Eden

Garden of Eden

“The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there He placed the man whom He had formed” (Genesis 2:8).

When God created man, He created the perfect place for him to live – the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve would lose that home and the consequences of that would be felt by all people.

Why was the Garden of Eden the perfect place? It had to do with what did not exist there. In this article, we are going to look at what did not exist in Eden and the effects of these things being introduced into the world. We are also going to see how all of these problems are remedied in heaven.
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October 17, 2016

Sermon on the Mount (Part 5): A Just Life

Sermon on the Mount (Part 5): A Just Life

In this lesson, we are going to consider how the life of a disciple is a just life. The word just means to be fair. As we will see, this does not mean that we treat everyone the same. This may sound surprising, but misunderstanding this about “justice” is common. Politically it is seen in systems like socialism. Culturally it is seen in the acceptance of sins like homosexuality. Jesus was not advocating some sort of “social justice” or instructing us to be tolerant of sin and error. Instead, He taught that we should be just in our lives. This passage explains what that means.
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October 12, 2016

How Could the Whole World Have Been Taught?

Globes

In his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul said, “The gospel…was proclaimed in all creation under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). When Jesus gave His apostles the Great Commission, He told them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15). Paul indicated that by the time he wrote to the Colossians, this had been done. How is that possible? Let us consider the record in the book of Acts.
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