December 10, 2014

How People Approach the Judgment

Clouds

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Death is a reality for everyone. This fact is generally understood. However, many people do not recognize the reality or the seriousness of the other event mentioned by the Hebrew writer – judgment. Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Even though we will all face this judgment, not everyone approaches this appointment in the same way. Let us briefly consider five ways in which people approach the judgment.
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December 8, 2014

The Root of the Problem (Part 19): Lack of Love for God

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

If we are to put away sin from our lives, we would do well to remember what Jesus describes as the greatest commandment.

“And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).

It is essential that we love God. But it must be a real love – something that goes beyond mere emotion or appreciation. Loving God should lead us to obedience.
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December 3, 2014

Is Anyone Among You Sick?

Man in hospital bed

Sickness is a natural part of human life. One of the reasons why heaven is so appealing is because it is a place where “there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4). While here on the earth “our outer man is decaying” (2 Corinthians 4:16) and we will have to deal with the infirmities of the flesh.

How are we to handle the times in our lives when we are sick and suffering from various illnesses and diseases? The Scriptures help us answer this question. Let us notice a few points.
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December 1, 2014

The Root of the Problem (Part 18): Lack of Love for Man

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

One obstacle to overcoming sin is the failure to develop the love that we are to have for our fellow man. Many sins we commit are against others. When we do such things, we are demonstrating a lack of love for those whom we sin against. Paul tells the saints in Rome that if we start with loving others, many sins will be avoided.
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November 24, 2014

The Root of the Problem (Part 17): Lack of Urgency

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

We sometimes have an odd perception of time. We often stress and worry about matters that must be dealt with in the short term. But when it comes to long term goals and preparations, we tend to take a casual approach to these matters. This is somewhat understandable. The short term matters require immediate attention, so we deal with them. But our long term goals and preparations must be dealt with as well. We cannot continue to put them off for more immediate matters or else we will eventually find that we are too late and have failed to meet those long term goals.

Sadly, this is the attitude many people take toward sin. They know they need to correct sin. They know they need to repent. They know that they must strive for perfection (Matthew 5:48). But they hold on to sin anyway. After all, there is plenty of time for correction later, right? Can we not enjoy sin for a little while now, and give it up at some point in the future?
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November 18, 2014

What Would Jesus Do?

Jesus and the moneychangers

What would Jesus do? This is a question that many religious people ask themselves when they attempt to decide if a particular decision or activity is right. Their intentions might be good – trying to focus on Jesus and please Him. However, this question is the wrong question!

Why is this the wrong question? It is too subjective. It turns our responsibility into nothing more than what we think Jesus would do in a given situation. Instead of asking a subjective question like this (What would Jesus do?), let us consider some other questions to ask – questions for which we can find objective and definitive answers from the Scriptures.
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November 17, 2014

The Root of the Problem (Part 16): Lack of Self-Control

The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome

It is easy to look at our society today and conclude that self-control is an old-fashioned virtue. If we desire something, we should go get it. If something feels good, do it. This is the message that our culture is preaching to us. But regardless of the prevailing mindset of society, the Scriptures teach us that we must exercise self-control.
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