January 1, 2009

The Gods That Men Serve

The Golden Calf

There is “one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:6). But there are “many gods” that men serve (1 Corinthians 8:5). The “one God” is the true and living God. The “many gods” are the false gods that arise from the mind of man.

God has placed in man an inherent inclination to worship something greater than himself (Acts 17:26-27). This inclination is intended to lead men to serve the one true and living God. But many have misplaced their loyalty, devotion, and faith. This is why John warned, “Little children, guard yourselves from idols” (1 John 5:21).

The gods have changed, but idolatry is still a problem today as it was in the days of the Old Testament and at the time when John penned his epistle. Let us notice some of the gods that men serve.
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January 1, 2009

Tools to Help Us Overcome Temptation

Tools

There are certain things that every one of us will face in life. One of these things is the temptation to sin. The Bible teaches us that “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:14). James went on to show the end result of one giving in to temptation: “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:15).

Sadly, all men and women of accountable age must acknowledge that there have been times when they have given in to temptation and have sinned. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The Scripture plainly says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

In spite of this, we can find encouragement in God’s promise about temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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January 1, 2009

How to Lose Your Soul

Lost

Jesus spoke of the great value of the soul: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

Our soul is more valuable than anything and everything in this world. Our soul is the part of us that was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and is redeemed by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Even if one were able to obtain all of the material things of this world, his soul is still more valuable. So Jesus said that it is foolish for one to forfeit his soul for everything that is of the world. Yet many people forfeit their souls for far less than that.

How does one lose his soul? It is easier than many think. One does not have to be a serial killer or a child molester or a devil worshiper. One can lose his soul for sins that are much less extreme than these. Let us notice four ways in which one can lose his soul.
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December 10, 2008

Christmas: Secular Holiday or Religious Holy Day?

Christmas decorations

People celebrate Christmas in different ways. It is common for people to exchange gifts, spend time with family, and reflect upon the blessings that they have. Many people also attach a religious significance to the day, using it to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

How are Christians to treat this day? As a religious holy day? Just a secular holiday? Or should Christians avoid any sort of observance whatsoever? Let us notice some things that the Bible has to say.
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December 6, 2008

Retirement

Retirement

Retirement is a common concept in our society. Some employers offer retirement benefits to their employees, either in the form of a pension or by matching the employee’s contribution to a retirement account. Retirement seems like a reasonable expectation for a lot of people.
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December 1, 2008

A People for God’s Own Possession

1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).

As Christians, we belong to God. We are to live in such a way that we can say, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). We no longer live for ourselves but for God and His Son. We “have been bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:20), that price being “the blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19; cf. Acts 20:28).

Understanding then that we belong to God, how should we conduct our lives?
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December 1, 2008

Spirit of Faith

Sunrise

“But having the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed, therefore I spoke,’ we also believe, therefore we also speak” (2 Corinthians 4:13).

Paul wrote this verse as he told the Corinthians of the ministry he had been given, the hardships he faced for it, and the hope he had for eternal life. He quoted from Psalm 116 – a psalm of deliverance – in which the psalmist expressed his faith and trust in God even in the face of severe trials.

We are to have the same spirit of faith that Paul had. Having this spirit of faith, we will do certain things.
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