August 15, 2013

Making Wise Investments (Part 5): A Counterfeit Spirituality

Making Wise Investments (Part 5): A Counterfeit Spirituality

When the Lord addressed the church at Laodicea, He condemned them for practicing a spirituality that was not of the Lord, but was counterfeit. Therefore, He advised these brethren who thought they needed nothing to buy certain things from him so that they might have a real spirituality.

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see” (Revelation 3:15-18).

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July 10, 2013

Faith on Man’s Terms

The Scriptures are clear in describing faith as essential. The Hebrew writer said, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Yet too many have a conditional faith. In other words, even though the Bible tells us that faith is based upon the word of God (Romans 10:17), this is not enough for some people. They will not believe unless they see, receive, or otherwise experience something beyond the revealed will of God.

This is nothing new. Even during the first century, there were those who would only have faith on their terms, rather than have faith based upon what God had chosen to reveal to them. In this article we will notice a few of these conditions that men have placed upon their faith. At the end, we will also see what genuine faith looks like.
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June 3, 2013

The Application of Wisdom: Teachings About God (Part 2)

Notes on Proverbs

Trust God

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones” (3:5-8).

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February 28, 2013

Daniel Sommer on the Foolishness of Atheism

Though many in the world consider belief in God to be foolish, the psalmist declares that it is the fool who says there is no God (Psalm 14:1). In his book, Plain Sermons, Daniel Sommer explained the words of the psalmist and how they are true of the atheist.
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February 21, 2013

Let No One Look Down on Your Youth

Holding a Bible

Paul told Timothy, “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12). The apostle’s instruction to the young evangelist will also apply to any young Christian. But how can young men and women in Christ keep others from looking down on their youth? They cannot control the thoughts of others. Instead, they must control what is in their power to control – they must live in such a way as to give no reason for others to look down on their youth.

Though one may be young, he can still be faithful and be an example in the areas Paul mentioned.
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December 19, 2012

“By Their Deeds They Deny Him” (12/19)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Titus 1-3.

Many religious people will declare that they know God. They will affirm that they have faith in Him. They will profess to others that Jesus is their Lord. Yet words are meaningless if they are not confirmed by actions. Sadly, too many will speak as though they are disciples of Christ, yet prove otherwise by their actions.

“They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed” (Titus 1:16).

Declaring to know the Lord is useless. We must do what He has commanded. “By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, ‘I have come to know Him,’ and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).Continue Reading

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December 8, 2012

Fully Assured of God’s Promises (12/8)

Thought from today’s Bible reading from Romans 4-7.

Paul used the example of Abraham to teach us a lesson about faith in God and His promises. Abraham was promised a son. And though it was improbable – even nearly impossible – he believed what the Lord told him.

“In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb; yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:18-22).

Earlier in the chapter, Paul also wrote, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). God was pleased with Abraham’s trust in Him.
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