For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 The Word…
Category: Identification
Relationships
From time to time, I hear some folks in Grace circles say, “The Bible never says we are to have a relationship with Christ.” This comment always causes me to ponder exactly what they mean by that. So, I take digital pen in hand and offer my rare, but humble opinion regarding this. Let’s start…
Yet Not I, But…
Did you know that the Apostle Paul says “Yet not I” on 3 different occasions? Why? What’s the significance of those three little words? We’re going to start here in 1 Cor. 7. Look at vs. 10. He says, 1Co_7:10 “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the…
The Absence of Joy
Joy is a person. His name is Jesus! Is it me? Or, are there not more, and more Christians who have lost their joy? How can this be? Has the church failed in communicating the absolute sufficiency of the Cross-work of Jesus? The reality is that far too many churches, and pastors,, have fallen short…
Do Our Souls Get Dirty?
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost… Here are a couple of question. “How are we washed? And to what state are we renewed? Do our souls get dirty?” Let’s Look at…
Self-Love?
Paul writes in 3:2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves… A man is what his heart is set upon, and throughout the last days of grace, his heart shall be set upon himself. Men shall be lovers of their own selves. Men shall love self in greater numbers and to a higher…
Raised With Christ
(Col 3:1) “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” It is interesting that this verse begins with “if”. If is a word that speaks to conditionality; it is not a word that only deals with a question. Here in Colossians…
The 3 Exceedings in Ephesians
In Eph. 1:19, we find the first of three times when Paul wrote “exceeding” in the book of Ephesians. He writes, “And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.” Paul chose His resurrection (1:20) as an example of God’s demonstration of His…
The True Power of I Am
“The Power of I Am” is the title to the most famous sermon of the most infamous preacher in Texas – Joel Osteen. Millions of views. Oprah Winfrey shared his message on her YouTube channel and said his sermon changed the way she sees her life. The gist of his message was this. “If you…
The “Foolish” Wisdom Of This World
1st Cor.3:18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.[19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.[20] And again, The Lord…
The Ailment Of The Galatians: Not “Crying Abba Father”
Gal.1:6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:[7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.[8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than…
‘Self-Awareness?’ Know Ye Not Your Own Selves?
2Co 13:3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 2Co 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the…
Just My Imagination?
And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5) Before I go any further, I just want to pass along this disclaimer: This article is not about the “Nephilim.” I repeat: This is not about…
Holding Fast The Faithful Word
Prov.23:15] My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.[16] Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage…
The Thessalonians Response To The “Mercies Of God”
1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; 1Th 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 1Th 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power,…
A New Tank?
Sometimes I don’t know exactly what I’m going to write about until I actually sit at my desk, in front of my computer. In this case I’m at my seldom used desk at our actual church building. This is a rare event, indeed! With the advent of the automobile, and electronic communications the church office…
The Waters of Separation & Purification
Text: Hebrews 9:10 “Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.” We learn from the Ephesians 4:5 that there is only one baptism that places us into union with the Body of Christ and with our Savior ((1 Corinthians 12:13). In the…
Telephone Line
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. – Proverbs 18:13 I have always been a proponent of apologetics – the defense of the faith. It is, after all, an important issue. Knowing your Christian worldview, and the difference between Biblical Christianity, and other “isms” which run…
Marriage: On the Rock, or On the Rocks?
Marriage between men and women (there is no other way) is an institution which has for it’s establishment God, Himself. He created Eve as a helpmeet for Adam, so that he would not be alone. And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an…
The Amazing Body
For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made…