It doesn’t take a Ph.D. in English Literature to observe that God offers us a gift in salvation. The gift is eternal life, which is directly connected to His Son. Now let’s be clear and cautious. Becoming a member of a church is not the way to salvation.
Read MoreCategory Archives: Sin
The Downward Spiral of Defiance
Talk about going from bad to worse. Defiance is the classic illustration. First, defiance begins with carnal attitudes. Long before there are carnal actions, there are carnal attitudes. It can happen to adults just as quickly as it can to teens or kids. Perhaps it would help if I spelled out a few of the attitudes by describing some actual thoughts in the minds of the defiant.
Read MoreGod Takes Action in Response to Defiance
King Solomon planted seeds of willfulness and independence that reaped a harvest of rebellion in his heart. God’s first reaction to Solomon’s defiance was a strong statement of divine anger (1 Kings 11:9). Okay, what else does the Lord do? After stating His anger, He raises up human adversaries. Look at how He does this—it’s intriguing. Read carefully 1 Kings 11:14 and then verse 23.
Read MoreGod’s Attitude toward Defiance
Solomon planted seeds of willfulness and independence that reaped a harvest of age-old rebellion in his heart. Let’s see what God did in response to Solomon’s defiance. Read 1 Kings 11:9–11. His very first reaction was a strong statement of divine anger. Right off the bat: “Now the LORD was angry with Solomon” (v. 9). What a refreshing balance, what a clean breath of air! Of course God was angry!
Read MoreDefiance: A Biblical Warning
When it comes to the topic of rebellion, King Solomon’s story is pretty incredible. Although bright, rich, capable, and the son of a famous father, Solomon became an insolent, carnal man. We need to see how God dealt with him—the epitome of defiance. The part of Solomon’s biography that interests us today is recorded in 1 Kings 11.
Read MoreStrong Resolve for Tough Times
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 Borrowing from Coach John Wooden’s words, I urge you to care more about your character than your reputation as you invest your energies. I think strong resolutions will help make that happen. If we plan to be a positive influence […]
Read MoreA Time for Strong Resolve
So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 This is a time for strong resolve. We cannot, we dare not just sit back and calmly hope for the best. Those […]
Read MoreThe Pressure Is Building
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Satan and his demons are directly involved in assaulting the lives of men who were once strong in the pulpit. He has rolled up his sleeves and intensified his efforts, […]
Read MoreFor Those Who Live with Regret
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 May I offer some pastoral advice and compassionate counsel? First, you cannot undo the past; don’t try. I meet folks rather regularly who think […]
Read MoreGeneral Facts from God’s Word, Part 3
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. Proverbs 28:13 Here is the fourth important fact from God’s Word related to the subject of abortion. Fact four: Recovery and return to a fruitful life is God’s desire for all of us. Our heavenly […]
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