Many think if a person believes in Jesus and lives a righteous life, that is enough. Not so. Jesus said, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Mark 8:34. We deny our own wills, [...]
Sadly, false accusations are part of mankind’s sin-sickness. But take heart, people also falsely accused our Lord. They said Jesus was demon-possessed. Mark 3:22 (NIV), “And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, ‘He (Jesus) is possessed by Beelzebul! By [...]
Marriage is a challenge. Two people need to become a united team. They need to learn to love each other when life is happy and difficult. After the first blush of infatuation wears off, we begin to notice our spouses’ weaknesses and faults. This [...]
Yes, we can, and the Bible tells us how. The word translated “bless” in the Old Testament is from a Hebrew word that means “to kneel”. When used with respect to God’s intelligent creation, it has the thought of giving thanks and praise. Just [...]
“Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) You are wise to proceed with caution when proclaiming the word of God. Many well-intended men and women have [...]
This scripture emphasizes unity among Christians: “like-minded,” “one mind,” and “one mouth”. It also gives the basis for that unity, “according to Christ Jesus.” The Weymouth translation says, “in accordance with the example of Christ Jesus.” The Bible in Basic English says, “in harmony with [...]
It would depend on the type of party. For example, if the main activity of the party is drinking and dancing, then no. These behaviors promote our fallen flesh. But a birthday party or a celebration where people can fellowship about God and His [...]
The Jews did not practice cremation. Recorded instances of cremation were live, infant sacrifices offered to idols. These practices were abominations. Jeremiah 32:35, "..high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to [...]
Communion has its origins in the Jewish Passover, which was observed yearly on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan. As a Jew, Jesus celebrated the Passover throughout his life (Luke 2:41; John 2:23; 6:4). On the last day of his life, [...]
I Corinthians 11:27-29 (NIV), “So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the [...]
Addictions are unhealthy coping behaviors that cannot be stopped without outside help. We are born sinners into a sinful world opposed by Satan. From these three sources of sin come pain and suffering. Many do not rely on God for help and try to [...]
This is a lifelong struggle. Evil thoughts come from the world when we see people hurting others, or in unholy shows, movies, magazines, sexual displays, etc. Popular songs present evil as good. Our own fallen flesh tempts us with evil. Finally, the devil seeks [...]
The word deacon, Greek diakonos, means servant or minister. The Apostle Paul refers to himself and to Timothy as “ministers of God.” (2 Cor. 6:4) The Apostle again says, “Our sufficiency is of God: who also has made us able ministers (diakonos) of the [...]
Use a multi-faceted approach to reduce stress and worry. Stress drains us physically, so quality rest, exercise and nourishment are important. There are many good web sites that elaborate on this. However, the faith aspect is often missed. For the Christian, Jesus said, “Come [...]
The new creature in Christ lives in our fallen flesh. We will never get things under total control until we are resurrected in perfection. The great apostle Paul wrote, “15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I [...]
Jesus summed up God’s law of love as follows: “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ “This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall [...]
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God [...]
1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV), “Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which [...]
Luke 10:38-42 (NLT), “38 …a woman named Martha welcomed him (Jesus) into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus [...]
Your body has become dependent on drugs. This means your mind and body will crave the substance in order to feel normal. If you stop using, your body will feel sick. Then, you will want to use in order to feel better.Breaking an addiction [...]
