Is there a more maligned name than the name of Jesus Christ? I just recently read something written by Jim Wallis whoâs known as an evangelical pastor, a social activist, and a voice of the left-wing of the religious party, the religious left. He says: âIt is essential that we understand the religious nature of our present crisis. At this point, âJesusâ is still a very useful tool in the hands of tyrants. The liberationists, socialists, barbarians, and Scythians can … [Read more...] about Conquering the Struggle
Jesus Christ
Is Jesus God?
Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty for our sins in our stead. He sacrificed Himself that all humanity might be reconciled to God the Father. Reconciliation is necessary because our sins have separated us from God: âBehold, the LORDâs hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hearâ (Isaiah 59:1â2). However, if Jesus was only human, … [Read more...] about Is Jesus God?
What is Your Motivator?
There is a poignant proverb most know well: âThe road to hell is paved with good intentions.â A common meaning of this proverb is that an individual may have the intention to undertake good actions but nevertheless fail to act. This inaction may be due to procrastination, laziness, or other subversive vices. As such, the saying is an admonishment that a good intention is meaningless unless acted upon. Another interpretation of the saying is that wrongdoings or evil … [Read more...] about What is Your Motivator?
The Danger of Political Correctness
If Christ were to run for political office today, would He be elected? Hypothetically, we could reason and say, âWell He is honest in all His dealings, He is a hard worker, He is willing to help anyone, He sets the standard for moral uprightness, etc.â What is there not to like? By todayâs standards, there is plenty. Jesus Christ was not âpolitically correctâ â not by todayâs view. He, with His supernatural and spiritual understanding, said things that illuminated the truth, things that went … [Read more...] about The Danger of Political Correctness
Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
The New Testament Church began with a bang. We note in the book of Acts that one day 5,000 people were added to the church. Soon after another 3,000 were added. But over time, Satanâs influence sapped some of that initial âfirst loveâ that the Church had when it began. False teachers began to worm their way into the Church. We know this from Christâs words regarding the Churches in Revelation, particularly the Church in Ephesus. It was significant enough for Christ to … [Read more...] about Gnosticism: Why John Wrote 1 John
God’s Governmental Requirement
Dean William R. Inge is credited with saying, âA good government remains the greatest of human blessings, and no nation has ever enjoyed it.â Just to clarify, the human blessings he refers to are of human origin and therefore flawed. Flawed people devise flawed governments that we, the citizenry, are the beneficiaries thereof. What should be our attitude and posture toward the civil authorities that occupy public office above us? Only about 20% of Americans, according to Pew Research Center, … [Read more...] about God’s Governmental Requirement
Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth
As followers of God, we have chosen to grow in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ. There are two main ways for us to measure our spiritual growth â motivation and action. Motivation is the internal desire to grow, to change, to accept Godâs perspectives and motivations in all aspects of our lives. Action is a literal external behavioral change - the evidence of that motivation. It is a change that can be perceived and observed in our daily lives. All motivation and actions are … [Read more...] about Ways to Measure Spiritual Growth