What makes God's truth so powerful? In the Scriptures, God refers to Himself as the God of truth. Also, Christ says that He is the way...and the truth. And likewise, Godâs Holy Spirit is called the Spirit of truth! But what can the truth do for us? âThen Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, 'If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free,â' (John 8:31-32). Godâs truth can set us freeâif we continue steadfastly in … [Read more...] about A Spirit of Truth
Conversion
Training to Be Leaders
The early 1900âs was a heroic age of exploration. Limits were pushed on all fronts and among these was the British Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition led by Ernest Shackleton. From 1914 to 1916, the expedition was to cross Antarctica. They had priorities and a sense of urgency. Shackleton chose his team of twenty-seven officers, scientists, and seamen carefully, not hiding the danger, nor the glory if successful. After the Endurance was destroyed by winterâs ice in the Weddell Sea, … [Read more...] about Training to Be Leaders
Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
We are subjected to all kinds of tests throughout our lifetime. Some are routine, but others are unavoidable, deeply personal tests: peer pressure, emotional suffering, financial upheaval, and temptation. With a fear of failure, we usually donât consider these as positive experiences. However, with good preparation we can face self-examination confidently. âTest yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is … [Read more...] about Self-Examination: Are We in the Faith
Are You Listening?
How many times have we thought in our minds, âWhy doesnât God just tell me what to do?â If Heâs not verbally communicating with us, how do we hear His voice? Sometimes God literally directs our physical path. âIn all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.â (Proverbs 3:6). When we ask for an answer from God it must be according to His principles. For Godâs Spirit to work in us, we have to have the right attitude and live according to Godâs way. Looking and listening for … [Read more...] about Are You Listening?
The Years Ahead
In the coming years, the members of Godâs Church will face increasing pressure against maintaining a firm position on Godâs truth. It will be a year of challenge and change. The change will be all around us and the challenge will be âholding fast.â We will have reason to be very mindful of the Apostle Paulâs admonition to âWatch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strongâ (1 Corinthians 16:13). We are not making predictions, but simply trying to watch. Watchfulness is a spiritual condition … [Read more...] about The Years Ahead
Following the Crowd
A common practice amongst government departments is that of lobbying. Lobbyists put pressure on individuals in government to persuade them to do something. We are also familiar with terms like group pressure, peer pressure and social pressure. The idea is to influence someone to conform to those who are doing the pressuring. This can, of course, be positive or negative. Scripture warns us to be wary of group think. âYou shall not follow a crowd to do evilâ (Exodus 23:2). It is rare in … [Read more...] about Following the Crowd
Character: Our #1 Goal
God created mankind in His image and likeness (Genesis 1:26-27). The Bible makes it clear that the basis of God's character is love, so developing Godly love is to be our primary focus in life as followers of Christ. The entire universe has been finely tuned to facilitate a life that can choose to develop this character trait. There are 4 main forces at play in the universe. Two of them are gravity and electromagnetism. It is obvious that a lot of thought and effort has gone into balancing … [Read more...] about Character: Our #1 Goal