If there has ever been a group of people that are called upon to use their minds, it is the people of God who have chosen to live His way of life. When I say, âuse our mindsâ, I donât mean human reasoning or logic; there is to be an emphasis on teaching, thinking, and understanding. Many religious systems are devised by men, who very often downplay teaching in favor of rituals. To them, rituals and traditions are what is most important. But true faith requires that we use our … [Read more...] about Digital Distraction
Truth
Guard Against Seducing Spirits
âForewarned is forearmed,â is an old and wise saying. Thus, the relevant message to believers is that we should always be aware of what is going on around us in our culture from a spiritual perspective. Thatâs the very thing that the Apostle Paul warned of in 1 Timothy 4:1: âNow the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.â Godâs spirit, the Holy Spirit, made it clear that from Paulâs day on down … [Read more...] about Guard Against Seducing Spirits
A Spirit of Truth
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
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
Pull Up Tent Pegs and Move Forward!
Ambiguity is one of our greatest challenges because, as a rule, we like structure, routine, and the ability to know whatâs coming next. When we find ourselves in ambiguous situations, our trusted reference points seem to move, and we become disoriented. We may even question the basic principles of truth, causing us to struggle with decision making and become paralyzed by inaction. Leonardo da Vinci put it this way, âIron rusts from disuse; water loses its purity from stagnation...even so does … [Read more...] about Pull Up Tent Pegs and Move Forward!
Becoming As A Little Child
Through an understanding of the family model of government, we can more clearly understand our relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father. In the family relationship, children play an important role and help contextualize the meaning of Godâs government in the realm of human beings. Adults think and reason differently than children do. In some ways, this is a good and natural progression, as Paul mentions in his letter to the Corinthian (1 Corinthians 13:11). However, in the spiritual … [Read more...] about Becoming As A Little Child
Honesty Begins with Self
In a recently released survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, people who claimed to have no religious affiliation were asked what it means to be a moral person. For this group, the top answer was honesty â to be honest at all times. Given the group involved, this is an interesting response. What do non-religious people mean by honesty? The bible informs us that when people are separated from God by iniquity the mind lacks this moral quality. âNo one calls for justice. Nor does any plead … [Read more...] about Honesty Begins with Self