'#grace' Tagged Posts (Page 4)
FLOURISHING FAITH (2 THESSALONIANS 1)
Flourish. It is a word that we often associate with the greenness of a valley or trees budding in the spring or flowers in their full bloom. It conjures to our minds thoughts of life and growth. Paul describes the Thessalonian’s faith as flourishing. How? Why? And how can that too describe us? Take a moment to read the chapter & watch. 2 Thessalonians 1 NET
WHAT MAKES HELL HELL? (#ASKPD)
Over the years, I have heard various people makes jokes about hell often laughing it off as some party place they wish to go to. Or it has been used as adjective or adverb in the form of a question or of exclamatory surprise. As much as it may be used as a curse or joked about, it is the scariest of existences for those who refuse to trust in Jesus as their Savior. Why? Take a moment to read…
DO NOT LET YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED (JOHN 14)
There is much that can distress our hearts and minds today. Just think through the social and political turmoil over the last year. Then we add to that the daily events in our lives that tug at our hearts and minds to worry and be anxious. Jesus calls us to a different path – “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” He calls us to rest in him and trust in him. It’s not always easy, but it gives a…
RESPONDING TO BAD LEADERS & LAWS (#ASKPD)
Sunday we covered the subject of civil disobedience (for that message, please see the link below). Let’s continue that subject a bit asking: “How do we respond to bad leaders & bad laws?” What part can we play in our society as citizens? And what should be our ultimate concern? This is a huge topic that even these few moments here won’t exhaust. Yet, we’ll give a few answers to these questions. “To Obey or Not Obey? That’s the Dilemma.”…
AMAZED AT GOD
As I think on God and read various passages of Scripture, I am continually amazed by our God, particularly his response toward us. In these days of chaos, I am reminded of the sovereignty of God. I wonder what the disciples thought at Jesus was on trial and headed to the cross. All their plans for him, all their plans had gone up in smoke so to speak. God of course had a bigger plan. I so appreciate the grace…
WITNESSES (JOHN 5)
John 5 is a great chapter on the deity of Jesus. Remember John’s purpose in writing was to show Jesus as the Son of God and lead people to believe in him so they might have eternal life. Take a moment to read the chapter and then watch this on a crucial chapter in the Gospels to the theology of Jesus deity. John 5 NET
LET’S BE HONEST
“Hi, how are you?” The typical Sunday morning greeting or really a typical everyday American greeting. And this is usually followed by, “I’m good.” “I’m fine.” “I’m doing well.” “Thanks for asking. How are you?” And this is followed usually by the same answers. Are we really though? Are we really doing good? Are we really fine? Are we really well? The truth is that we often keep our brokenness, our hardships, our tears and fears bottled up and hidden…
LOVE IN ACTION (1 JOHN 4)
Love. It has often been defined by Hollywood but God gives us a better definition of what love is and then calls us to love. He calls us not just to an emotion though but to action which displays our love for one another. Read 1 John 4 and then take a moment to watch. 1 John 4 NET
WHAT IS UNITY – EPHESIANS 4 (#ASKPD)
In a world that seems disunified more than ever, the subject of unity keeps coming up in the church and the reminder to strive for it. Could we define it though if we were asked to or tell others what it looked like? I’m grateful that God in Ephesians 4 gives us a picture of what it looks like and describes it for us. Take a moment to read the chapter and then watch. Ephesians 4 NET
HONOR (1 TIM 5)
Honor – a word I often relate to those who are serving in the military or our first responders. People who have dedicated their lives to serving others. Honor is a word we find often in the Scriptures. We are to honor God. Paul speaks of honor as well in relation to one another as he gives Timothy instructions about church life. It all starts though with humility. 1 Timothy 5 NET Philippians 2 NET
YOU ARE LIKE YOUR NEIGHBOR (PAUL TRIPP)
We would normally be in 2 Corinthians 10 today, but I saw a video today that I felt was important to share. We are called to love God & love others (Matthew 22). Let’s purpose to do so with humility recognizing that we ourselves are flawed people who are dependent upon the grace of God every single day.
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Open the Facebook app or a web browser and you’ll see near the top of the page: “What’s on your mind?” Social media has been both a blessing and a curse to our world. Satan in particular has tricked us with it at times. Take a few moments to consider your social media use and watch this video.
INVESTING WISELY (LUKE 19)
In Luke 19 we read a very similar sounding parable as we find in Matthew 25. While each focuses on stewardship or being wise with what God has invested in us, they both approach it from a slightly different angle. Take a moment to watch & find out. Luke 19 NET
I’VE FOUND THE SOLUTION (JAMES 4)
Regularly we hear about solutions to the world’s problems. In order to produce a solution, you must first identify the problem. James 4:6 presents both. Take a moment to watch.
COMBINES & THE GOSPEL (LUKE 10)
What does a Case IH 8210 combine & 72 men have in common? Harvesting. Luke 10 talks about harvesting souls and couples with it a comment that becomes a warning of sorts about rejecting Jesus. Fellow believers, we have an important mission given us by our Creator and Savior – sharing the message of the gospel. For those that have never placed their faith in Christ, please know that one day the opportunity will run out. Please don’t be caught…
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW PAIN? (#ASKPD)
That is a hard question to answer and one that people have wrestled with since the beginning of time. Job wrestled with this which we read about in the Old Testament. While we can’t cover it entirely, I’d like to offer a few thoughts on pain from the point of Scripture and how it may in fact be useful in a sense. The knowledge doesn’t make the circumstance or process easier always, but it does give us a foundation through…
PHILEMON WHO?
Philemon? Who’s that? It’s not a book that we normally turn to in the New Testament. In fact there is a lot we don’t know about the situation and the people who are a part of it. Yet there are timeless principles and applications to glean from this short 25 verse letter to Paul’s friend and brother in Christ. It only takes a couple of minutes to read. Then watch this video for nine quick points on the book. Philemon…
BUT GOD…(EPHESIANS 2)
A few words can changes our lives forever: Will you marry me? We’re pregnant! I’m sorry to tell you. I have bad news. In Ephesians 2, Paul makes a statement that speaks of the radical change in believer’s lives – “But God…” When he steps into the scene, everything changes! Take a moment to read Ephesians 2 and then watch. Ephesians 2 NET
GOD IS FOR US – ROMANS 8
Romans 8 is great chapter! It is a conclusion in the middle of the book to the first section (chs. 1-8). Paul has traced in these chapters man’s great problem (sin), the avenue to salvation (faith), and what God has done to provide the solution (life in/through Christ Jesus). Chapter 8 concludes reminding us amazingly how God is for us! Take a moment to read it and then watch this video.
GRACE & LIFE – ROMANS 6
I love Romans 6 in part because of how it came to life for me when I went to college. Not only that but an important part of the Romans Road to Salvation is found in this chapter telling us that sin leads to death but there is life in Christ. Amazing words! Check it out!