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Faith is counted as righteousness by God if it a living faith. Abraham followed God’s instructions to sacrifice his only son. He proved his faith in a God he knew was righteous, as he raised the knife to kill his only son. Before the knife came down, God knew his faith was valid. Abraham’s trust in God was proven before he realized his faith. He proved his faith to God. He had a righteous faith. His faith was counted as righteousness. Faith and righteousness are mutually worked in us to continually form Jesus in us. Faith that results in God’s righteousness…  ( Click for more )

In the course of daily living it is sometimes astounding as well as disheartening to see the almost universal disregard of God by the world. Truly sheep without a shepherd, in a darkness unknown to them, and yet it is known. The darkness seems like light, and the light of God appears as darkness. Most are oblivious to any awareness that they are only a “heartbeat away from eternity”. The things of God, in whatever context God can be considered, as the Apostle Paul said “are foolishness to him” (1Corinthian 3:19). There are many reasons for this - the blinding…  ( Click for more )

In our world today, it is almost universally believed that world events are becoming more inter related, and…more and more dangerous. Along with these events, the world is shrinking in terms of communication, and the consequences of that shrinking is stress and danger. The causes are many and subject to much speculation. But the one thing almost all agree on is that worldwide, national and local tension over world events is rapidly increasing. This should not be surprising in one way due to rapid communication and ease of interaction between nations and individuals.…  ( Click for more )

There is a moral imperative attached to any and everything God has made and exposed to mankind. Whether we realize it or not, we were all born in debt. We are in debt to a father and mother who gave us life, and if in a normal home, they provided, clothed, and cared for us until we could care for ourselves. If they, or someone else, had not provided, we would not exist (Genesis 2). Everything is owned by God, so we are automatically in debt - everything we are, we owe. And yet, some to feel no obligation to anyone for anything. But God is very patient. It can be very easy…  ( Click for more )

n a world of proper and improper ways of influencing others, all types and methods of accomplishing it are invented every day. As complicated as the use of personal and business and even religion is, how can one know where to draw the line? Improper efforts to influence have seemed to “go viral” lately. The question is, how have I been representing Jesus? How have you? As we live our lives day by day, we make waves…waves of impact on other people. Most of this, as we interact with others, we may never know. Once an encounter, and each one walks away,…  ( Click for more )

No one has all of them…except Jesus. But one in particular is seemingly and noticeably lacking in many Christian organizations. As a pastor began his sermon once began with “brethren, where is the joy!” Fruit of the Spirit is gifted in true believers, as a composite of the function of the Holy Spirit who is a member of the Godhead. The fruit of the Spirit are single (only one Holy Spirit who is filled with all the them), and singular, and are administered by that same Spirit, and manifested in many different ways: “But the fruit of the Spirit [the…  ( Click for more )

There is a reason why you are living as you are, where you are, the way you are. If you have become one in Christ, and surrendered to Him, all that occurs in your life is for your sake. All that He allows to happen is for your good. Our response is sometimes surprise at least, and shock and discouragement at most. At times this truth is very difficult to believe. At times we as Christians are taken by surprise by unexpected events in our lives. Depending on each of our personalities that God ordained in us as humans, these events hit so sudden and with such profound effects…  ( Click for more )

We all, by nature, strive to be and to have what we want. And also we want it when we want it. On time. On our schedule. But the bitter truth is, we can't have life just as we want it, but most will spend a lifetime trying. We would be happier, more peaceful minded, and content - if; if we would surrender to the will of Jesus Christ. Giving our lives over to Him is the only way to finally realize a life that we want. How? By virtue of that fact that life as we want it, and the life that Christ wants for us will finally coincide. Rest in Him...for He is always with you,…  ( Click for more )

Some years ago a book was written that at the time appeared on the best seller list very quickly. Apparently it was the title that caused it to be one of the best sellers. It was also one of my Dad's favorites. I can still see that book on his shelf to this day... The title was "How To Win Friends And Influence People". Apparently, the author's theory must have worked for many of those who purchased it. Have you ever been with a group of friends, or just several individuals, and it seemed to you that there was one who said very little...if anything? But in some…  ( Click for more )

More and more we are beginning to hear demands that what the world needs to avoid world destruction is one world. The scattering of world population recorded in Genesis 11 is beginning to repeat. And again, God must intervene. This time, the consequences will be much more dramatic and much more important in terms of the consequences. All down through the ages since the tower of Babel was built, mankind has journeyed the whole world. By this time, there are people of every color, size, and language in the most remote location on the world... the extremes of North and South,…  ( Click for more )

Old age. A subject all of us strive to ignore. What a depressing thought! As everyone ages, certain events and interest become less important. A subject no one likes to think about. Even the young. Its too far away. The older, it's too close. Others are obsorbed with the present. Usually, there is an almost undetectable shift at first, a slow translition from one to the other. Refusing to accept the reality simply makes us more more dissatisfied with both realities. I expressed the reality as a kind of personal complaint to an individual many years ago. He curtly replied,…  ( Click for more )

Old age. A subject all of us strive to ignore. What a depressing thought! As everyone ages, certain events and interest become less important. A subject no one likes to think about. Even the young. Its too far away. The older, it's too close. Others are obsorbed with the present. Usually, there is an almost undetectable shift at first, a slow translition from one to the other. Refusing to accept the reality simply makes us more more dissatisfied with both realities. I expressed the reality as a kind of personal complaint to an individual many years ago. He curtly replied,…  ( Click for more )

Unknowingly, from childhood we are being molded, shaped, and controlled in our mind and spirit by an unseen influence. Unless there is intervention by training, teaching, and discipline by parents or others, our minds are naturally influenced by the world around us - a world of many influences. Some of these influences may be good or relatively ineffective on a young mind, but being young, our minds are like a "blank check", ready to be filled in with the around. An around of sounds, words, objects which are automatically imprinted on a young mind and spirit. This is…  ( Click for more )

One is living and alive. The other is not alive, but living. How can this be? Mystery of all mysteries... Everyone who believes in Jesus Christ and has surrendered to Him enters a living sleep each night, and will also enter a sleep of death, and are waiting to awaken again with everything new - a new body, enironment, and a new world, never again to experience the sleep of death. There will never again be any need for the first sleep that all of us have experienced after we were born. The existance of humanity began with a deep sleep. The oriiginal sleep began with the creation…  ( Click for more )

Beware of the few moments just after you have had a good night's sleep! Before you are fully awake there is a spiritual danger along with the physical rest. Have you ever been surprised or even shocked when realizing that your thoughts go far back in the past for a few moments just after you are fully awake? Suddenly you are aware that your first thoughts involve some sin or embarrassment that you must resist or get up as fast as you can, and let the present day crowd our those wrong thoughts? "Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof" - (Matthew 6:34) During the…  ( Click for more )

Would you like to live forever...I mean, if it could be a life that would be perfect in every way, with perfect happiness, peace, and love from, and love to everyone? You can have it. "The Bible tells me so..." as a partial verse from a Christian song goes. The formula isn't complicated and out of reach for all except for just a few. Even if it were, it can happen to you. Yes, there some things you must set aside that may seem important right now. But the tradeoff is worth it beyond your wildest dreams! Lets face it...your world and mine as we have known it is beginning…  ( Click for more )

It seems in our world today there is an increase of physical and emotional afflictions that are unprecedented. Diseases that seem to be new, and present known diseases that are manifested in different forms and intensity. World turmoil and fears are generated causing desperate measures in order to deal with the consequences of unknown and unlabeled afflictions worldwide. Disease epidemics are hard to describe and to defend against. An unknown or mutated disease or insect infestation seems to be found almost daily in some areas of our world. The scope and debilitating affects causes…  ( Click for more )

The first impulse in most of us when making decisions and choices in life, is how to get what we want. Consideration of what is needed is usually somewhere farther down the list. Some of us are skilled at blending the two; which is both pleasant and wise. Unfortunately, life generally does not seem to work that way. But when we are converted in mind and spirit, wisdom and desire can then be united into a glorious blend. What a blessing it is when wants and needs blend into joy as we grow in unity with the will of God. When convicted by the Holy Spirit of our need for God, we…  ( Click for more )

There are so many translations of the Holy Scriptures today! There are new ones continually it seems. Which one are we to choose? This is an important question if one desires to truly understand what was originally intended for the Bible to convey. There are many commentaries for each of the translations. Then there are commentaries on the commentaries. For a sincere seeker of what the truth of God intends, it is sometimes like organized confusion. But there is a solution to this quandary - that will be our best guide through the maze, into the truth of the scriptures.There…  ( Click for more )

There is a word in the English language that is very small but unimaginably important - and can be frightening. Sometimes it generates an overwhelming fright, even terror for this writer. It has started wars, caused sadness, sorrow, anger and joy. In the plural, that word is simply: "Words"! Words of all kinds, and length However hey are small things usually. But hey can be made long or short.They can be heard defined and judged according to the ears that hear them. Words can be so misleading. Words, regardless of their strict definition, and regardless of their intended…  ( Click for more )

Many have begun to ask the question, "what is happening to America?" It seems with each passing day we hear and read of rumors and scandals the likes of which modern times have not heard before. National moral traditions and basic human relationships are altered, twisted, and set free of almost all concept of restraint. Anything goes. Its OK if one wants to do it. Dishonesty and fraud becomes commonplace in high places. Some believe higher authorities are utterly corrupt and at best untrustworthy. Many assume that all those in high places are dishonest at the least.…  ( Click for more )

There are millions who have no idea of a final judgment day for them. They simply believe that "when it's over, it's over" for them. They believe they will just be dead in an unconscious, unaware sleep called death. How very sad. And how very surprised when they find themselves standing before Jesus Christ, conscious and alive - until their judgment is completed, and sentence is handed down. But before this, there is coming a time on this earth that is very difficult to believe in this present age. Today's world events are just "the beginning of sorrows".…  ( Click for more )

There are many good people in the world. And many who are not so good. But for a variety of reasons, they cannot believe in Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

Of these, as illustrated in Jesus' parable, there are many who are called by God to believe, but various conditions of mind and circumstance prevent them from being chosen for eternal life.. they cannot believe. Even if they want to initially. There are veils created by circumstances, time and chance, and a myriad of obstacles that choke out the call. " But such great crowds gathered about Him that He got into a boat…  ( Click for more )

Christian living - then Christian service. It is so easy to get it backward. If we are "serving" God, are we living what we may be requiring of others? Serving can become an idol which becomes a false god done in order to satisfy our approval of ourselves, while our personal lives remain essentially as they were before we began serving God. As the preacher said to his audience, "are you believing it? Then are you living it?" Like the horse and the carriage...we can't go forward with one without the other. If this wrong emphasis goes on long enough,…  ( Click for more )