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"Whoever does not persevere and carry his own cross and come after (follow) Me cannot be My disciple.” - Luke 14:27 What is your cross that you must bare as one of Jesus’ disciples? Our cross as followers of Jesus Christ in the world today, encompasses many things - the known and of course the unknown, that we never can anticipate; the unexpected changes in life that are difficult to handle in a Christ-like way; the result of the principle of time and chance; and the pressures that living in this world lay upon us. Our cross includes all the uncertainties of…  ( Click for more )

There is a book that was written many, many years ago entitle “Paradise Lost”. It endured many years. It was required reading in many colleges and universities, but seldom heard of today. Along with it, a companion book entitled “Paradise Regained” also became a classic. The future of Christianity and even nations may depend on a discovering and implementing of a word - repentance. Repentance, not only by those who hear the gospel and respond in faith, but by the repentance of those by who have already believed. But has repentance also been lost? Even…  ( Click for more )

Trials of our life and trials of our faith are difficult to endure. Regardless of the origin or the intensity. Actually the trials of our life are, or become, trials of our faith. How can you endure your trials, without them destroying or injuring your faith? There are wonderful and comforting words from the Apostle Paul regarding this issue. He suffered many trials during his service to Christ. If anyone would know how to respond to suffering a trial, it would be him. His strategy for dealing with the trials that came his way can be a pattern for us, regardless of the nature…  ( Click for more )

Why is the world like it is? Short answer: it is reaping what it has been sowing since the eating of the fruit of that tree. The world in general, if we look at even a very brief outline of world history, we see strife, greed, envy, and wars and rumors of wars. Even without a publicized edition about war, it is there at almost any level of human existence. Known or unknown, in the lives of Christians and non-Christians. Why? One short scripture written by the Apostle Paul says it all. Notice: “For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap.” (Galatians…  ( Click for more )

"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it". (Amos 8:11-12) This prophecy is understood by some to be duel in application. This occured to Israel, but also presents a type of a greater fulfilment in the future. What if there were NO Word of God? What if it could not be found? What if there was NO…  ( Click for more )

(The following was originally posted in 2010)

The Bible and You (2) God’s written Word - the Bible - has been given through the Holy Spirit, as "light" to all mankind. It is the living Word of Jesus, who IS the light of all the world, as we saw in part one last week. It is THE "lighthouse" for the stormy and frightening sea of this world - the only way to the shore for safety.. It is the compass, the point of reference for all humanity. So many analogies could be made, and still not remotely express the importance of the Bible. It is the only way home…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever wondered what God was doing before Adam and Eve? Does it matter? We can understand what part of what God was doing in eternity past by observing what He is doing now. Of course we cannot know ALL that God is doing or did know, but we can get a very good idea by looking at what He is doing. (Romans 1:19-21) We can understand what He is doing now by the things He did in the past. The atheist and the passive non-believer are therefore without excuse. Before the universe was created, what else did God create? Many things unimaginable I’m sure. What has been God’s…  ( Click for more )

We are all processors of words. All kinds of words. Words we hear others say, words we read, and simply words we may see, but may not understand. We react immediately upon hearing or seeing many different words. Every human reacts in a different way, whether very subtly or vocally, others we have no visible or realized reaction. The manner in which we react is largely determined by life experiences up until we hear the word or words, coupled with heredity. Our responses to all words are modified by life events, and inherited proclivities along with input from a conglomerations…  ( Click for more )

If you are a Christian, your future has already been arranged, predestined, ordered, directed, guided. You are cared for, guarded, and provided for - and above all - loved… That below is you - forever. "Even when we were dead (slain) by [our own] shortcomings and trespasses, He made us alive together in fellowship and in union with Christ; [He gave us the very life of Christ Himself, the same new life with which He quickened Him, for] it is by grace (His favor and mercy which you did not deserve) that you are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s…  ( Click for more )

“And the whole earth was of one language and of one accent and mode of expression. And as they journeyed eastward, they found a plain (valley) in the land of Shinar, and they settled and dwelt there. And they said one to another, Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly. So they had brick for stone, and slime (bitumen) for mortar. And they said, Come, let us build us a city and a tower whose top reaches into the sky, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered over the whole earth.” - Genesis 11:1-4 Why the tower of Babel? To repopulate the…  ( Click for more )

Why are events in the nations of the world happening as they are? It seems that the world as we knew it has been turned upside down. Events seem to be out of control worldwide. Is there something going on that the world in general does not see? Most details about world conditions are too complicated to be completely understood. However, the source of the condition of the world can be known and understood. There are only two major realities that we need to know in order for world events to be understood. World conditions are changing by the hour. Even by the minute. There are many…  ( Click for more )

In the Hebrew language, there is no word for “have”. The concept is not even in the language. Therefore, nothing can really be possessed or owned. Nothing can be “had” by adding or subtraction. “Having” (as most understand the word…) can not be possessed. Also, as Christians we can “have” only in Jesus Christ. All things are in Christ, simply because He is the creator, the sustainer, the power of continuance are only possible in and through Him. The well known expression “you can’t take it with you” is…  ( Click for more )

In the Hebrew language, there is no word for “have”. The concept is not even in the language. Therefore, nothing can really be possessed or owned. Nothing can be “had” by adding or subtraction. “Having” (as most understand the word…) can not be possessed. Also, as Christians we can “have” only in Jesus Christ. All things are in Christ, simply because He is the creator, the sustainer, the power of continuance are only possible in and through Him. The well known expression “you can’t take it with you” is…  ( Click for more )

The lack of a specific command in the new testament, especially from the epistles of Paul, for Christians to observe the seventh day Sabbath, or any other day as sacred, has generated two issues: arguments (proof) from silence, and arguments (events) from circumstance. (Jerusalem conference; and Paul's comments on "days“). In the first four verses of Romans 14, Paul addresses those who apparently made religious distinctions concerning foods, which is relatively clear. However, beginning in verse 5, he apparently changes the object of his discussion to address the differences…  ( Click for more )

“The edge of eternity”!, “from here to eternity”! Movie makers have used the word eternity to create movies to illustrate the finality of actions taken in stories of everything from western gunfighters to supplicated speculations about the destruction of the earth and even the universe. Why this play on the word eternity? The Bible holds a clue: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the…  ( Click for more )

Is it true that we should let our conscience be our guide? God gave Adam and Eve a conscience. Their conscience moved them to hide themselves from God after they sinned against Him regarding the tree. Sin from that event until now, sin and the fear of sin has been both a curse and a blessing. God enabled mankind with a conscience when Adam and Eve were created. Had they not sinned, their conscience would have been a blessing. Sin corrupted them and provoked a feeling of shame and guilt. Even until now, the God-created conscience in mankind serves the purpose for which He created…  ( Click for more )

America today...and Tomorrow?? Will there be spiritual revival in America? Are we too far away from God and a from spiritual revival? Is there a way back into God's favor and protection? This judgment comes on nations and churches, when they forget God, and begin to depend upon their own wisdom and resources. America, traditionally has been the bulwark of Christianity. But has it drifted too far from its moorings? Is there hope for America again? There comes a time for individuals and nations when God allows them to simply reap what has been sown. There is deep-seated undefinable…  ( Click for more )

Should you be witnessing your belief in Jesus Christ to your friends, neighbors, fellow employees, to people passing by you on street, etc.? The way you live your life becomes your witness regardless of whether others around you know about the details. They are influenced by only a few things: -How you treat them. -How they see you live. Let your life be your witness…if or until they ask to know more. And then, only a little at a time. They are potential babies in Christ. If they respond in a positive willingness to know more, they can digest only milk for a while if…  ( Click for more )

I know an evangelist like no other I have ever known or ever herd of before I met him. Many years ago he was a member of a moticycle groupwho traveled all over America. This he did for many of his younger years. Somehow, I know not how for sure, he was changed - in a big way. Athough he continued to love the motorcycle life, God choose for him another endeavor. One like none other I had ever heard of at that time. My knowledge of this man and his new life began abouit 10 years ago in the restaurant area of a large Mall. While sitting in the waiting area reading, I glanced up when…  ( Click for more )

Are you discouraged by that you see in your life, what is happening around you, and that which you may hear about?

It becomes easy to begin to wonder where God is, and where He is taking you, where you are going. You begin to question your relationship with Him, and others around you. He has said He will NEVER leave us or forsake us. It may seem impossible to measure your relationship with Christ, because of the circumstances in your life that are beyond your control.

Yes you agree with the scripture that says that “all things work together for good…”.,…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever felt that what you are doing for Jesus Christ seems like it isn't enough? Or perhaps it is the opposite. Do you sometimes feel that, in some way that you can't really explain, you have done too much in the wrong way, or at the wrong time? If we are born-again Christians, we naturally want to do more spiritually. Whether it be in service to others, in the church, in the work of our occupation, or just in overcoming our own flaws and hang ups - enduring in the place and life where we have been called. Those who are relatively new to the faith are often discouraged that,…  ( Click for more )

God began to love you before the foundation of the world, along with His Only-begotten Son at that time, before anything was. If you believe in Him, He knew in eternity past. If you belong to Christ now, He knew you before anything was - except the Father and His Son. This being true, there is nothing that can destroy what God through Jesus is doing in you. The world of those outside of Jesus Christ are subject to the vagaries and random chances working in this world, But if you belong to Christ, life may only seem to be no different from those of the world who are outside the…  ( Click for more )

Did you know that a book is being written about you? Not only you, but all others, too. No matter who you are, how famous you may or may not be, how old you are, where you were educated, what your occupation is or may have been. A book is being written about your life. Not only yours, but many others. Many have had books written about them; who they are, what they have accomplished during their life, or perhaps what they did not do that made them well known. So, they were accounted worthy to have a book written by someone about their life. God has and is writing a book about you.…  ( Click for more )

Have you been disappointed with the results of your witnessing to others? It is easier, and natural, to believe that our witnessing to others about salvation in Jesus Christ must result in an immediate belief and yielding to Jesus as Savior. This would be ideal of course. However, witnessing for Christ covers a much broader field. The fruit of witnessing for Christ encompasses our being an example of righteous living in whatever context we live in. The light of our life example to others can eventually bare fruit of eternal salvation later. In fact, what others see, hear, and view…  ( Click for more )