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Only in part, the scripture noted here fully rendered asks, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" It continues by cautioning against self-deception - 'God made me this way' – 'A loving God wants us all to be happy', in whatever condition we place ourselves in – and defines what God deems wicked; sexual immorality of the heterosexual or homosexual variety, thieves, the greedy, drunks, slanderers and swindlers. (1 Corinthians 6:9,10) Romans 1:29 expands this definition to include envy, murder, strife, deceit, the disobedient, faithlessness,…  ( Click for more )

In continuing last week's article, "They Sow the Wind and Reap the Whirlwind," let's look at a few things we often convince ourselves are no big deal, yet which nevertheless influence our lives in ways we fail to consider. A major factor in so many of these incidents is our comfort level. As the shock or fear of these enticements fade due to repeated exposure or mental indulgence, we become comfortable doing what we have become comfortable thinking about or imagining. We must be on our guard and work to "…not be overcome by evil, but over-come evil with good." Romans 12:21

Much…  ( Click for more )

What kind of mental picture do you get from that? A little 'sowing of wild oats'? Having fun, even as it borders being on the wild side? Hosea was speaking to the people of the covenant, the good guys; those who had been called, responded, and should have known better. Like most of us. What's wrong with being a little wild? Don't we just need to get all that out of our system while we're young? Only if you are in turn willing to accept responsibility for your actions and their consequences; for there are always consequences. It's like telling little 'white' lies. Pretty soon…  ( Click for more )

Songs and liturgy have always been used to reinforce ideals. Some are better at it than others; many we recite without consideration. 'Holiness'F1 is a praise song with the capability of teaching and inspiring if we let it.

'Holiness, holiness is what I long for.' Do you? Longing is defined as strong yearning or earnest wishful-ness. Scripture characterizes it as hungering and thirsting (Matthew 5:6), as if the object of our longing were of great worth, able to sustain us or impart life. David described it as a desperate need, associating it with survival. "As the deer pants…  ( Click for more )

In an article for World Magazine titled, "Gods and Country", Gene Veith makes several statements and poses questions which deserve consideration. His central premise is, "America's civil religion is becoming polytheistic, raising the question: Should we prefer a naked public square to the pagan alternative?" Mr. Veith begins by taking us back to a place in time where political speeches, public schools, ball games and civic organizations openly and proudly incorporated faith issues, scriptural quotation and prayer into their public and private functions. In some places at certain…  ( Click for more )

because God has made it plain… Romans 1:19

The debate between supporters of creation/intelligent design and evolution ebbs and flows, often turning mean-spirited. Many Christians are reluctant to respond because they feel they have nothing to add to the conversation but 'The Bible says…'; which doesn't sound very convincing when others are citing dates, figures and facts, however dubious some of them may be. (It being particularly difficult to cite scripture effectively when your opponent doesn't believe in the Bible – there is no common ground to…  ( Click for more )

Green - the color of Ireland, the emerald isle; necessitating the wearing of green on St. Patrick's Day. Images of a pugnacious character, with a look of defiant determination on his face and shamrocks abound. Pride in being Irish is expressed in parades, ceremonies and the color green. But beyond celebrating one's Irishness, what or who was St. Patrick? The patron Saint of Ireland. But who is it we are being encouraged to remember and honor; and why?

Patricius, a Romanized Briton, was captured by slave-traders from Ireland at the age of 16. During his exile in the wilderness…  ( Click for more )

The tables are being turned on us in the debate concerning Mel Gibson's movie, "The Passion of the Christ"; with some in the secular world asking - What would Jesus do? We'd better be ready with some answers.

Some ask if Christ were to make a movie about himself, would the focus be on the last twelve hours of his life or would it concentrate on his love, tolerance and forgiveness as well as the selflessness he expects his followers to emulate. Would he really want man's inhumanity to man portrayed in such graphic detail? Would he risk inflaming passions against his countrymen…  ( Click for more )

(With the recent commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, many find themselves asking this once again)

This question is still frequently asked as incidents occur that shock and confuse us. An epidemic has swept across our land, not of illness or disease but an affliction of the soul; sickening us all the same – manifesting itself in our bodies or inflicted on others.

Two well-educated young people and a dead baby; who did what and why never fully discovered. At the very least, they conspired to deliver an unwanted child secretly and do something with it;…  ( Click for more )

The recent fiasco involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake concluding their Super Bowl performance raises a number of issues; not the least of which is the hypocrisy of some who are protesting Janet's clothing "malfunction."

I was surprised and upset by what happened but wonder how much would have been made of the performance if Janet's breast had merely been exposed through the thin, red, clingy top she was wearing under her leather jacket. The intent was to rip away the jacket, showing as much of her breast as possible without actually baring it – but it would have…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever wondered how some holidays got their start? All of them intend to be a reminder of something or someone, to commemorate a day that a significant thing happened or the person who did it. Some are obvious; Christmas, Easter, July 4th. Some are not. Others we view in a light not at first intended; one of those would be Valentine's Day.

Originally this celebration commemorated the martyrdom of one, possibly two priests, both named Valentine. One, a priest and physician; the other, bishop of Terni, were beaten and beheaded along the Flaminian Way in Rome, Italy,…  ( Click for more )

This follow-up article is not meant to scold but to encourage; which is in part the function of church. (1 Thessalonians 4:18) We have been commissioned by Christ to make disciples, baptizing them into the community of believers – his church – and teaching them to obey his commands. (Matthew 28:19,20) The first Christian sermon delivered by Peter to an inquisitive assembly on the day of Pentecost outlined the immediate necessities of faith, repentance, baptism and Holy Spirit indwelling. (Acts 2:38) The fundamentals of worship are recorded in Acts 2:42; "They (believers,…  ( Click for more )

A recent Barna poll confirms statements by Dave Shiflett in the Wall Street Journal; claiming many Christians no longer feel compelled to convert heathens – primarily because they aren't sure there are any. They apparently have bought into the idea that every religion is equally valid; embracing the modern dictates of tolerance and inclusion over the traditional teachings of their faith. (Such as John 14:6,7 and Acts 4:12) The findings of the Barna poll surprise at first glance, but in truth only reveal a trend we've chosen to overlook at our own peril, the phenomenon of unbelieving…  ( Click for more )

"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross. Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From vict'ry unto vict'ry His army shall He lead, 'Til every foe is conquered and Christ is Lord indeed."

Stirring words, exciting strong emotions, inciting us to action.

"Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey. Forth to the mighty conflict in this His glorious day. Ye that are men now serve Him against un-numbered foes. Let courage rise with danger and strength to strength oppose."

But what kind of action? Can we force…  ( Click for more )

So says Jesus concerning the Holy Spirit's role of revelation in and through the Word. Yet the world continues to echo Pilate's question, "What is truth?" John 18:38 Time magazine's article, "The Lost Gospels"1, addresses this on-going search for truth in surprisingly balanced fashion, citing mankind's desire for full disclosure and understanding while voicing dissatisfaction with that disclosure, seeking additional revelation to either support or supplant what they've learned.

The so-called gospels of Peter, Mary, Thomas and Truth, along with the Acts of John, the Homilies…  ( Click for more )

Jonah, called by God to preach to the Ninevites; gentiles – considered unclean, unsaved and ignorant. He didn't want to. Travel was inconvenient; he would have to leave his home, family, job and friends. All this for people he disrespected, disliked, even hated. He went elsewhere and made himself unavailable.

You know the story. There was a storm at sea. Others on board approached to ask who he was, where he was from, what God he served. They didn't know why this calamity had overtaken them and hoped he could help figure it out. Was he responsible? Could his God…  ( Click for more )

Rabbi Dennis Prager – author and social commentator

Some view statements like this as unnecessarily alarmist while others greet it with a yawn. Rabbi Prager admits that, "Such moments are extremely rare in history. And when they have occurred, they have been between two, not three, competing ideologies." Yet he believes there are now indeed three competing ideologies striving for pre-eminence in shaping mankind's future; Militant Islam, Western European secularism/socialism and American Judeo/Christian Capitalism.

The first – Islam – is being…  ( Click for more )

The best-selling novel, The DaVinci Code, purports to reveal hidden information regarding Jesus Christ and the early church's development within its story-line; adding fuel to the debate concerning the role of women in the church then and now. It repeats allegations that have circulated for centuries; that Mary Magdalene was more than a spiritual supporter of Jesus' ministry, being his lover if not his wife. As a result of her relationship with and understanding of Jesus she supposedly rivaled Peter's leadership of the early church; having lost a power struggle with him she was then…  ( Click for more )

Don't you just love this time of year? The family get-togethers, exchanging gifts, playing in the snow and caroling. Even the works of charity in the food and gift drives for the less fortunate make us feel better for those we've provided for and about ourselves as we feel a warm glow of accomplishment and satisfaction! Yet in making new memories and remembering old times together, let's not forget what is really important. Think back with me for a moment and...remember.

A cool starry night - a quaint little stable at the outskirts of town. As we peek through the front entry-way…  ( Click for more )

Have you ever considered the practical applications of your faith? Many think religion is superfluous – excessive, burdensome, un-needed; impractical to everyday living. Others see it as mystical, beyond our grasp – interesting yet unattainable. The Bible's authors expended much time and effort to reveal how practical our faith in Christ can and must be for it to be effective personally and productive relationally. (See Matthew 5,6,7 and Romans 12.)

Whether we see our faith as practical and applicable in the world determines our attitudes and responses to the world.…  ( Click for more )

The words intolerance and prejudice are being used quite frequently these days! What do they mean and are we? More importantly, what does the Bible have to say concerning this? Prejudice defined is: a dislike or distrust of people solely based on their being of another race, religion, or country. An opinion formed not of fact but on rumor, innuendo or others supposed experiences. To be honest we are all probably somewhat prejudiced. There is however, a big difference between prejudices and being racist, which is: the practice of discrimination, segregation and separation based…  ( Click for more )

The recent uproar over Florida Governor Jeb Bush's rescue of Terri Schiavo from starvation has once again spot-lighted America's shifting morals concerning the value of life.

Mrs. Schiavo is severely handicapped as a result of illness which first struck her twelve years ago; but she did not die nor is she in eminent danger of doing so now – unless she is refused the care she needs. Her vital organs continue to function, she is capable of recognizing loved ones, responding with laughter; she has no terminal illness threatening her life. And yet her husband, aided by a court…  ( Click for more )

At this time of year when we are encouraged to take stock of our blessings and to share our bounty, love and thankfulness like no other - who should we give thanks to? Our parents, for raising us well, for doing their best? Our families and friends for sticking by us and putting up with us through good and bad times? Our spouses for really knowing us and loving us anyway? Our teachers and preachers who did their best to teach us to be successful and righteous? Absolutely! But is that what the Thanksgiving Season is all about? For regardless of politically correct teaching concerning…  ( Click for more )

The seriousness of this attempt and the effort needed to achieve it is indicated by several scriptures. "Those who belong to Jesus Christ have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." Galatians 5:24 "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." Galatians 2:20 "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin, (not perfect but no longer ruled by uncontrolled passions and our natural inclination to sin either) because anyone who has…  ( Click for more )