Posts with the category “the-front-room”

The Bible speaks to God's purpose in our trials - the way we handle adversity can either drive us toward the Lord or drive us away.  If we are open to allowing God to work through our suffering, we can find that He provides joy and hope in the midst of it.  Perhaps you have heard or read a testimony of someone who turned to the Lord in his or her trouble; perhaps that testimony is yours.  James 1 ...  Read More

The Word of God not only communicates the heart of God and the expression of it through His commandments, but gives us principles through which we can live in a manner pleasing to Him.  Not only can we read and study the Word and receive direction, but the Word itself can empower us to follow that direction.  Because, as Hebrews 4 states (ESV):(12) ...the word of God is living and active, sharper ...  Read More

When pursuing the path of spiritual growth, we must remember that ultimately the Word of God is our source of absolute truth.  There are a number of excellent Bible teachers, some of whom are presented on Faith Radio and through Faith Radio On Demand, who teach God's Word and help us to grow.  And, there are others who could be considered commentators - those who post on the Internet and generate ...  Read More

Certainly we can be concerned in the incidences of lawlessness that we see all around us. One of the truly disappointing developments over the past few years is the reduction of sentences for those convicted of criminal behavior.  Or, the decriminalization of behavior that is detrimental to a functioning society.  We should look to the authority of Scripture to point us to the Biblical mandate for...  Read More

Jesus teaches us to put the needs of others before our own - He gave His life, so that we might have eternal life in Him...He came to earth so that we might be brought into the Kingdom of Heaven.  His love is a sacrificial love, and He gives us the capacity to love others with that type of love.  Even for those less fortunate than we, to those who struggle, even to those in prison.  In Matthew 25 ...  Read More

We are on the edge of a season in which families gather together - many look forward with anticipation to these annual or occasional reunions during the holidays.  Others believe that time spent with family can present its share of challenges.  Some will be facing this year without the presence of someone who has left this earth since last year or over the last few years.  Family can be filled wit...  Read More

God manifests His presence through the marriage relationship.  The relationship of husband and wife is an expression of Christ and His Church - His bride. So, husbands are charged in Scripture with loving their wives as Christ loved the Church, which elicits a response that mirrors how we as believers respond to our Savior.  Marriage is a gift from God, and He does an amazing work in bringing peop...  Read More

Because we belong to Christ, we have been given the ability and opportunity to see life, including our personal decisions and circumstances, as well as current events through a Biblical lens.  We must love what God loves and reject what He rejects, and that may call for tough choices, even to call out those who are part of or adjacent to a political or ideological "camp" that we share.  Because ou...  Read More

On this Veteran's Day, we have an opportunity to reflect on principles upon which our nation is based; certainly there are principles which are consistent with what we read in God's Word. And, we recognize those who have served our country in order to uphold these principles, which are rooted in the concept of freedom - including the freedom to practice our Christian faith and to speak freely.  Th...  Read More

In the fine art of communicating the gospel, we can become so caught up in winning an argument that we fail to hear what those who disagree with us have to say. The Bible speaks in James 1 (ESV) about the importance of listening.  People don't necessarily want to lectured to, but they may just want to be heard.  That chapter says:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear...  Read More

Jesus promised that He would build His Church - He is described as the head of His body of believers, and has a distinct purpose for HIs people, united in faith and in truth, loving one another and loving the world around us.  The display of God's truth, carried out in love, can be compelling in changing lives and changing our culture.  And, how greatly we need it.  The Bible recounts an exchange ...  Read More

While we see some positive signs that are occurring among teens and young adults with regard to their relationship to God, I think that we have to be vigilant to be make sure that their lives are not adrift.  Much has been made, rightly so, about the mental health crisis facing our young people today.  And, we recognize that the Bible and the Church can provide solid answers - an anchor, if you wi...  Read More

In public discourse and private conversations, there will be disagreement.  And, we should be people of conviction, who have developed Biblically-informed opinions and express them in a way that is not demeaning, not resorting to name-calling, and not making it personal.  The way we engage with culture should be unique and becoming of someone who bears the name of Jesus Christ.  The Bible in Colos...  Read More

God's Word lays out for us a plan for healthy relationships, including strong families.  He provides a strong foundation for gender and sexuality, and we can be confident that His ways will yield the outcomes He desires.  But, disobedience and the resulting corruption results in families that do not provide the healthy environment that is built on obedience to His principles.  The Bible says in Ge...  Read More

In an age where godless ways are normalized and there is advance of policies that are not consistent with God's ways, we have to make sure that our lives are centered on Biblical truth, that the Bible is foremost in our thinking and our actions, recognizing that His principles are absolute.  In John 17 (ESV), we find these words of Jesus:14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them...  Read More

No matter where we go, we can be confident that God goes with us. His Holy Spirit lives inside the heart of every born-again believer - we have been redeemed and equipped to serve Him, to display through us the glory of God.   So, we essentially become the presence of Jesus to those who do not have hope and bringing encouragement to all.  The Bible tells us in 2nd Corinthians 4 (ESV):7 But we have...  Read More

In a country that has a rich heritage of faith, and specifically Christian teaching, there are opportunities to freely share and demonstrate our love for Christ.  In our homes, our workplaces, even in the stores we shop, we can bring the pleasing aroma of Christ, which is spoken of in 2nd Corinthians 2 (ESV).  And, even in schools, there can be opportunities to testify to the glory of God.  That c...  Read More

The image that we portray in public, with other people, should reflect who we really are in private.  And, the person who says that he or she is a believer in Christ should make sure that he or she is not putting on a front or taking part in activities not becoming of a Christian.  We have to guard against living a double life...we mustn't wear a mask to shield people from seeing who we really are...  Read More

We can be thankful that we live in a country with a system of government, which I believe was inspired by God, that has stood the test of time, that is about to celebrate 250 years of independence, throwing off the shackles of an earthly king and devoting themselves to the service of a Heavenly King.  We can also consider if Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, is the King of our lives, if ...  Read More

There is a powerful force on this earth - a force that provides hope for those who are discouraged, healing for those who are afflicted, and help for those whose lives have been negatively impacted by disaster.  This force is connected to the greatest power source in the universe.  I'm talking about the body of Christ - dispatched by God to do mighty exploits in the name of Jesus, the name above a...  Read More

Earlier this week, I commented on the responsibility of Christian parents to be gatekeepers not only of their own minds, but of their homes, as well.  We have to protect our own hearts and minds and reject the ungodly influences that our culture is offering us today.  This is a key to spiritual growth, so we are not corrupted by the ways and the ideas of this world. Proverbs 4 (ESV) contains these...  Read More

When we see various occurrences of God moving in the hearts of young people, when we see the surveys that are encouraging about church participation, especially among the younger generations, it is a natural progression to believe that the revival, or spiritual awakening, that so many have sought throughout the years has perhaps finally arrived.  And, there is evidence that, at least in some areas...  Read More

We should always allow the authority of Scripture to govern the decisions we make.  The Bible provides principles that we can use to determine the morality and ethics regarding our decision-making, and we should always strive to consider the long-term consequences of our actions.  And, in the arena of health decisions, a respect for the sanctity of life should always be in the mix.  This passage i...  Read More

In the face of objectionable content available through various platforms and made available to our children, we have to make sure that we are guarding the gates of our minds and hearts and the entry points of our homes in order to protect not only our hearts, but the hearts of our families.  In Psalm 101 (ESV), we can read these words of exhortation:2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh wh...  Read More

In the first chapter of the book of John, we meet a fisherman named Andrew - he had become a follower of John the Baptist, who introduced him to Jesus. That man responded by not only following the Nazarene, but went to invite his brother to come along, as well.  This is where we meet the two of the first disciples of Jesus.  We can read the narrative in John 1 (ESV):38 Jesus turned and saw them fo...  Read More

In the endeavors we undertake, we can be motivated to do our very best for the Lord.  We have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who gives us the ability to live in a manner that pleases God and calls attention to His presence within us.  A certain well-known major league baseball player has adopted this verse as his favorite - this passage from Colossians 3 (ESV) contains the verse:22 Bondse...  Read More

The Bible is more than just a guidebook for living, more than merely a set of rules and regulations - God's Word reflects the very heart of God!   It is living and active, as the Scriptures say, and it should not only form the basis for the way we live, but empower us to effectively live the Christian life.  It forms our worldview, our theology, and it is critical that people of God are people of ...  Read More

Our devotion to the one true Jesus should propel us to defend His teachings, to relate the truth.  That He said there was one way to God our Heavenly Father, who said He was the way, the truth, and the life.  There are many religions who claim a path to divinity, but only one way to know God - that is through Jesus, and while we can show respect to people who practice a variety of religions, we ca...  Read More

From the book of Genesis, we find that our Creator God made two genders: male and female. He instituted marriage and announced his intent for men and women to come together in that holy bond and to produce children.  When you attempt to tamper with God's created order, there are direct consequences.  Romans 1 (ESV) enunciates the effects of rejecting God:24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts ...  Read More

Music is such an integral part of our Christian life.  God calls us to fellowship with and worship Him, and through our vocal praise, from honoring God with our words of exaltation to singing out His praises, we demonstrate our love and devotion for Him, and we ourselves are built up on the inside.  In our services, times of worship can prepare our hearts to receive His Word. The Bible states in P...  Read More

It's been almost three weeks since the Charlie Kirk Memorial Service in Arizona, which thousands attended in person and millions watched in some form through online platforms. In the midst of the moving worship and messages that were centered on gospel truth, which Kirk embraced and communicated, there was one seminal moment that continues to ring throughout the media, a moment that touched hearts...  Read More

While some might want to characterize our youth and young adults as somewhat of a "lost generation," anecdotal reports and survey data are showing that God is doing an amazing work among Generation Z.  This resurgence shows, I believe, that there is a search that is taking place that is leading to Jesus, who can give them what their hearts are looking for.  In Matthew 7 (ESV), we can read these wo...  Read More

Associations can be very important.  In our quest to live godly, we have to make sure that we are free from entanglements, that we are not engaged in questionable activities that could hurt our witness and steer clear of people or entities that will reflect poorly on us.  We must always maintain integrity in our decision-making, and seek to reflect godliness in all things. The Bible tells us in 1s...  Read More

When you consider Bible prophecy and the scenario of what will occur at the time of the Rapture of the Church, the Tribulation period, and the second coming of Jesus, you cannot look beyond the nation of Israel.  God's prophetic timetable centers around the Jewish people and the geographical region that we call the Middle East.  Jesus Himself taught in Luke 21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrou...  Read More

The battle lines are being drawn in our culture, and those of us who are Bible-believing, born-again Christians are involved in a struggle for the authority of the Scriptures. Interestingly enough, you have those who do not share our faith perspective, but they do embrace elements of a Biblical worldview perspective.  They are our allies in a cosmic struggle between good and evil.  There is an inc...  Read More

We regard Jesus as an amazing storyteller - the crowds who gathered to hear Him were enraptured by the parables which He taught and the wonders that God worked through Him.  His aim was to preach faithfully and see His Father use the messages to draw people to Himself, so they might come to know Him.  Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 13 (ESV) why He spoke in parables; His explanation included t...  Read More

Because of the evil that is in the hearts of human beings, we see the manifestation of it day after day.   The Bible speaks against lying, yet we lie.  We hear people curse using the name of the Lord.  Our hearts are full of idolatry.  And, human beings take the lives of another.  There is evil in the hearts of men and women, and every single one of us needs Jesus to give us a new heart, a new out...  Read More

When we encounter situations that are overwhelming for us, that steal our joy, that produce fear and confusion, God provides incredible resources for us - He has spoken to us by His Word and He will provide power to overcome spiritual attack by His Holy Spirit and the full armor of God.  Perhaps He will use other people to minister to us.   And, there will even be those who are equipped to provide...  Read More

When we testify to the presence of the Lord Jesus, that could result in our encountering opposition for our faith.  We should always seek to be compelling and compassionate in our presentation, so that our witness can continue to be strong.  In Acts 18 (ESV), there is a fascinating reference:1 After this Paul left Athens and went to Corinth.2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, re...  Read More

Around the world, we know that Christians are facing opposition and persecution for their faith. Many face acts of violence against them, others find themselves being arrested and imprisoned, maybe even losing their lives at the hands of government officials and religious extremists.  The Bible provides this reminder in 1st Peter 4 (ESV):12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it c...  Read More