Posts with the category “the-front-room”

Today is what is known as Maundy Thursday, a day that contains so many compelling images of the final hours of the earthly life of Jesus - from the Last Supper He shared with His disciples to the dramatic scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, then the arrest of Jesus to stand trial before the religious leaders and the governmental officials. We see a clash of spiritual forces, a conflict of authoriti...  Read More

The suspense was building as what is now called Holy Week progressed in Jerusalem during the final days of the earthly ministry of Jesus.  The Passover was approaching and the perfect sacrificial lamb, the Savior of the world, was about to be brutally beaten and crucified.  The object of hostility and scorn, Jesus was facing the ultimate act of love.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 26 (ESV):1 When ...  Read More

At the heart of the Easter message is that we can be transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of life - through Scripture, we recognize that we can become new creations in Him.  The Bible says that while we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. The Church should be effectively communicating life transformation and proclaiming how that has become a reality for those who are called...  Read More

We are encouraged to do all that we do for the glory of God - whether it's our individual well-being, our life at home, at church, in the workplace, or in the community, we can be challenged to be excellent representatives of the Christ within us, a manifestation of the risen Savior.  And, for those participating in sports or the arts, a person should attempt to perform at his or her highest level...  Read More

Popular culture has this propensity, unfortunately, to define Christianity on its own terms, and its not necessarily accurate, or even good.  And, you have those who want to redefine Jesus and, as it's been suggested, make Him into their image rather than allow Him to make them into His.  And, the rejection of the gospel, which is an incredible sense of hope, enables people to be the losers in a h...  Read More

The Bible teaches us about good stewardship, recognizing that God is our provider, and He has entrusted to us resources that, as it's been taught, ultimately belong to Him.  There are all sorts of opportunities that we have to spend our money, and we have to be responsible for those choices.  And, we must always make sure that we are generous with what He's given to us.  1st Timothy 6 says:6 But g...  Read More

While Israel continues to partner with the U.S. to advance against the menace known as Iran, around the world, antisemitism continues to be a force to be reckoned with, and not in a good way.  We have to recognize the role of Israel in the world today and in the plan of God for the earth.  His covenant with the Jewish people has not been canceled, and as stewards of His truth, we have to recognize...  Read More

In a world that I believe is looking for hope, we can find our hope in a Savior who came to give His life for us, who cares for each one of us, and calls us to follow Him.  He is the One who can sustain us even in our darkest hours and can provide light even in the deepest darkness.  If 1st Corinthians 13 is the "love chapter," I might refer to Romans 15 as the "hope chapter."  It says:3 For Chris...  Read More

Sometimes we are called to speak in certain situations; at other times, we are supposed to listen, to be what is referred to as a "ministry of presence."  And, we should know the difference.  In James 1 (ESV), the Bible illustrates for us how we should appropriate the use of our mouths and our ears:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;2...  Read More

Our Savior performed the ultimate act of service when He gave His life on a cross so that humanity might be saved.  Many are celebrating a season called Lent, leading up to the commemoration of Christ's death and resurrection.  Through that new life He brings to us, He empowers us to engage in a life of service.  In Mark 10 (ESV), we can read these words:42 And Jesus called them to him and said to...  Read More

It has occurred to me that there are people who try to distort what they regard as the teachings of Jesus in order to support their political agenda.  We have to be careful not to stake out a particular position and then attempt to make the Scriptures fit our own personal agenda, rather than start with the Word and conform our thinking and behavior to Him. Jesus taught in Matthew 13 (ESV):13 This ...  Read More

On this St. Patrick's Day, I think it's helpful to think about how a person taking a brave stand impacted an entire nation.  It's a pattern we see throughout the Scriptures and as we've seen through Church history.  And, we can be devoted to asking God how He would desire to use us to impact men and women for Christ.  In Deuteronomy 31, Moses imparted wisdom and blessing to his appointed successor...  Read More

On this date - 3:16 - I want to focus in on the essence of the gospel and how God has called each of us to be an ambassador for Him, to amplify His truth to the world around us.  We can do this because the Bible tells us in Romans 8 that the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in our hearts.  So, we are saved and empowered to be used of God in a powerful way.  Here's a Scripture pass...  Read More

Throughout the Scriptures, and even through the annals of church history, you see people who were countercultural, people whom you could consider to be "revolutionaries," those who rejected the status quo, lit by the fire of the Holy Spirit, and determined to see God exalted in the times in which they lived, to which they were called.  In the 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews (ESV), after highli...  Read More

We have engaged in the annual ritual of moving our clocks forward for Daylight Savings Time.  While there is a national debate on whether or not we ought to be changing the time once a year - and some locales do not make the change - this phenomenon can remind us of the importance of taking care of our bodies and our souls, especially when there is potential disruption.  1st Corinthians 6 (ESV) re...  Read More

The Bible is clear that we are called, as Jesus taught, to be salt and light in this world.  The apostle Paul laid out the spiritual framework in which we operate, clothed in the full armor of God and called to stand for truth.  In Ephesians 6, we can find these words (ESV):11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.12 For we do not wrestle aga...  Read More

There are opportunities all around us in order to feed the greed that can come so naturally. And, there are especially ways that prey on young people to condition them to take part in unbiblical behaviors that can warp the mind and even produce addiction.  The Bible warns us not to give in to human desires that can put us in bondage.  1st Timothy 6 warns:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into...  Read More

There are a variety of coping mechanisms that are available to us in facing the challenges and troubles of life.  But, not all of these are good for us.  When we choose to deal with our issues using worldly resources, rather than the resources of the Spirit that God makes available, we are cutting ourselves short of the abundant life Jesus has promised to us.  Consider the words of the Psalmist in...  Read More

It's been said that we don't get a U-Haul to carry our earthly possessions to heaven with us when we die.  But, the Bible does say we are to lay up treasures in heaven.  I think that certainly has to do with being good stewards of the earthly resources God has given to us, so that we are using what God has provided for His glory and the glory of His Kingdom. But, I think you could also say that th...  Read More

When we are in a position of trusting God with all of our hearts, we can learn to look to Him and His love and faithfulness, rather than look to the world to get our needs met. We can see beyond circumstances and recognize His presence with us in our circumstances.  By looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, as Hebrews 12 says, we can possess a sense of resilience - an inner streng...  Read More

The exchange of fire continues between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, with other Gulf region countries having become targets of Iranian retaliation.  Iran has long had proxies in the region who have done its bidding, and there are people who are sympathetic to the cause of jihad, as directed in the Muslim Koran, spread out far and wide, perhaps even extending to the U.S.  This is a result of policies...  Read More

In the midst of a war against a murderous regime that has shown disregard for human life and for the religious freedom rights of their people, we can also recognize that there is a long-standing war on life in our own country, and we should be passionate about ending that.  The military action against Iran is deserved and just, but we should also remember that we must deal with threats to the sanc...  Read More

When believers in Christ come together - in large groups or small gatherings, God has an intent and a purpose.  The Bible teaches that when we come together and pray together, that amazing things can happen.  God wants His body to display a sense of connectivity. And, this passage reminds us about one element that can happen when we meet together. It's from Proverbs 27 (ESV):17 Iron sharpens iron,...  Read More

God is certainly concerned with perpetuating the message of the gospel to generations to come.  The Bible tells us that following the Israelites' entrance into the Promised Land, there came a generation that did not know God, according to Judges chapter 2.  Those who have been around on this earth for a while are called to build a foundation for those who will come behind.  Psalm 78 (ESV) states:3...  Read More

Even though we may profess to know Jesus as our Savior, we can consider whether or not we are acting as a disciple.  That involves surrender - and it entails knowing the Word and following His instructions.  A simple key to doing that is to spend time in His Word.  In Luke 14 (ESV), we can find these verses; Jesus said:26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife ...  Read More

While technology has changed the face of interpersonal communication, the personal aspect has certainly been an area of concern.  And, with people spending so much times on screens, it can be devastating to the brains of especially our young people.  The Bible directs us to be sober-minded, to renew our minds with God's truth.  1st Corinthians 2 (ESV) says:14 The natural person does not accept the...  Read More

The Bible teaches us, as believers in the body of Christ, to bear one another's burdens, to be compassionate toward one another, as well as toward those who are unbelievers.  And, we are called to walk with other people through their suffering.  Ephesians 4 (ESV) states:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may gi...  Read More

We live in a fallen world, and we know that there will be times when illness comes, when our world is rocked by painful and sometimes even perplexing health issues.  We know that God is good, and He is sovereign, but we struggle with these moments where face health challenges, which can sometimes lead to long-term illness and even death.  Through those challenging times, we can remember that God i...  Read More

There are many expressions of religion in our world today, and even many expressions of Christianity - while there are many denominations and churches who believe a variety of principles and doctrines, it is our responsibility as Christians to be discerning, to make sure that our practice of following Christ is consistent with the teachings of Scripture.  Because there are a variety of spiritual v...  Read More

It is so clear to me that God speaks to us in a variety of ways.  His primary mode of communication is through His Word - He shows us His truth and His desires for us through Scripture.  And, in partnership with the Holy Spirit, we can personalize what Scripture has to say - perhaps even the Spirit will give us specific direction, but never in contradiction to His Word.  God will also speak to us ...  Read More

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and there will be plenty of talk about love and romance. Unfortunately, while the world might get caught up in the celebration, we recognize that the characteristics of love, as defined and exemplified in Scripture, are often not expressed in modern-day relationships, in a "me-centered" culture.  So, we should take a few moments to reflect on the One who first loved us...  Read More

We can be thankful that God provides direction for our lives and the strength to carry out what He has called - you might have an expiration date, a term, in which to complete a mission.  Or, it could be a call with an indefinite end.  And, it may be clear that the time has come to stop.  We can depend on the Lord to empower us until that time comes.  The Bible says in 1st Thessalonians 5:23 Now m...  Read More

Through our daily desire to be obedient to Jesus Christ, we can make decisions that reflect His will and advance the Kingdom of God or take action that do not contribute to our personal growth or contribute to God's overall plan.  We have to come before the Lord in prayer daily and allow Him to guide our steps.  That goes for the seemingly small choices day by day, which cumulatively contribute to...  Read More

Sometimes there are causes for which we speak out boldly, sometimes we create causes that we have no business talking about.  We have to determine, as it's been said, "the hill to die on."   We have to allow the Lord to show us what is important and how best to leverage our spiritual energy in order to make an impact in this world.  And, we have to avoid distractions.  Before the 31st chapter of P...  Read More

The Lord has directed us to go into all the world, to speak truth, make disciples, and baptized.  That may be across the street or around the world, as it's been said.  And, God will give specific direction as to how we are to personally carry that out - and He's given us the power of the Holy Spirit to enable us to obey.  As we have heard the Word, we're called to be doers.   1st Peter chapter 3 ...  Read More

We can be convinced that God loves us and always has our best in mind - and the best thing that any human being can do is to give his or her life to Jesus Christ.  The Bible teaches us that, in accordance with His purpose, and motivated by His love, God is working everything for our good, which is His good, His perfect plan for us.  Here's a passage of Scripture from Romans 8 (ESV), that contains ...  Read More

God's Word WILL change us.  Plain and simple.  Within the pages of the Scripture, we can find the truth about who God is, His love for us, and what He wants to do in and through us. We learn about what Jesus has done for us.  And, we find a power that is not our own, not of this world, that enables us to navigate this world and hold faithful to the Lord.  I'm thinking about 2nd Peter chapter 1 (ES...  Read More

We can recognize that Bible prophecy is pointing to a coming time in which the Church will be taken away, and the Antichrist will be revealed.  A time of great Tribulation will unfold upon the earth.  And, Israel, as I like to say, is a barometer of what will be taking place.  Israel has been at the center of turmoil since it was established, or really re-establish as a formal, official nation in ...  Read More

One of the hideous trends in our culture today is the denial of one's own identity, either willfully or ignorantly, which is an affront to accepting who God created a person to be. Under the guise of so-called "gender identity," people are asked to deny truth and to subtly embrace and even endorse this form of false compassion and virtue signal.  It's not compassionate to perpetuate a lie.  The Bi...  Read More

Since the fall in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve gave in to Satan's temptation, the world has been in a fallen state.  But, as Isaiah tells us, the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.  Even though the world as we know it is under sin's power, Jesus came to redeem the human heart and in so doing, empowered Christian believers to take authority over the devil and walk in sp...  Read More