Last week, following President Trump's State of the Union address, Harmoz Shariat, Founder and President of Iran Alive Ministries, issued a statement in response; in it, he said: "Iranians do not want negotiations. Why? The government of Iran is a deceiver and a liar, and they have proven that even if they sign an agreement, they will not follow through with it.  If history has taught us anything,...  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

Louisiana legislators had passed a new law requiring the 10 Commandments to be placed in public schools throughout the state.  A three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals putting the law on hold.  The entire court heard arguments recently in the case, and it handed down its decision last week.First Liberty reported that the court "issued a decision reversing a preliminary injunction ag...  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

I have been following developments concerning the Religious Liberty Commission established by an Executive Order of President Trump last year.  Its four meetings, prior to last Monday, were reportedly informative meetings and allowed people to share their own experience with having religious liberty denied in the U.S.But, the latest meeting was different.  The Washington Times reported: Ms. Prejea...  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