Hopefully, each book we have covered so far has given us special insights into our God and his desire to draw us near to himself. Deuteronomy is no different. It recounts the history of the nation, its highs, and lows, to a new generation of Israelites who were not there to witness the miracles of God.
Up to this point, we have looked at Genesis through Leviticus. I hope each book has helped you learn something important about God and what he wants for you. Genesis is a book of beginnings: the beginnings of us, of sin, and just as importantly; the beginning of God’s love story with us. Exodus is a book of redemption: God redeems his people from sin and self; walks with them and moves heaven and earth for them. Leviticus is a book about relationships: God is a holy and just God who wants to have a personal relationship with his people. Leviticus details how we can approach God and have fellowship with him.
Continue reading “Numbers: a book about God’s faithfulness.”
Last week, we spoke about the book of Genesis and the many beginnings found in it. It is truly a book about the beginning of us and our struggle with sin. Yet, bigger and far more important. It is a book about God and His great love for us. It is the beginning of a love so grand and overwhelming that God sets into action a plan to save us from sin and self.
Today, I want us to consider the book of Exodus. Often read and rarely understood for its actual message about God. The theological implications of the book of Exodus are truly profound because they tell us amazing things about our God. They describe in great detail what he is willing to do for us and ultimately to instill a sense of worth in our own eyes. Continue reading “Exodus: A book of redemption.”
How many times have we heard someone say that? How many times have you asked that question yourself? Typically, the question is the result of someone saying or advocating a position on scripture that is different than our traditional understanding. I believe this is a good question and it gets to the heart of most sermons, bible classes, and bulletin articles. Continue reading “What is he trying to accomplish?”
Last week we started this article on becoming grace centered. I believe that this is a necessary and long overdue shift within the church. A move toward a gentler and more compassionate faith seems to be more in keeping with the heart of Jesus himself. Today we will continue with the second half.
In our series of articles, we are focused on basic principles that are needed to ensure the success of fellow Christians. Hopefully, we have made it clear that we need to emphasize the basics of the Christian life so that they have a better chance at success. We have emphasized that for the new Christian a drastic change has taken place. This change is so different from the life they are accustomed to living that it takes a while to adapt to this new life. In our previous article, we talked about the race set before us and how to win the prize. Continue reading “Many begin but not many finish.”
Let me spell the word m-o-t-h-e-r, with a message to complement.
M is for Mature. Do you remember when mom always seemed to have the right answer, and when she gave the answer, it was with the right spirit and attitude (I remember that). Continue reading “Happy Mother’s Day”
The value of implicit trust in God cannot be accurately measured. It is demonstrated for us numerous times throughout the scriptures. One such example is Joseph. He was the young son of Jacob (later renamed Israel) who endured great trials, temptations, and perils. It all began as a young boy who was loved by his father but hated by his brothers. The dreams of grandeur and prominence didn’t help him either. Things continually got worse until finally, the brothers decided to kill him. If it hadn’t been for the dissenting words of Reuben they would have executed him and left his body in that well. Instead, they took him out and sold him to Ishmaelite’s as a slave. But this was no ordinary teenager; he was wise beyond his years and trusted God completely. Continue reading “The power of trust.”
For Christians to be successful in this life of faith, we must learn to endure the hardships and difficulties that come our way. Continue reading “Learning to endure.”
“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.”
(2 Timothy 3:12–13, ESV)
Every person who has made the good decision to become a Christian; every person who tries to live a godly life, will eventually face persecution for their faith. It is inevitable, sad, but inevitable. Continue reading “Don’t underestimate your enemy!”
In addition to true faith, a right choice, and a firm, unyielding purpose, every winning Christian “soldier of the cross” needs to look forward to the reward. Life as a Christian is hard and it can be overwhelming at times but if we focus on the reward that is promised to us, it will help motivate us to stand strong. Continue reading “Focus on the reward.”
In this series of articles, our goal is simple: we want to write articles that will be beneficial to those who are weak in the faith. Articles that might reach someone who is struggling with their faith and being faithful to Jesus.
I know that this can be an overwhelming and difficult challenge. Living the new life in Christ is hard and there is so much to learn, it almost feels like too much to expect of anyone. Continue reading “The importance of a choice.”
In our series of articles, we are focused on basic principles that are needed to ensure the success of fellow Christians. Hopefully, we have made it clear that we need to emphasize the basics of the Christian life so that they have a better chance at success. We have emphasized that for the new Christian a drastic change has taken place. This change is so different from the life they are accustomed to living that it takes a while to adapt to this new life. In our previous article, we talked about the race set before us and how to win the prize. Continue reading “Many begin but not many finish.”
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.”
(1 Corinthians 9:24–27, ESV)
No one, as far as I know, is baptized and taken straight into heaven. Instead, we are baptized into Christ, into this new life and relationship with Jesus. We are baptized into a new existence of priceless opportunities and responsibilities. Continue reading “A race to run and a prize to win.”
Why do new Christians fall away? Why do so many new Christians never achieve success as a Christian? I think it is because they were never given the opportunity to learn the basics of the Christian life. Church, basic principles are needed. Continue reading “Basic Principles are Needed!”
Central Haywood Church of Christ 