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The Jordan
The Bible bears proof that there are critical points, decisions and crossings, which attain to every life. It is apparent that the Jordan River is a showcase of a main crossing. It was the pivot of both ministry and nation. The Jordan held the change of a life and destiny. Namaan was cleansed in those waters as both a type of the Gentile redemption to come and also a coming baptism preached by apostles. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Gideon divided the…
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Plumb Line
The modern Christian thought was expressed recently when two religious leaders denounced the idea of a strict adherence to biblical doctrine. Instead they proposed an emotional response to salvation and what they called “God’s love factor.” This presents God’s love greater than any biblical narrative or interpretation of the scripture. While this philosophy is counterintuitive to the Bible, there are a host of church-goers who now adhere to this false premise. The core issue revolves around disobedience to the scripture. There are other glaring tentacles which entail subjectivism and relativism. This is nothing less than carnal mindsets wrapped in the…
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“Garbage in, garbage out”
Within the script of Paul’s letter to Titus, whom he called “mine own son after the common faith” there is a notable nugget of understanding. Paul wrote: Titus 1:15 “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.” The training of the brain has a long and storied history. Psychologists and researchers have presented a plethora of information concerning the “structuring and restructuring of the human brain.” There are many expansive thoughts with large words and complex definitions if you so desire. However,…
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“through Christ”
If we put ourselves in the proper perspective, then let it be known: We can, but not without God. We are a force against the darkness of this world! But not without God. We are an army, marching toward victory – equipped with power and authority. However, it all comes from the Omnipotent King of Hosts. Paul did not write that he could do all things. He wrote, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” However, the modern day Christian has left out the words, “through Christ.” Modernism looks inward instead of upward. They espouse…
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“Salvation By Emotion”
In a recent interview, a Christian commentator described salvation by quoting the words of noted historians and church fathers. His attending panel added their own anecdotal offerings supporting a version of how to be saved. Multiple stories and examples were presented to make the case for Heaven, but no one quoted the words of Jesus. In fact, the Bible was completely left out of the forum. These religious leaders described salvation without using one single verse of scripture! Such is the case in our “salvation by emotion” culture. People “feel” themselves spiritual or consider themselves saved without the need for…
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Stagnate Waters
Just off the coast of Dubai, engineers have built small manmade islands. They were meant to expand the water’s edge and then be sold for unseemly amounts. They did just that. However, over the years the waters in-between the islands have grown stagnate and undesirable. The reason is simple: there is no water flow. The ocean’s current has been cut off leaving the waters still, trapped, and sluggish. The dormant sea has no allure as it blocks the natural flow from the outgoing tide. Oft times what looks enticing is a great inhibitor to the flow of the Holy Spirit.…
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… up to us …
In consideration of the intentions of God, it should be known that His desire is for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. His thoughts toward us are clearly spelled out in Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” This, however, is a one-sided commentary. Unless we are obedient, nothing can be accomplished. Hence, the question does not center around God’s motives or the intent of His heart. The question concerns God’s people.…
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Tradition
Tradition. Of the many definitions given, perhaps the transmission or beliefs from one generation to another best summarizes the word. Customs are also part of this description wherein a particular method is passed through family functions. Biblical tradition has a mixed review; some for the good and others not so. The latter is due to the elevation of the tradition above the heart of God. At the same time there is great value in having a tradition as it tends to keep history in its proper place. The Jews kept the tradition of reading the scripture and in turn it…
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Woke-ism
The early church dealt with one of the major issues our nation now faces. Woke-ism is a return to tribalism which separates people based on the most shallow of outward appearances. This division has bled into the mindset of the church. I believe this to be part of the “spirit of the age” meant to divide believers by the same demonic forces which Paul addressed in his letters. Colossians 3:10-11 “And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,…
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…. The Tempter ….
Genesis 24:6 “And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.” Eliezer, the unsung hero barely graces the biblical writ. Eliezer was the loyal servant, administrator, and overall caretaker of Abraham’s estate. In the waning years of the patriarch’s life, the concern was that Isaac had not found a wife. To ensure that Isaac would marry rightly, Abraham sent his most trusted servant, Eliezer, to find her. Abraham made a single yet distinct requirement: “Make sure that you do not take my son back to the place where I came from.” Under the commandment…