King David was able to persevere through many challenges in his life. I think he was able to do this—even through such pain and difficulty—because he was CALLED by God to a godly purpose. 1 Samuel 16 tells the story of his anointing as the future king of Israel. He knew that God has summoned … Continue reading The power of perseverance
discipleship
When comfort is the enemy
I really don’t like what I’m about to say: Comfort is the enemy of discipleship. The problem is that I like comfort. I also like being a disciple of Jesus. But why are those two things supposedly in conflict? Comfort is about maximizing convenience, and minimizing inconveniences which take us out of our comfort zones. … Continue reading When comfort is the enemy
Being loyal… to God
Yesterday I said that we can misunderstand what Jesus meant when he used the word “love.” I suggested that the word he used for “love” was close in meaning to “loyalty.” It is to have a kind of committed attachment to someone as a fellow child of God, and to seek God’s best for them. … Continue reading Being loyal… to God
Powered by God
This week I’ve been focusing on Acts 2:38 that describes how Peter preached to a huge crowed in Jerusalem, saying: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” This week we’ve already talked … Continue reading Powered by God
In a world of pride and vulgarity
The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons of the Trinity. And when you become a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells within you. But we can easily lose sight of the word “HOLY.” With each passing year in our society, the idea of something being “holy” seems more and more strange. But that’s … Continue reading In a world of pride and vulgarity
Transformation needs this
Okay, let’s get right to it. Being casual toward the sin in your life is being casual toward God’s will for your life. Here’s what I mean. In Colossians 3:5 (CSB) Paul says to “put to death what belongs to your earthly nature...” He’s referring to sin. Then in verse 10 he goes on to … Continue reading Transformation needs this
Chauffeur knowledge vs Real knowledge
In 1918 Max Plank won the Nobel Prize for physics. As was sometimes customary back then he went on a speaking tour. He traveled Germany with his chauffeur giving lectures on Quantum Mechanics. Every night he gave the same lecture. His chauffeur commented that it had become very predictable. In fact, the material had become … Continue reading Chauffeur knowledge vs Real knowledge
Convenience or obedience?
The house my dad grew up in didn’t have an indoor bathroom. Today, in my house, not only do we have two bathrooms, but we have gadgets and appliances galore. I just heated my coffee up in a microwave… instantly. And I didn’t need a fire to do it! We live in a culture of convenience. … Continue reading Convenience or obedience?
Is easier always better?
Our culture promotes convenience, comfort and quick-and-easy. But when it comes to faith, does God always make your life better by making it easier?
Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” I’m guessing none of us would use that statement for a church outreach campaign. ‘Hey everybody, come discover what it’s like to follow Christ! It’s great; plus, you die in the process!’ The quote is from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He … Continue reading Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
