The crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught them with real authority— quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 Read Matthew 5, 6, and 7. Four observations come to mind while reading these Scriptures, each quite a striking contrast to standard sermons preached today. First: He spoke these words outside rather […]
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Jesus’ Message of Simple Faith
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. Matthew 7:28–29 When it came to clear communication, Jesus was a master. Children and adults alike had no difficulty understanding His words or following His reasoning. This is remarkable […]
Read MoreThe Uncomplicated Life of Faith
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:8 What if being close to God were simple? What if this thing called faith isn’t as complicated as it’s cracked up to be? And while I’m asking the critical questions: What if you could be liberated—I mean really set free—from all those […]
Read MoreCheckpoints Along the Way
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John 4:1) 1 John 4:1–5 As we look forward to flying closer to the flame as the Spirit […]
Read MoreEvidences of His Presence
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:16–17 NASB) 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 12:4–7 How do we recognize the […]
Read MoreEvidences of the Spirit’s Empowering
For the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17) What can we expect a Spirit-filled life to look like? What are things you and I can claim when the Spirit is in full control? When we are Spirit-filled and therefore rightly related to the […]
Read MoreUnderstanding First Things First
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. (Acts NASB) Let’s return to basics . . . two foundational issues. One has to do with […]
Read MoreA Few Words on Healing
Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. (James 5:16) Ours is a world of enormous pain and hurt. Every one of us knows someone who is enduring an intensely difficult time […]
Read MoreCan We Trust Our Feelings?
You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. (Psalm 16:11 NASB) One of my mother’s favorite rules for us kids was, “You can’t trust your feelings.” To this day I can clearly recall her words warning us against […]
Read MoreKeep Your Balance
Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. (1 Corinthians 8:1) This is a good time for me to pause and mention three basic warnings so […]
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