It’s true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. . . . But that doesn’t matter. Whether their motives are false or genuine, the message about Christ is being preached either way, so I rejoice. And I will continue to rejoice. (Philippians 1:15, 18) […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Church
The Indispensable Local Church
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. (Philippians 1:9–10) Where did you find your mate? More […]
Read MoreChrist’s Church
Upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. (Matthew 16:18) Note first to whom the church belongs—Jesus. “I will build MY church.” It is not pressing the issue out of bounds to emphasise that the church is not the work of some pastor or […]
Read MoreMaking Disciples
Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, […]
Read MoreEncouragement in Action
If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? (1 John 3:17) Going to the statement found in Hebrews 10:24, we are to “consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” In other words, […]
Read MoreCalled Alongside to Help
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25) Certainly there is more to encouragement than a smile and a quick pat on the back. We need to realise just how valuable it really is. […]
Read MoreLove with Authentic Affection
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. (Romans 12:9–10) As I search God’s Word for reasons to break with the isolationism of this age, I find two inescapable facts: God […]
Read MoreThe Problem with Progress, Part One
Looking back on it, it is admirable, almost heroic. We salute visionaries of yesteryear. They emerge from the pages of our history books as men and women of gallant faith. We shake our heads in amazement as we imagine the herculean courage it took to stand so confidently when the majority frowned so sternly. Yesterday’s progress earns for itself today’s monuments of stone.
Read MoreThe Church, Part Two
Yesterday, we discovered Dr. Jay Kesler’s five reasons why the church really is a big deal. No, it isn’t perfect (you’re a part of it, aren’t you?) and it hasn’t always modeled its message. But whatever is next in order of importance is a distant second—and I mean way down the line. So, what’s all the commotion about the church? Well, besides the things in the list, I can think of only one other reason worth consideration.
Read MoreThe Church, Part One
So, what’s the big deal about the church? Good question. And it deserves a good answer. Something more than, “You gotta have one to get married in,” or “It’s the place kids oughta be on Sunday.” Or how about, “There’s not a better spot to make business contacts.” Really, now . . . haven’t you wondered at times if the church is that significant in a day of high-level decisions and powerful international issues? I sure have.
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