Are Others Really Influenced by Us?
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Last week we looked at who we are to listen to and hear from. Sometimes though we ask ourselves, are we really being heard or seen by other folks as we strive so hard to set a good example (Matt 5:13-16) or as we try to get them to give ear to the gospel (Matt 28:18-20)? It seems as though most of the time our efforts go unnoticed and unappreciated. While that may be true in many...
Read MoreStarting Over
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Hebrews 12:13 As we wind down yet another year, many of us may resolve to do something new. It may be something educational, recreational, or likely something for our physical health. It could be that we will not, in reality, begin a new path but rather begin again to do what we know has worked for us in the past. We decided to start over. Starting over is often the best way to achieve any goal. We just stop, clear the slate and begin anew. Spiritually this is accomplished in...
Read MoreHow to Overcome
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4 As we go through our daily lives we must overcome many things. Different obstacles, whether they be internal or external, are always going to persist. Simply put, life has its challenges (Job 14:1). For us to be successful we must work past these things and find a way to accomplish what is set before us. The Bible speaks often and plainly about overcoming obstacles in our spiritual life to obtain the goal of heaven as well. Hebrews 12:1 states, “Wherefore...
Read MoreNot Enough
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) Hebrews 10:23 Have you ever said, “well, that’s good enough”? I certainly have on a number of occasions. In many of life’s pursuits, being good enough is sufficient. However, that is not the case in religious matters. God requires total repentance (Acts 17:30) and complete commitment (Matt 24:13). In this article I want to share a few ideas that fall under this “good enough” mindset and equip us with some scripture to show the error and hopefully direct someone in the way they should go. It is...
Read MoreBy What Authority? Pt. 1
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? Matthew 21:23 The confrontation is timeless! Why are you doing the things you do and teaching what you teach? Sadly, as Matt 21:23 shows, even Jesus had to deal with those who had the wrong ideal of what does or does not make something acceptable in the eyes of God. Men have always had a desire to produce and use their own standard and for some reason try to be religious all the while...
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