God’s Plan Includes Grace
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 It is evident from studying the Bible that God had a plan and his plans were carried out exactly when and how He desired (Eph 1:10). God’s grace has always been a foundational element in his salvation of mankind. In Genesis 6, we first find grace used as a word even though it was evident from the beginning. Noah found grace in the eyes of God (Gen 6:8) and that grace led to a plan for a physical structure that would save mankind physically. God’s grace is poured out on all men...
Read MoreFaith and Tolerance
In Romania this summer, I will be teaching a lesson series titled, “Context and Application of Romans”. I chose this topic for two reasons. First, Romans is packed with instructional content that applies to all who seek to please God. Romania is filled with people who want to please God but have never been taught the truth about His will. Second, I have always felt that I have missed something when studying Romans and I wanted an opportunity to sort out the finer details of the scripture. It has truly been one of the most rewarding studies in which I have engaged. When we think of Romans,...
Read MoreJust Getting By
And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Matthew 5:41 We have all at some point done something or used something in hopes of just getting by. We are admitting within ourselves the situation, whatever it may be, could be better. However, we allow ourselves to be satisfied with what we’ve determined as adequate. The setting of Matthew 5:41’s statement of the Lord is that the Roman soldiers could and often did compel or force citizens to carry loads for them. Jesus is teaching here that we should go the extra mile and not be satisfied with just doing as little as...
Read MoreDealing with Uncertainty
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 It has been said many ways but the one certain thing about human life is how uncertain it can be (Matthew 6:34). Whether it be matters of health, world events, business decisions, or economic matters, or simply the weather, all these have an impact in our lives, from impacts that are immeasurable to those that are not really significant....
Read MoreA People Who Have Forgotten God
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient. Romans 1:28 Everyday we see and hear accounts of unthinkable, to us anyway, violence, anger and just plain evil. We do not have to watch or read world news as sometimes these events transpire in our own community. As always, many so-called experts weigh in with thoughts and opinions. We realize from scripture that sinful man has always brought about these actions (Gen 4:8) and we see the same things today that are condemned in Romans chapter 1....
Read MoreParting Thoughts Of The Bible Pt. 5
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:18-19 The parting thought of the Bible is the direct command not to change or tamper with the Word of God in any way. This commandment is affirmed throughout all the Bible. A simple...
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