Cursed by Works vs. Saved by Grace
Some people when faced with the audacious claims of Christianity say, “It sounds too good to be true.” However, the truth is, “It’s too good not to be true.” In other words, only God Himself could devise such a plan in which all people can be saved not by works but by grace through faith.…
Read MoreHow Do Your Filter Your Thoughts?
Here is an oldie but goodie from my files on how to filter your thoughts through Paul’s list in Philippians 4:8. I just sent it to a friend facing a challenging time. As Christians we need to remind ourselves that we don’t need to think about everything that enters our minds nor do we…
Read MoreActs 7
In chapter 7 of the Pentecostal handbook we learn how God worked with Stephen, one of the new deacons, in a mighty way and that he was the first martyr in the Christian church stoned by the Jewish leaders. Acts 7:1 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?” 2 To this he replied:…
Read MoreThe Cravings of the Flesh vs. The Fruit of the Spirit
Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17,21, “17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Peter said in 2 Peter 1:3-4,…
Read MoreGrowth Tracks vs. Biblical Discipleship
Pastors, please be careful with “Growth Tracks” and calling it “discipleship.” If someone can “join the team” in your church in just four weeks, ask yourself some of the following questions: Am I really making disciples (life long followers) like Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-21 or am I just putting spokes in a wheel to…
Read MoreThe Mind of Christ vs. The Fleshly Brain
Consider these two passages by Paul with my notes in brackets; Galatians 5:24-25, “24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires [your brain and its natural instincts in the body]. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit [in your…
Read MoreActs 6
In chapter 6 of the Pentecostal handbook we learn about the apostles appointing deacons in the church to help grow and manage the church; especially the charitable outreaches. Then we learn how God worked with Stephen, one of the new deacons, in a mighty way and that he was the first martyr in the Christian…
Read MoreThe Ways of the World vs. The Ways of God
God made us for His noble purpose in the Garden of Eden, however, since the fall of Adam and Eve humanity has been easily deceived by the tricks of the ole’ serpent, the devil. Jesus came to set us free from the work of the devil; along with the sinful ways of the world. Let…
Read MoreBorn Dead vs. Made Alive in Christ
Paul was a great preacher because he was a grace preacher! The grace message starts with the truth of God’s wrath against sinners but ends with sinners being made alive in Christ. What happens in the middle is the cross- God’s love manifested in forgiveness and redemption! Ephesians 2:1-10, “1 As for you, you were…
Read MoreActs 5
In chapter five of the Pentecostal handbook we learn that the disciples not only benefited from the Spirit’s power but also received His judgment and garnered the Jewish leaders wrath. However, God grew the church and continued to do miracles among the people. Acts 5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira,…
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