Identity
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “BEING PERFECT” and “ACTING PERFECT”
Please let me just take a few moments to clarify what the Bible teaches about BEING and ACTING PERFECT in Christ. Being perfect in Christ is who “we be” in our nature. Acting perfect in Christ is what we are commanded to do. Though we may not always “act perfect” we “be perfect.” Saying “nobody…
Read MoreShelter from the Storm
One time my Dad and I decided to walk home from the store while visiting my grandparents in southern Illinois. The lure of the walk was the beautiful green corn stalks, open farm land, and long country roads. Needless to say, about 30 minutes into the 2 hour walk we got caught in a harsh…
Read MoreFour Signs of Maturity
Check out these nuggets I’ve been pondering on this past year and see if it lines up with your experience in life- especially for those who are parents and/or growing in Christ! Self-Awareness: I know who I am and I know who I’m not- I shouldn’t need others to tell me. Self-Denial: I don’t have…
Read MoreWhat Makes the Devil Do What He Does?
Have you ever wondered what makes the Devil do what he does? Often times people will make excuses for their sinful actions by saying, “The Devil made me do it!” Despite this being a cheap excuse and a sad attempt of “blame shifting” from the time of Adam and Eve, it fails to consider the…
Read MoreMisery Loves Company, but Jesus Loves You More!
Recently Lauren Scienski, the pastoral elder over the single moms life group, wrote a compelling post on Facebook that got a great response. After reading it, I felt led to write a follow up comment to expand on her idea in the realm of my pastoral experience. I have reposted it here for future reference…
Read MoreFeeling Stressed?
Have you been feeling stressed out lately? I pray this short blog encourages you to (de)stress your life! MENTAL STRESS WORSE THAN PHYSICAL LABOR “In one study, a patient was first given a cardiac treadmill exam. Despite vigorous physical exercise, the patient’s cardiovascular status remained normal throughout. He then was asked to subtract seven from…
Read MoreSaints in the Church
The Greek word for “saint” (hagios) is used over 60 times in the New Testament in reference to all of God’s people. It never stands for a separate class of people in heaven who are to be prayed too. Therefore, what is the local church according to Paul? It is the gathering of saints under…
Read MoreUnderstanding Holiness & Perfection
I personally believe that when Jesus said in Matthew 5:48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” that He actually meant it both now in this present life and in our whole inner being not just partially. For example, when a person is born again I really believe they go from being a…
Read MoreUnlimited Atonement is Biblically Established by the Loving Nature of God
Did Jesus’s death on the cross atone for everyone’s sins or did it just atone for the elect? This research paper is designed to answer that very question. Today in the church there is a negative divide between how Christians view the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Two conflicting beliefs have emerged…
Read MoreIs the Christian Holy Now or Waiting to Become Holy in Heaven?
The question is valid because if we are not holy now then salvation is happening in stages. However, if salvation is a definite work of God in the believer’s life than holiness should be complete as well. If you truly desire the answer I believe all you have to do is read 1 Peter 1:14-15,…
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