1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” Romans 4:1-8 (NASB) 

Not long ago in a Bible Study class we got into a very tense discussion about how to share the Gospel. Some in the class were more for just inviting those they were concerned about to come to church with them. Others wanted to make friends with them and ease them into becoming Christians. I sat there for a while with my hand raised being ignored by the leader. He had a smile on his face because he knew that when he called on me I was going to cause a fuss. Continue reading →

34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; 36 and A man’s enemies will be the members of his household.  Matthew 10:34-39 (NASB)  (Read verses 37-39 on the site)

A few days ago I shared an encounter I had on social media with a fellow who many would call a “troll” in my post Born of the will of God. That started a couple of days of some very ugly encountesesrs on Facebook in which I finally realized that God was putting me through some fiery trials. I shared some of that in my post last night, Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you. I prayed about all this a great deal last night and this morning and came to the conclusion that I could no longer participate on some of those ugly discussions in that group. To my surprise the admins of that group met and reinstated me last night. …  View article →

9 He was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him and the world did not recognize Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him He gave to them the right to become children of God, even to the ones believing in His name, 13 the ones born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:9-13 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

Heresy is nothing new. When I encounter someone who snipes at me or one of my friends about our theology and condemns us as arrogant, prideful, legalistic, followers of a vain man (John Calvin). It jars me somewhat. However, I have learned to listen to what is going on for God is showing me something. That person trolling us today on Facebook could easily have substituted Martin Luther there instead of John Calvin. …   View article →

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy having regenerated us to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable and undefiled and unfading, having been kept in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (translated from the NA28 Greek text)

The first chapter of 1 Peter is extremely pastoral. If there is anything the sheep in our time desperately need in great measure it is spirit-led shepherds (pastors) who are bound to the Word of God who obey Him in the pastoring of their flocks as our Lord commands. It is tragic that so many of those the world sees in our time that claim to be Christian leaders do not in any way shape or form meet that criteria. No, instead they are celebrities or they are apostates or heretics on the way to being apostates. God has his church, ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia), and he will continue to build it and no power can destroy it (Matthew 16:18), however, we are warned throughout the New Testament that wolves in sheep’s clothing, false teachers and prophets would come in to the church and lead many astray. This has continued until this day. View article →

46 “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46 (NASB) 

There is much controversy in the Church these days over some teaching from those who have made it a point to move their doctrine away from the orthodox into what used to be called liberalism. However, instead of rejecting everything spiritual as the liberals do, these new teachers claim that they are moving back to the origins of the Church with methods and doctrine that are more indicative of the early church rather than what is called Orthodox now. The followers of these teachers have, for the most part, rejected “church” with any hint of orthodoxy in it. View article →