Many.Let that word sink in a moment.Many.Not a few.Not a theoretical group.Not a hypothetical warning.Many.Notice how complacent they are.Feel the pride.They think they are in.Prophesying. Casting out demons, mighty works.Perhaps we could add preaching and leading.Maybe writing a blog.Doing things 'in Jesus name'Part of the 'in crowd'Looking terribly spiritual to others.But not to the Lord.No to the … [Read more...]
Which comes first obedience or faith?
February 5, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations”(Romans 1:5) This is Pauls mission statement. His reason to live. His goal in life. And it should be the goal of every Chrisrian minister, indeed of every Christian: to bring about the obedience of faith in themselves and others.One thing I love about the ESV is that it doesn't seem to explain phrases that could be ambiguous. This is one such example.I can think of at least five possible ways of interpreting thi … [Read more...]
Why did God forsake Jesus?
February 3, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?””(Mark 15:34 ) To the Muslim the idea that a prophet could die a cruel death on a cross is anathema. To the 1st century Jew it wasn't exactly what they expected from their long awaited Messiah. To those of us who believe Jesus was and is the Eternal Son of God it should be even more remarkable. The question "why did God forsake him?" Rings … [Read more...]
When does the wisdom of Mordecai become denying Jesus?
February 2, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept.”(Mark 14:72) We live in times that are remarkably hostile to Christians. I have written before about how at times the wisdom of Mordecai is entirely appropriate for us to follow. In many workplaces people keep it more professional these days and don't talk about any outside interests. Add to that th … [Read more...]
Every knee WILL bow!
February 1, 2016 by Leave a Comment
And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (Mark 14:62)He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death —even to death on a cross. For this reason God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow...and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil 2:8-11, HCSB) It's verses like this that put pay to any not … [Read more...]
Willing spirit. Weak flesh
January 31, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.””(Mark 14:38) Its interesting how quickly our minds often tend to think of our tendency towards sin when we consider this verse. But Jesus is just talking about the disciples failure to stay up and pray with him. He was talking about their natural tendency to sleep, and inability to fight against it. Jesus was here being kind and essentially saying "don't worry about it, I know you wa … [Read more...]
Rejected by us. Raised up by God
January 28, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“Have you not read this Scripture: “‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?””(Mark 12:10-11) Have you ever stopped to think about how remarkable certain Scriptures really are? Overfamiliarity numbs us to the stark surprising reality.Last night my son George who is just eight commented on the story of Judges. He said something like How could they say, you know how God rescued us and di … [Read more...]
What have we done to Jesus’ Church?
January 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.””(Mark 11:17) How quickly my indignation rose when I looked at these words. How easy it is to apply them to someone else. We can all point the finger. Think of ministries who are fleecing the flock of God. Remind ourselves of unhelpful teaching that turns God into a slot machine. And in doing so as I mentioned a few days ag … [Read more...]
Jesus asks YOU today “what would you like me to do for you?”
January 26, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“And Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said to him, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.””(Mark 10:51) If you are anything like me, then your prayer life leaves much to be desired. As I once wrote, I am learning but I still have a long way to go. There are many challenges to us praying that come up. Sometimes it's our theology. We can tie ourselves in knots over Gods sovereignty and essentially come to the conclusion that b … [Read more...]
Entering the Kingdom like a child
January 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.””Mark 10:15 ESVWhat matters at the begining of our walk with God also matters every step of the way. Each day as we come to God, how do we come?Do we come quietly confident that we have done enough to please him? Or do we come terrified that our ongoing sins have angered him against us? Or do we simply come trusting he is our Father, we are his children, and that our sins or lack of them … [Read more...]
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