In my office I have some interesting items which I use to illustrate different things about Christian living. Probably my favorite illustrational items are three swords. One is a ForceFX lightsaber, the next the Sword of Solomon, and the last is a pretty common looking smaller sword. The illustration goes something like this: The lightsaber is really cool. It lights up just like the movies. I love to swing it around and do some tricks with it, but if someone where to ask me to cut a r...
I love to go paint balling, unfortunately, there are very few people who enjoy that where I am and even fewer places to go. So, I resort to the next best thing - shooting everything in my back yard. Afterward, my yard looks like something out of a circus: everything is painted multicolored - trees, house, grass, fence, dog (wait a minute, I don't own a dog! Sorry neighbor!) One day, I put up a target and stood about 50 feet away and shot. Missed by two feet. So I stepped forward. Mi...
"Then summoning him, his lord said to him, 'You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 'Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. "My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart." Matt 18:32-35 (NASB) I have been hurt many times: ...
In previous articles I have said that we need to change the world around us. This comes from observing Christians who simply allow the world to continue to degrade without fighting. These same people then find it necessary to complain that the world is in such bad shape. (And believe me, I have been one of these) But there is a truth that you must understand. It is a truth that exists in science, sociology and, yes, in Christianity: Your very presence changes the world around you! Gr...
No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him—deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him]. 1 John 3:6 (AMP) If you are a Christian, you have an opportunity and responsibility to change the world around you, but you cannot unless your heart and life is continually being more ...
I’ve been amazed at the amount of times I have heard, “I just haven’t found a church that suits my needs.” It shocks me how many Christians truly believe the church is all about making them feel welcome, comfortable, loved and generally at home. Now, don’t get me wrong, I like feeling good about myself just as much as the next guy, but the moment I start thinking my relationship with my Lord and Savior is all about me, I’m in trouble. Our Creator stepped out of His Palace and took on a b...
Why did Jesus Christ come to this Earth? Why did He put on the skin of humanity and walk among the poor and needy? Why did He submit His body to be tortured and killed? Why did He allow the sins of all mankind to be cast upon Him when He was innocent? It was that we may be changed. You may say "changed from what?" "Changed to what?" We sit in the pews we...