It’s about the heart!

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” 1 John 4:15

This doctrine continues to divide the world, both theistic and atheistic, to this very day for good reason.

John’s point isn’t that the sole indicator of one’s salvation is simply calling Jesus “the son of God” (just read Mark 5:7-9).

John’s point (contextually) is that a failure to confess Jesus’ sonship stands as a key indicator of the spirit leading an individual.

Confessing Jesus as the Son of God is a test of the tongue that reveals the heart’s teacher. EA

“Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I may believe in Him?” And Jesus said to him, “You have both seen Him and it is He who is talking with you.” Then he said, “Lord, I believe!” And he worshiped Him.” (John 9:35-38)

Boost your budget by missing worship?

If you miss worship on the first day of week, does that mean your pocket has a little extra in it to spend the rest of the week?

If you answer yes, you have the wrong answer.

Giving as we have been prospered means exactly that – giving as we have been prospered; not giving as long as we show up to worship!

If we miss worship one week, but we prospered that week, then a portion of our prosperity from that week still belongs to God. And to deny that portion of worship is to deny the God who calls us to worship Him (1 Corinthians 16:2). EA

“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)

You can’t have a Rainbow without the Rain…or can You?

You can’t have a rainbow without the rain is the ole’ saying. But is it true? I guess it depends on where you’re at. If you’re talking about life on Earth, the saying definitely holds water.

Cloudy days and storms are the norm in mankind’s life (Job 14:1). Rich, poor, man, woman, young, old, red, yellow, black or white – no one is exempt from heartache, pain, disaster, disappointment or death. Physical conditions and resources may limit the detrimental experiences that we face, but no earthly condition in and of themselves exempts us from all the trials of life.

So the idea of not being able to have a rainbow without the rain reminds us that grief is inevitable, but grief can cause us to look at the blessings of life in a brighter way by reminding us that the storms don’t last forever. Sweet tastes much sweeter after a dose of something bitter!

But did you know the Bible promises a rainbow without the rain? You won’t find it on Earth though – only in Heaven, after we live faithfully through the rain that tries us. EA

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

“Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald.” (Revelation 4:2-3)

You can’t be in Jesus without being a Member of His body

I make no apologies for saying when someone forsakes the church, they forsake Jesus. But I do make a plea with people so that no one fools you on this fundamental matter – not even yourself!

The idea of being in Jesus, which is where salvation is found, entails that we are actually a member within His body:

“Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:10)

“and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14)

“Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”    (1 Corinthians 12:27)

As can plainly be seen from the scriptures delivered to the church by God’s Spirit, if we leave the body, which is the church, out of our life, we leave behind the Head that gives life (i.e. salvation) to the body as a whole and to our soul individually.

So if someone has convinced you that you can enjoy a proper relationship with Jesus without being involved with His church, then I encourage you to reconsider your convictions, for a body part removed from the body becomes a body part removed from the head by default. EA

“And [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.” (Colossians 1:18)

“For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body.” (Ephesians 5:25)

The Best Wireless Connection in the World

No coverage maps are needed to show where God is able to hear prayer:

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:7-10)

The possessor of a voice heard around the world is the possessor of an ear capable of hearing and understanding every language in the world:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3)

“Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:34-35)

So when it comes to praying to God, it’s not a question of can he hear us – the question is, “Does he hear from us?” EA

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)

Behavior is the family’s glue – not feelings

If feelings solely drive our family relationships then we will fail in our responsibilities to each other, and our family bonds will feel more like ball-and-chains.

So:

• The Lord teaches husbands to love their wife (Ephesians 5:25); this isn’t feelings alone – it’s action.
• The Lord teaches wives to submit to their husband (Ephesians 5:22); this isn’t feelings alone – it’s action.
• The Lord teaches parents to raise children according to godly guidelines (Ephesians 6:4); this isn’t feelings alone – it’s actions.
• The Lord teaches children to respect their parents (Ephesians 6:1); this isn’t feelings alone – it’s action.

Feelings waiver, wilt, wander, wish and become wily even within families, but listening to God is always beneficial for all.

This is why actions that please the Lord take precedent over feelings that may feel pleasing to self…because pleasing self can end up peeling us away from what’s truly important. But then again, that’s exactly why following Jesus makes for some crazy glue when it comes to the family. EA

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” (Colossians 3:18-21)

Spend Your Time Wisely

What’s the time? It’s always short!

Not only because we’re mortal, but because most of us are busy: jobs, kids, school, house maintenance, hobbies, helping others, family events, and, last but not least, our obligations to God and the church.

Add in the other time-consuming things that you can think of in your life and we can all understand why something has to give in our schedule.

But our spiritual obligations shouldn’t be forced to pay the price by swapping eternity for the temporal time budget. Remember, the things we purchase with our time don’t come with a return-receipt.

So keep these thoughts in mind the next time you have to decide whether you’re going to spend your time on the temporary world or the everlasting spiritual. Use wisdom. EA

“redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

Add it up and see what you get

Taking Luke 3:23 into account and then adding 3 ½ years to that (due to the number of Passover’s celebrated afterward), Jesus lived approximately 1,278 days – or 30,672 hours – for the Father during his time of public ministry.

Think about that, then add up the hours you spend serving God and see what you get. EA

“So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”” Luke 2:48-49

Related Article:

• My Dreams Have Shrunk – The Fellowship Room
• If you could see your sand – Keltonburg Preacher

Out with the Old then In with the New

It’s that time of the year when people want make resolutions to do something new…or do they want to stop doing the old?

Doesn’t it make sense to say out with the old, then in with the new? For how can we create new habits without getting rid of the old ones? Or at least how could the new habits be of any benefit unless we quit the old ones?

This is why before … :

• we can experience a new birth (Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. – John 3:5)
• we can be given a new heart and mind (For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. – Hebrews 8:10….see Ezekiel 36:25-27 also)
• we can enjoy a new future (Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. – Colossians 3:2-4)

…we must repent of the old… :

• way of living (Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. – Colossians 3:5-6)
• way of thinking (And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Romans 12:2)
• fate we were heading for (And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. – Luke 13:2-3)

After all, if we don’t make room for the new resolutions by clearing out the old habits then how can we expect to see any difference in our life? Unless we see a difference for the better the wrong thing becomes more resolute! This is why we must clean out the old of 2015 before we bring in the new of 2016.

Happy New Year! EA

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

What happened?

Walking on water and changing water to wine.

Lifting up the dead and opening the eyes of the blind.

Healing the sick and feeding thousands with a handful of food.

What happened when all of this was done?

The miraculous and supernatural? No doubt!

But beyond these elements there was also the testing of hearts.

Some saw the miracles and an opportunity to make it big in the world. But Jesus’ desire was for the miracles to reveal how big Israel’s opportunity was to get right with God.

What do we do with the blessings that God sends our way? EA

“I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jeremiah 17:10)

“Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone. … Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”” (John 6:15, 26-27)