We are not the first generation of believers to face the instabilities of a culture that is hostile to Christianity. How is it possible to stand firm though engulfed by such a culture? Paul answers that question in his second letter to the church at Thessalonica. His counsel still places Christ followers in a position of resilience and strength.
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What happens when we cease trusting God in the shadows of difficulty? When we cease trusting God we then start blaming God for the troubles and hardships we face. But wait – there’s more. When we cease trusting God in the shadows of difficulty, it’s only one step from blaming God to blaming others for the outcome. Is it possible that the problem with Sarai and Abram had nothing to do with their problems? If so, then just maybe our problem has nothing to do with our problems either. What is the solution when the problem is not the problem? Check it out. You’ll be glad you did
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In the 1965 hit record, I’m in with the In Crowd, the “in” crowd included: dressin’ fine and makin’ time, spendin’ cash and talkin’ trash, leavin’ your troubles behind. It don’t matter where you been, says the song – you ain’t been nowhere till you’re in with the in crowd. There’s another “in” crowd I want you to think about, an “in” crowd that comprises the heart of the gospel. This other “in” crowd is open to anyone and everyone who wants to be “in.” This other “in” crowd is one for the ages. Miss this “in” crowd and you’re “out.” So, why be “out” when you can be “in?” Join the “in” crowd today!
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May 9, 2021
Lifelong Southern Baptists grew up memorizing John 3:16 as the most important truth in Scripture. We were taught at least three truths. One: God loves everybody; Two: Jesus died for everybody: and three: anybody, anywhere can be saved. I later learned that there exists a circle of Christians who do not hold to John 3:16 as I had been taught. They do not believe that God loves everyone. Neither do they believe that Jesus died for everyone, nor do they believe that anyone and everyone can be saved. Are they right? Are those who taught me wrong? How do we know which teaching is correct? Can we be sure? Ready yourself. The answer is just ahead.
The synagogue leaders at Pisidian Antioch not only rejected the gospel, they also repudiated the gospel. How did Paul handle that repudiation? How would you handle it? Further, these same leaders attacked the gospel with round after round of blasphemy. What does that mean, and is blasphemy a serious sin in the 21st century? Finally, what made the Jews so special that Paul felt it necessary to speak to them first? Weren’t the non-Jews just as important?
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God had not acted according to Abram’s schedule so Abram began to feel that he had to act according to his own schedule. If anything was going to happen then Abram had to make it happen via his own plans and arrangements. Said another way, Abram struggled with trusting the promises of God. As a result, he fell into despair and distress. Is that a picture of you? If so, don’t miss God’s response to Abram’s anguish. It just might change your life.
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When someone abandons the faith, how do you respond? Do you sweat the hard stuff? Can ancient Israeli history really make a difference in 21st century life? Is discussing the Bible with others difficult for you? Then check out Paul’s ministry at 3,600 feet above sea level. You won’t regret it.
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In Genesis 14 Abram is called the Hebrew. This term gives reference to someone from the opposite side or from beyond. It contains the idea of being semi-nomadic, a non-citizen and even that of being a warrior and/or rebel. As believers we do not belong to this world but our citizenship, as Paul wrote, is in heaven. Abram and Lot demonstrate the differences between believers, one who identifies himself as belonging to this world and one who belongs to the world beyond.
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How would you characterize the leaders of your church? Are they prophets and teachers? And how do they lead? Do they lead in ministering to the Lord? Do they lead in prayer and fasting? Is your church vibrant and dynamic? Can that actually happen? It happened in the church at Antioch and they changed the world. Here’s the good news: it can happen at the church you attend as well.
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Genesis 13 unveils the first instance of wealth in the Bible, and its mention is congruent with a serious problem that developed as the result of that wealth. Indeed, trouble is always attached to wealth and the greater the wealth the greater the trouble. Instead of being the end to trouble wealth almost always has trouble and problems clinging to it, especially when various family members lay claim to that same wealth. Does the Bible address family squabbles over money? Yet bet! Check out how madness over money can actually be transformed into majesty.
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