Critical Race Theory? Intersectionality? Social Justice? What do these terms mean? Are these ideas the best answer to what ails America, or is there a better answer? If this nation truly wants to experience societal healing, the prescription for that healing is found in Genesis 18:19.
John 3:14-15 is intimately connected to Numbers 21:4-9. Actually, without Numbers 21:4-9 the interpretation of John 3:14-15 would not only be impossible, it wouldn’t even make sense. However, the connection sets these passages at the heart of dynamic Christian living. If you’ve ever had difficulty finding peace and rest, this message is for you. Joyful contentment is only minutes away.
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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.
The Lord’s Supper is addressed on five occasions in the New Testament. The coming again of Jesus, however, is mentioned twenty-three times. As Paul brings together the Lord’s Supper and the second coming of Christ, he links the Lord’s Supper not merely to what Jesus did but also to what Jesus will do. There can’t be one without the other. Consequently, when we participate in this experience we celebrate three expectations that change our lives as followers of Christ.