What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? That's a big question. Before we answer that, let's step back a minute and make sure we're clear on what it means to be a disciple in general. A disciple is a learner, a follower, sort of like an apprentice. In the first century, you … Continue reading Repent and Believe
Category: Living for Christ
People Love to be First
Some people really love to be first. Whether you are thinking about middle school boys racing to be first in line for lunch or news reporters scrambling to be first to report on the breaking news of the day, examples are all around us of people who want to be first. Jesus said the first … Continue reading People Love to be First
Three Keys to Keeping Your Faith Strong
The best golfers in the world will tell you that in order for them to keep their golf game strong they must play golf regularly and pay attention to a few things that keep them at the top of their game. The same is true with fishermen and welders and salesmen and every other person … Continue reading Three Keys to Keeping Your Faith Strong
Walking in Truth and Love
How you live your life matters. It matters to you, it matters to those you love, it matters to those who love you, and it matters to God. It even matters to people you don't even know. The Bible calls us to walk in truth and love. Some of us find walking in the truth … Continue reading Walking in Truth and Love
Who or What is Controlling You?
Throughout human history, people have taken elements such as wood, stone or metal and formed them into statues. Then, these same people begin to believe that this object that they created now has magical, god-like powers so they must worship the statue. The statue controls their thinking, their actions, their words. You may think that … Continue reading Who or What is Controlling You?
Pray with Confidence
Some people approach prayer the way they approach a fountain or a wishing well. They throw some thoughts or words up to heaven, but don't really believe they are going to be heard much less answered. That kind of prayer is ineffective and frustrating. The Bible describes prayer much differently. God's Word tells us that … Continue reading Pray with Confidence
These things are written so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life
In the first letter of John, chapter 5, verse 13, we read these words: “I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.” These are great words of promise to the believer in Christ — for the … Continue reading These things are written so that you may KNOW that you have eternal life
Do Everything for the Glory of God
It is incredibly difficult to do everything for the glory of God. Think about it. Your favorite sports teams want you to spend your time, money, attention and social media presence to promote them and tell everyone how wonderful they are. So do your favorite bands. And movie stars. And beauty products. And supplements and … Continue reading Do Everything for the Glory of God
Unconditional Love
God wired us for relationships. We long to love and we long to be loved. The most important relationship we have is with God. When we realize how much he loves us, and we realize that he has filled us with his Spirit, we respond to his love by loving him and loving others. God … Continue reading Unconditional Love
Discernment
Discernment is the ability to make good judgments, to accurately analyze situations to know right from wrong and to know truth from falsehood. It is an important skill for spiritual leaders and for all followers of Jesus. In a world that is getting more and more confusing, your ability to be discerning will give you … Continue reading Discernment