One of the best acts we can do is refresh the heart of others. You can never fully know the struggles and pain people are enduring. When we come to encourage and strengthen them, it brings a breath of fresh air to their heavy hearts. A simple act of helping them complete a task can…
Read MoreI’ll be honest. Most Christians are clueless about the spiritual warfare that goes on in the heavenlies. They are surprised when they come under attack. In their mind, good people should be left alone, and only those who are really bad should have to deal with demons. James is very clear that we should resist…
Read MoreThe gifts of the Spirit are a facet of our faith that needs to be exercised. Paul clearly states that the Holy Spirit gives us gifts meant to build up the body of Christ. Each believer is given certain gifts. They aren’t for our benefit but the edification of others. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 To each…
Read MoreAs I watch my children play basketball, I am surprised by some of the players’ bravado. They make a simple shot, and they have to motion to the bench and bleachers how good they are. You could blame the kids for imitating the pros, but that is too easy. It is in our human nature to brag about ourselves. As a follower of Jesus, we need to Boast in the Lord.
2 CORINTHIANS 10:17-18
“But HE WHO BOASTS IS TO BOAST IN THE LORD. For it is not he who commends himself that is approved, but he whom the Lord commends.”
The Corinthians were full of themselves and would often tell people about it. The culture was vain, with physical appearance and wealth more important than character or integrity. Unfortunately, this carried into the church, and they were constantly criticizing Paul for his unsightly looks and boring speaking skills. They boasted about how their appearances made them better than Paul. Then he let them have it. He tells them he could brag about all he has done and endured, but he chooses to boast of what the Lord has done.
Read MoreIn Medevil times, whenever a king would enter a city or a room, there would be a herald who would announce his coming. People would make way for his vehicle and bow when he entered the room. It was a signal to prepare the people how to act. Before Jesus came, God sent a messenger…
Read MoreNo one likes a fake person. You get that feeling when you talk to someone, and you can sense that there is nothing genuine. Christians can be accused of being fake. When you go to church, and someone asks you how you are doing, and your response is, “great!” If that is not true you…
Read MoreOne of the struggles in life is misplaced trust. It’s when we put our trust in someone we thought was a good person, but they ended up betraying us. It often is someone close to us, like a family member or longtime friend. It hurts and usually costs us something, but we can recover from…
Read MoreYou’ve been set free. That happened when Jesus died on the cross and defeated din’s death grip on the human race. When you confess your sins, those chains are removed, and you’ve been set free. Your debt has been paid, and you can walk without the burden of your sin on your shoulders. 1 Peter…
Read MoreIf you have ever bought a house that required a mortgage, you have probably gone through the process known as escrow. Escrow checks all of the boxes to ensure the change of ownership happens legally. At the end, you sign a multipage contract which tells you your right and lays out the agreement between the…
Read MoreThere is an old adage for parents which states, “The days are long, but the years are short.” Basically, what it is saying is don’t blink, or your time with your children will be gone before you know. Paul expresses the same concern when he says, the Lord will return in the twinkling of an eye, and we will all be changed. Don’t Blink. Jesus could come back, and you could be left behind.
1 Corinthians 15:52
“in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.”
No one wants to think about death or the end of life. Paul addresses some of the concerns people in the church in Corinth had been asking about. What will it be like when Jesus returns, and what happens to those who have already died? Paul also addressed this with the church in Thessalonica. They thought the rapture had happened, and they missed out. Paul explains that when Jesus comes, it is going to be so quick that if you blink, you could miss it. The trumpet is going to sound, and Jesus is going to return on the clouds and gather those who are His. It will start with those who died first, and then those who are still alive will be caught up in the air with Him. It will be a glorious moment.
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