Archive
Each message includes the teaching itself — listen, read, or both.
There's plenty of confusion in the Christian culture: are we to fear God or not? Is fearing God an Old Testament notion? Did Jesus fear God? Scripture speaks of both a "Sinful Fear" and "Spiritual Fear" of God. How does all this fit together? How should we then live?
Talk about perplexing truths--which is true, man's personal responsibility in salvation or God's sovereign action?...or both?? What does the Bible really teach? We explore two streams of Truth found in Scripture. Can both be fully true at the same time?? We will observe that God designed both streams of truth for clear divine purposes.
Why is it a famous billionaire can experience despair and misery in his life? How did he get there? What advice would Solomon have for him? For me? For all of us? Here is some candid counsel.
What should we handle injustice in life? What are some answers/responses to the inconsistencies we often observe in life? Solomon has some key perspective for us.
Life often seems confusing and unfair. In light of that, how should we then live? How is it that many righteous and fine people die early? And yet many unrighteous, even evil people, live to an old age? What wisdom are we to live by?
Adversity can leap out in our life at any moment--can good come from it? Solomon has some key life wisdom for us. Truly, there are lessons in life!
Life has built-in frustrations and disappointments. Solomon delivers a frank assessment of some of them
Warnings are very important and very helpful. When we heed them, they protect us from harmful consequences. Solomon delivers three key warnings about everyday life. Don't miss these helpful insights.
Here's prayer that is not often uttered in many church settings: Pray for us...that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18). How can we practically cultivate a clear conscience?? Scripture gives us at least five ways.
No two believers have consciences that are exactly the same...each of us has a unique conscience on some level. We are all in different stages of calibration. How are we to relate to one another? Often we tend to assume the other guy is flawed and wrong, which frequently leads to conflict and judgmentalism. What are we to do? How should we relate to one another?
Let's take a deeper dive into understanding more elements of our conscience. One truth is that the Holy Spirit is NOT our conscience. Rather, the Holy Spirit works in conjunction with, in tandem with, our conscience.
The topic of conscience seems to be rarely addressed today. In fact, the concept of conscience may be one of the least understood and most under appreciated principles in Scripture.
(Note: This audio has some short sections of muffled audio) Life often has a dark side to it. We can experience things like injustice, oppression and despair. Such experiences are FAR more difficult to face when we think we don't need God. Solomon offers all of us important perspective.
We all find ourselves experiencing different seasons in life. Some are highly pleasant, some are deeply difficult. How are we to navigate the ups and downs of these life seasons?
This is a book that shoots straight about life. Too often people are "experimenting" their way through life--but life's too short for experimenting!! What delivers lasting fulfillment in life?
Ecclesiastes is a candid exploration of the backwater regions of life. Yet, it's NOT the rantings of some grumpy old man--it's an insightful communique to us, especially for young people!
Ecclesiastes has been often viewed as the most puzzling book in the Bible. It is likely the most avoided book in Scripture--it has been called 'the black sheep' of the Bible. Yet...
Life is often unfair and puzzling. It has its share of inconsistencies, uncertainties, and absurdities. Wouldn't we all appreciate someone tackling Life's realities head-on? That's what the Book of Ecclesiastes is all about!
Bible prophecy is supernatural intel regarding the future. This message delves into one of the bedrock prophecies of the Old Testament in Daniel 2.
Next we see an alliance of nations aligned against Israel. What is startling is that this general alignment was clearly predicted some 2600 years (26 centuries) ago!
A foreshadow is an indicator or a sign. What are some foreshadows that the 2nd Coming of Jesus might be near? The rebirth of the nation of Israel is truly a supersign in many ways
In this concluding message we discover that love traffics in the truth, tells the truth (even if it is unpopular), and lives the truth. We also learn that love is tenacious. How so?
'Love doesn't keep score' is how The Message translates the final phrase in verse five. What are some ways we tend to 'keep score' in our relationships? Why do we tend to 'keep score?' What are some ways we can avoid 'keeping score?'
Tina Turner sang about love being "a second hand emotion" and "a sweet old fashioned notion." Biblically, nothing could be further from the Truth. Love is practical and concrete. Love does not envy (which chokes the life energy out of relationships). How can we protect ourselves from envy?
The term "love" in our English speaking culture is clearly a fuzzy, hazy word. After all, we can say we "love" our spouse and family; and also say we "love" chocolate cake, "love" being organized, or "love" a particular movie. The Greek language ( the language of the New Testament ) in contrast had several terms for love. Why different words? Well...
1 Corinthian chapter 13 has been widely quoted and recited. It has often been a core element of wedding ceremonies. Why do these verses "suddenly" appear in chapter 13 of this letter? What is the backdrop? What can we learn about love?
For a Jesus follower, one of our greatest needs is to be re-amazed by the Gospel. Indeed, the Gospel is divinely designed to catalyze a daily attitude of worship; to energize our drive to serve God; to stimulate our desire to share the Gospel with others. Let's celebrate by looking at one of the five most popular Psalms-Psalm 103.
What response must a person have to the Gospel? There's plenty of confusing "Christianese" floating around out there. Let's allow Jesus and the Scripture speak. Also, how is the Gospel designed to catalyze a daily attitude of worship; to energize our drive to serve God; to stimulate our desire to share the Gospel with others?
Whether we are aware or not, every one of us is in desperate need of a Rescuer. The reason why is that we face two significant complications that have eternal ramifications. Jesus came to planet Earth to be our Rescuer! Plus, the Gospel is designed to be a regular motivator in our life.
One motivation for this series is to clarify the most important truth in the universe. Some have never heard of the Gospel. Others have heard the term but are unsure what it is. Others still are unclear not only on what it means, but also why it is necessary and how one can embrace it.
Often when we find ourselves looking adverse circumstances in the face, we tend to become self focused and spiritually near-sighted. Also, the decisions we make, make us. There are lessons for us here!
Ever been in a life circumstance where you felt completely at your 'wits end'? This is a chapter for you. It is interesting how God's providence is more easily recognized in life's rear view mirror.
Can God bring surprising triumph out of sorrowful tragedy? Yes He can, and yes He does! He is faithful to do that in both your life and mine. Interestingly, this chapter contains one of the most unusual marriage proposal ever!
One of the best spiritual goals we can have is to learn to savor the providence of God. The are at least three positive spiritual effects when we do.
The most frequently overlooked and regularly discounted aspect as to how we are Divinely Designed to Serve is the truth that God providentially uses our life experiences (both positive and painful) to shape us to serve Him and others. Often our most effective ministry will flow out of our most difficult experience.
What role do our abilities have (in addition to our spiritual gifts) when it comes to serving God and others? How does even our personality fit into how we are Divinely Designed to Serve? There are answers to these questions.
What ministry possibilities excite you? What would you rather do for others more than anything else? Who are you excited to serve? These are ways that God has both wired us and ways He has worked in us that help point to how we are Divinely Designed to Serve.
What is a spiritual gift? How do spiritual gifts vary? What are the categories of spiritual gifts? What are the 9 Consensus Gifts and how are they to be defined? What insights are there on identifying spiritual gifts?
When you wake up each day do you awaken with the awareness that you are a divine masterpiece, God's spiritual work of art? Scripture says you are!
Does life sometimes puzzle you? Do you wonder if God has any purpose planned as you face hardship, difficulty and disappointment? Joseph experienced 13 years of hardship and God pulls back the curtain and displays His plan. It is truly an amazing event. There are great lessons here for all of us.
Ever had someone insult you, falsely accuse you, mistreat you, be cruel to you, hurt you? Of course we all have. How does one avoid the spiritual cancer of bitterness and resentment? Today's message focuses on one of the most emotional and amazing accounts in all of Scripture. God is calling every one of us to the freedom of forgiveness.
The overarching principle from the life of Joseph is that God is in control--His providence is active at all times. Our Lord desires for us to rest in His providence whatever the twists and turns and pitfalls of life may be. He is always writing a bigger story. He is graciously at work in our life even when we think He isn't.
Bible prophecy has often received a "bad rap" or we might say a spiritual "black eye" in the Christian world at large. Why is that, and does prophecy of the end times really deserve a "bad rap?" Why do so many believers seem to dismiss the importance of prophecy? What are the clear positives that biblical prophecy offers us?
How should we define the concept of God's wrath? Are there different categories or different aspects of God's wrath? The answer to the latter is, Yes.
What exactly is The Day of the Lord? Is it merely a day or does if refer to an era, a period of time? What does the Bible say?
Actor Arnold Schwarzeneggar in the 1984 movie The Terminator uttered his most famous movie line: I'll be back. The truth is Jesus is the real originator communicating the idea of "I'll be back." How are we to live in light of the truth that Jesus is coming back? Peter has some strategic things to tell us.
Peter opens chapter 2 by warning us that false teachers will arise among us. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies. Many will follow them. What is a current example such teaching? Answer: the secular social justice worldview. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
In this section Peter offers us a primer (a summary of the basic elements) on false teachers. What actually motivates false teachers and drives them to do what they do? We will highlight three core motives as seen in Scripture. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Peter continues his warning about false teachers by giving us a concluding assessment of false teachers and a warning about the effects they can have on others. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
There are truly some amazing truths in the opening verses of 2 Peter. We learn that God has provided (past tense) every follower of Jesus with Complete Spiritual Resources along with Precious and Magnificent Promises. It's truly a "drop the mic" truth. Let's zoom in on that truth. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Spiritual growth is NOT automatic. It is tragic to remain a spiritual baby for any length of time. We were born (spiritually) to grow! Plus, there are practical benefits to growing spiritually. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Just like the Apostle Peter, everyone of us has the potential to experience a spiritual collapse, a detour off into the spiritual weeds. A key preventative is the safeguard of remembering and reminding ourselves of what God has done and has provided for us. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Treasuring the Scripture is something every follower of Jesus, every family, every church, and every spiritual training center should and must do. Key questions for each and every generation are: 1) Will we embrace the Scripture as God's Word? 2) Will we keep the gospel a priority? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
What is the meaning of life? That may be the most pondered question in all of human history. People often waste large portions of their life experimenting with potential answers. Jesus makes a startling claim which is actually the core answer--one long sought by human souls for centuries. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Light dispels darkness. Jesus proclaimed: I am the Light of the World. There is a very intriguing historical backdrop that adds "spice" to Jesus' declaration. We also learn from Scripture (Matthew 5:14, 16; Ephesians 5:8) that Jesus then designates His followers as the light of the world. Amazing...! Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
The imagery of a shepherd and his sheep is a common picture in the N.T. What can we learn about sheep (a picture of us)? The Lord is our shepherd...the Good Shepherd. What all does that mean? Let's unpack five ways He cares for us as our shepherd. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Death is a difficult subject. We usually attempt to avoid talking about it--that is until we are suddenly face-to-face with it. Jesus wasn't reluctant to talk about it. Who has the solution? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
When we think of doors today, one might think of door #1, door #2, and door #3 on Let's Make A Deal. Or, we may think of the doors in the movie The Adjustment Bureau. Jesus made the statement, 'I am the door.' What did he mean? How should that encourage me? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
People have a desire to know how to be granted forgiveness from God; to know how to receive eternal life rather than eternal punishment. Our culture often sidetracks and seeks to detour us with the religious perspectives of universalism and pluralism. What do these perspectives mean? What does Jesus say? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
One of the most understated assertions ever, comes from The Four Spiritual Laws developed by Campus Crusade (Cru). Law #1 states: God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life." How so? Well, He desires to make your life fruitful in ways you never imagined. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
The concept of going back in time is intriguing and exciting. In this series we go back in time some 28 centuries. Yet, the moral and spiritual atmosphere of the day holds great lessons for us in the 21st century. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
One of the top themes of the Christian life is to expect the unexpected. Periodically, God calls each of us to enroll in "wilderness school"...stretching times of spiritual development. He uses delays and detours to teach us to trust Him. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
God loves us so much He won't allow us to remain spiritually static. Part of His plan for us is to utilize uncertainties in life to deepen our faith. The ability to endure trials is developed by enduring trials. Some fascinating events happen in this section. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
How important is courage and conviction in the Christian life? Can God use different types of personalities in different roles? How does He want to use me? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
One of the encouraging features of Scripture is that it portrays our spiritual heroes honestly. We are able to view both the thrills of their victories and the agonies of their defeats. Elijah is a great example. He presided at a great spiritual victory, but he also struggled with deep discouragement. How should we handle deep discouragement? God has counsel for you and me. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Sometime in life every one of us will become aware of injustice. Maybe we ourselves are mistreated or become a victim of a crime. Maybe we observe someone else being on the receiving end of violence, hostility, or grossly unfair actions. The Bible clearly teaches that payday is coming. We see this illustrated for us in 1 Kings 21. At the same time, there is hope for everyone, even those who are initiators of injustice. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Most of us have a reasonable awareness that we will not be in this world indefinitely--there will come a day that will be our last. If we knew this was our last week, what would we do differently? How can we choose to live strategically? What is strategic living? What can we learn from both Elijah and Elisha? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Life in the central plains of the US is a world of thunderstorms. When you live here you learn that severe storms can pop up quickly. The same principle is true of Tough Times. Unforeseen adversity might pop up tomorrow, or next month, without warning. When Tough Times hit us full force they can knock the breath out of us--leave us gasping for emotional oxygen. What are some the the resources God has provided for us? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
If you've ever had your electrical power go out at night due to a storm, the first thing we look for is a flashlight to help orient us and give us direction. Scripture is like that. When a dark storm comes in our life, God's Word is a light that can orient us and give us direction in the midst of the storm. In Scripture we have several revealed answers to why? God allows Tough Times in our life. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Tough Times have a certain emotional impact to them, don't they? We can often feel like life is squeezing us...like situations around us are pressing in on us. Frequently we can feel like the circumstances are close to crushing us. Where can encouragement be found? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
One doesn't have to live very long before we learn that Tough Times, adversity, and suffering are a regular part of life on our planet. The truth is that we live in a broken world. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Every believer is called to be a builder. Every believer is called to be a manager. Every believer is called to be a marathoner. How are we to understand these spiritual analogies? How do they relate to eternal rewards? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
As followers of Jesus we make choices everyday. Will we: choose to obey or stray? Will we seek first His kingdom or not? Will we regularly invest in eternal treasure or not? Will we consistently serve Jesus and others or not? What we as believers chose to do now matters forever! Scripture tells us: choose wisely. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
There is a great discipleship secret that exists in many corners of the Christian community. It is the prospect of eternal rewards for followers of Jesus. Can rewards be won or lost? The biblical truth about rewards is far too often a forgotten, neglected, unexplored truth. What does the Bible have to say about eternal rewards? You may be surprised! Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
There's a common myth floating around the Christian community. The heart of this myth is that the spiritual life we are called to live is something that an individual does alone with Jesus. Just a "me 'n Jesus" approach. The myth of a solitary spiritual life is not only incorrect, connection with others in our spiritual life is a core element in God's plan for us. Community with others runs deep in God's spiritual economy! Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Everyone of us will "finish the race" at some point. The pivotal question is: will we finish well; will we finish strong? What are the keys to finishing well? Remember, it's never too late to finish well! Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
Our culture today is increasingly emphasizing physical health, which is usually a good thing. By contrast, few today are concerned about spiritual health. Too many today suffer from biblical malnutrition! Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
How can we survive during difficult days in our culture? Followers of Jesus should be starkly different from a society that is drifting downwards. Consistent, Godly examples give us a reliable model to follow. Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
When facing the future a follower of Jesus should consistently be both a positive and a realistic thinker. Why?? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed
It's been said, "The choices you make, make you." Therefore, we should choose wisely. One choice we are to avoid is getting into word battles and disputes about controversial questions on petty issues. Do we tend to be a peacemaker or a troublemaker? Right click on audio player to download mp3 or to change listening speed