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April25th

Bible Difficulties: Offer Your Bodies & Do Not Conform

Posted in: Bible Difficulties
A friend emailed me the following question. Maybe you have the same struggle. Let’s look closer at what God wants for us:

“I’ve always struggled with this verse: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” For a time, I thought I truly understood it but then I get tripped up when I read articles on it or hear different pastors preach on it. Does this verse mean that watching secular tv is wrong? Does it mean that watching movies or listening to music with potentially questionable content are a sin? Aren’t these “of the world” and consequently things that shouldn’t be a part of a Christian’s life? I’m confused! As you know, I’m a huge fan of t.v, music and film and various other cultural things (like visual art and plays) and often wonder if I am not supposed to partake in them.” Read More | Comments
April10th

Forgiveness: Cleaning Our Wounds

Posted in: Topical
I wanna tell you about two men……Old Jack and Old John. They were both elder’s in the same church, but were always at odds with each other. They were constantly at each others’ throat especially in elder meetings. When one of them said “yes,” you could be assured that the other would say “no.” Read More | Comments
November18th

Bible Difficulties: Luke 17:3-4 “Rebuke” & “Forgiveness”

Posted in: Bible Difficulties
Luke 17:3-4 (TNIV)
3 So watch yourselves.“If a brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and IF they repent, forgive them. 4 Even IF they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.

In this Scripture, in context, Jesus is speaking about how we deal directly with others around us. The focus is on the relationship we share, not just the condition of our heart. In other words, Jesus is speaking here to the apostles about what they should do…not just how they should be.

QUESTION: Is forgiving somone primarily for you or for them?

In that context, a few things struck me as “tough” concerning this Scripture: When I first read this Scripture – these words of Jesus – I wondered why the “if”? Because to bring reconciliation, forgiveness must be received as well as extended. If another person is unwilling to acknowledge his fault, they will not receive our forgiveness. Read More | Comments
November5th

If I knew Then What I Know Now….

Posted in: Uncategorized
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Hebrews 6:1-3 ( TNIV )
1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[or about baptisims] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.

Last week Pastor Phil shared with us the difference between the what the writer of Hebrews meant when he was talking about our spiritual growth–the difference between living on “milk” and living on solid food or “meat”.

Hebrews 5:11-14 ( TNIV )
11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truthsa of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Pastor Phil cleared up the misconception that “milk” is the lightweight or simple teachings about our faith and the “MEAT” is the deep theological teachings about our faith. Read More | Comments