THE BLOG
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Wake-Up Call!
This last week, we posted an excellent read on the shocking responses found in “The State of Theology Survey.”
Well, it seems it rattled more than a few cages.
John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center for Christian Worldview, author, and daily voice of Breakpoint, a nationally syndicated commentary on the culture, said this: “This year’s State of Theology study’s results show that not just Americans but evangelicals in particular are increasingly muddy on core truths such as the nature and character of God, the reality of human sin, the role of the Church in the world, and the exclusivity and divinity of Jesus Christ.” That is an understatement when you understand that these truths are at the center of everything we are called to believe. Read "What 'The State of Theology' Tells Us" (John Stonestreet & Kasey Leander).
GOOD NEWS in the Ultimate Game
Who doesn’t want to win in life? The good news for every believer is we are promised ultimate victory and we can walk in that victory right now despite all the relentless opposition we face.
One of my favorite verses in Scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:57: “but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Practicing Mutual Discipleship
I grew up in a neighborhood that was always busy with friends. Whenever one of us headed outside we were immediately joined by several others itching to play a sport or hang out. One activity that we really enjoyed was skateboarding. Skateboarding, before the internet age, meant that we actually had to make up our own tricks or that we learned new ones from watching others at the skatepark. As soon as one of us figured out a trick, we would show each other how to do it (usually after we won a game or 2 of S.K.A.T.E. if I’m being honest).
Why a Future Focus is a Must
This past Sunday we concluded our summer series on Sound Doctrine: Applying Core Beliefs to Everyday Life. We looked at 11 key Bible truths that are foundational to living the life God has blessed us with in Christ:
Zoeology: Some Basics to Living the Christian Life
This past Sunday we concluded our summer series on Sound Doctrine: Applying Core Beliefs to Everyday Life. We looked at 11 key Bible truths that are foundational to living the life God has blessed us with in Christ:
The Church in 3D
Defined. The word “church” is a translation of the Greek word ekklesia, which is defined as “an assembly” or “called-out ones.” The church is not a building, a place, or a meeting. The church is people—people who have received every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3), people chosen by God (Eph. 1:4) for His own possession (1 Pet. 2:9), people who by grace have been saved through faith (Eph. 2:8), forgiven people (Col. 1:14), people no longer condemned (Rom. 8:1) but declared righteous (Rom. 5:8). The church is people in whom the Spirit of God dwells (Eph. 1:13), people who imitate God (Eph. 5:1), ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). We are the Church!
Thank God for Creating Angels
Did you thank God today for creating angels? I hope you did. Angels are “ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14). Even as you read this article, an innumerable host of unseen servants are responding to God-given directives to serve us. It’s not something we often verbalize gratitude for, but it is a reality in every believer’s life. Let’s take a moment to remind ourselves of two essential truths about God’s ministering spirits:
Remember The Greatness of Your Salvation
Mel Fisher had a great 64th birthday. A treasure hunter, Fisher owned Treasure Salvoras, Inc., and had been looking for the Spanish galleon (Neustra Senora de Atocha) for 17 years. The ship, loaded with precious cargo, sank in 1622 during a hurricane. It was on its maiden voyage from Havana to Spain. On a July day just before his 64th birthday, Fisher discovered the ship and its treasure about 40 miles west of Key West, Florida. Imagine his joy that day as his divers brought up from the deep an estimated 150 pounds of gold, including 76 gold bars, gold chains, and gold disks! In addition to this find, more than 900 silver bars and 100 gold bars have been recovered. It is estimated that the ship’s fortune may contain a treasure worth more than $340 million. Wow! Can you even imagine?!
Living Hope
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Peter 1:3).
The tone of the opening of Peter's letter is full of praise to God, encouraging the believers to keep their hopes up! After expounding on our great salvation and the future that awaits believers, Peter declares in verse 13, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:13).
