What on Earth Are We Here For?

Matthew 6.33 commands, above all pursue His kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God does want more from us than mere acknowledgement of His existence. He promises us eternity and then tells us to prepare for that existence by storing up eternal treasure. Presumably that treasure will be either necessary or a determinant for our quality of life to come. This is not dissimilar from investment brokers pleading with us to invest today so that we have something to live on tomorrow when we are no longer able to work but must subsist on what we saved. (more…)

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We Need More Enthusiasm

Haggai 1.14 records, the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

The modern vernacular of, ‘God sparked enthusiasm’ is revival. We could use a revival. This movement of God followed His rebuke of Israel for doing nothing to build His temple while they spent their time and money on building their houses and fields. (more…)

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Stop Watching, Start Doing

Luke 23.49 observes, Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

A lot of people are standing from a distance watching for God to do something.

Sometimes we are waiting for Him to rain hell fire upon our enemies because we know how much they deserve it. Sometimes we are waiting for Him to heal us or our friends because we know how much He cares for us. Sometimes we are waiting for Him to bless us because we know how much He loves us. We wait, we hope but….. (more…)

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God’s Message Awaits God’s Messengers

Amos 3.8 observes, The Sovereign LORD has spoken— so who can refuse to proclaim his message?image

The answer to Amos’ question seems to be most of the people of God. This was true in the day of Amos and it is true today as well. Why does this appear to be true?

As in Amos’ day, so few know the message of the Lord. This would not be true if the people of God were constantly declaring God’s message even as they lived that message. What is God’s message? (more…)

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The Secret to Happiness in the Christian Life

Colossians 2.7 commands, let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will growimage strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

The secret to happiness in the Christian life is knowing Jesus better and serving Jesus more. This is the summary of Paul’s command to the church as he reminded them of Who Jesus is, God made visible, and what we are to do, spread the message of God’s reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus the Savior. (more…)

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Hope For The World

Psalm 107.2 asks, has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others He has redeemed youimage from your enemies.

The need of the hour is for the Church to speak out about God’s redemption. The obviousness of this truth was on full display during the presidential debates. Character, truth, honesty and humility are the result of fearing God and recognizing our accountability to Him. Those who live without regard for their Maker do and say whatever they believe to be best in their own minds. (more…)

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Measuring our Work

Romans 12.11 commands us to never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.image

Most men over 40 are pretty committed to working hard. We were raised that way. We remember buying our own school clothes, buying our first car and paying for college. Our parents didn’t have a lot and even if they did they required us to work for what we wanted as well.

Overall I would say we are the better for it. (more…)

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Believing is Not Enough

Romans 2.7 promises, He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the gloryimage and honor and immortality that God offers.

Believing isn’t enough.

The regrettable consequence of the Church’s message these past 50 years is a culture mostly uncommitted to the ways and work of God. Since its founding by God, the Church has always had the responsibility to communicate who God is and what God requires of humanity. (more…)

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