Blinded by Intelligence
Nov 23
Even very religious people, people who believe in God as Creator, may blind themselves when confronted with the truth that the Creator must also become their Savior. “But their minds were blinded: . . . even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart” (II Corinthians 3:14,15).
The True Meaning of Charisma
Mar 20
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." (Colossians 3:16) One of the words which has come into wide use (actually misuse) in our generation is the word "charisma," along with its derivative "charismatic." We speak of a politician as having charisma, or a charismatic personality, for example. Another common use of "charismatic" refers to those who practice speaking in tongues. But these are not the true meanings of these words, at least not in terms of their original usage.
Who is your Valentine?
Feb 14
"Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." (Proverbs 18:22) Embedded in many of our customs and holidays are a mixture of pagan and biblical principles. Saint Valentine’s Day is no exception. Mystery surrounds who Valentine really was. He was probably a priest martyred in 269 A.D. at Rome. Among Roman Catholics, he is called the patron saint of affianced couples, beekeepers, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people. He is one busy (and confused) man! In the Western world, the emphasis is on human expressions of love and friendship. That is certainly of importance and, when guided by the biblical principles, a godly ardor worth commemorating. Here are a few guidelines to remember this season: • "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good." Romans 12:9 • "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22 • "See that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently." 1 Peter 1:22 • "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it." Ephesians 5:25 • "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Hebrews 13:2 The objective of every kind of biblical "love" is stated in Paul’s prayer for the Philippian church: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ. Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9
Our Triune God
Dec 12
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen." (2 Corinthians 13:14) The doctrine of the triune God is unique to Christianity. There is only one God, yet three Persons - God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - each with His own distinct relation to mankind, yet each equally, fully, and eternally God. Although these truths are implicit throughout the New Testament, the doctrine of the Triune God is seldom, if ever, presented therein explicitly as a formal doctrine. There are several passages, however, where all three Persons are mentioned in the same context, and each one deals with a significant aspect of the Christian life. There is, first of all, the provision of salvation, ". . . the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God" (Hebrews 9:14). Then follows regeneration. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). Salvation and regeneration are then publicly testified in baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19).
There is a perfect way to go
Feb 17
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in Him" (II Samuel 22:31).
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