Demonic Christians

Text: James 2:19 Demons are not completely opposite from even the most faithful child of God. The faithful will believe, fear, and obey God. The demons will only believe and fear. Their meeting of God’s expectations is incomplete. The difference is between doing some or doing all that God instructs. God expects total obedience (Matthew […]

Thoughts on Citizenship

Text: Colossians 2:15 In His death, Jesus made a “public display” of the civil rulers and “put them to open shame” (ESV). The full force of civil authority was against Christ (Acts 4:26), and they failed. But Jesus didn’t abolish civil authority (Romans 13:1). Therefore, we may live as citizens of an earthly country, but […]

What the Lord Wants Us to Give Up

Text: Colossians 2:20-23 Lent is the 40-day period beginning with Ash Wednesday leading up to Easter. Those who practice it, give up something for forty days. No matter how well-intentioned, these man-made practices do not help. Instead of thinking we have some spiritual obligation to give up some insignificant luxury for forty days, let’s look […]

It Is the Hour for You to Awaken

Romans 13:11-14 After discussing a Christian’s obligations to their civil authorities and their neighbors, Paul addresses personal holiness and our responsibility to be wholly right before God. Know the Time (v. 11-12) These are matters of eternal consequence – many want to ignore these things and enjoy the here and now, but we cannot do […]

How to Grow in Knowledge of God’s Word

Text: 2 Peter 3:18 Read The will of God has been revealed & preserved in the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) Knowledge will not be given to us miraculously – those days are over (1 Corinthians 13:8-10) The most basic way to gain knowledge of God’s word is to read it – make it a priority […]

A Man of Integrity

Text: Job 31 A Covenant was Made (Job 31:1) This requires understanding – knowing the difference between right & wrong We must make a decision – once we know what is right, we must choose to do it A covenant involves a long-term commitment – this is not a trend or a fad; our character […]

The Christian’s Walk

Text: Colossians 1:9-10 Walk in Newness of Life (Romans 6:4) This follows baptism (Romans 6:3-4) — in baptism we become free from sin (Romans 6:17-18) We are to be different than the old self (Romans 6:6) — repentance We are to be different than the world (Romans 12:2) — live by a higher standard Walk […]