The following are suggested answers to the Message Based Discussion Questions for the message presented on January 5 as part of the State of the Church – Part Two. The answers follow the outline for the message. The answers are designed to stimulate thinking, not replace it. Continue reading
This message was presented on January 12, 2014 as the second part of the State of the Church message.
Two weeks ago, we began looking at the most fundamental issue in the Christian’s life. (See part one, which is essential to understand this message.) It is something that is also under the greatest attack by the world and often within God’s church. What is the issue? The issue is God’s authority. Does God have the right to have authority in life? Moses said, “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39) Continue reading
God created the most beautiful world when He created the Garden of Eden. It remained incredible, until Adam sinned and God thrust him out of the Garden into a creation that now groans because of Adam’s sin, “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” (Rom. 8:22)
The basis of Adam’s sin was pride. He chose to choose independently of God’s will. He chose to act without asking God what he should do. He chose to rely upon his own sense rather than depend solely on the Lord. That is what pride is. It is the fundamental cause of all sins in life. Continue reading
I was recently involved in a conversation regarding what should be done regarding the problems in the current Administration. I took some notes from Alex Jones’ recent Infowars magazine regarding steps the President has taken that warrant concern: (Note: the sarcasm is meant to stir up, not down play the foolish actions) Continue reading
There are many ways to communicate information. These include: 1) lecture, 2)monologue with an opportunity for questions, 3) dialogue and 4) dialogue with practical implementation in a variety of forms. Home groups use a method of facilitating questions that is one of the best ways to help people learn. How is this a good method for this setting? Because you do not know what groups members are understand about a subject matter, unless they are talking about it or acting on it. Continue reading
What an incredible last few days with the fantastic snowfall and perfect temperatures for a winter snowdrama! Yes, the Mayor made road travel “Red Condition” on Monday, the schools are still closed on this Wednesday, the roads have four inch ice holes for some slipping and sliding, but the scenery is outstanding. I have seen frost and even great snow fall on trees, but the wet snow pack and freeze from Sunday reminds me of the cleansing the Lord Jesus provided for my sins and yours. Continue reading
“A Young Earth” is described as a pocket guide to evidence that supports the Biblical perspective. It is a 96 page, small print booklet packed with great information about the reality that the earth is “young,” as in around 6000 years, rather than the “old earth” view of Evolution, which says the earth is about 4.5 billion years. Continue reading
Do you know that one of the most debilitating things in life is baggage? Baggage is great for air travel, but I’m talking about mental, emotional and social baggage. That kind of baggage is a problem in life, because we are creatures who tend to hold onto baggage and even nurture it along. If we would let go of ours, we would have much better relationships, accomplish much more and have so much more joy in life! Yet, we like to hold on and it weighs us down. Continue reading
Here in Central Indiana, we’re enjoying cold conditions like much of the rest of the country. The high today is supposed to be a wimpy -11 degrees Fahrenheit. Wimpy, only because that is not nearly as cold as several other states, just cold for Indiana. Continue reading
While reading through Genesis 4, I noticed a very interesting phrase that says, “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.” (Gen. 4:26) Why does it say “…men began to call on the name…” when Adam used to sit in Bible class with the Lord (Gen. 3:8)? The Lord came to him! Shouldn’t man just wait for God to come to him? Continue reading
Shepherding Truth 