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Faith doesn’t mean obeying when we see, or understand. Faith means trusting enough, like the centurion, to say to Jesus, “Just say the word!” Scripture: Matthew, chapters 8-10 Matthew 8:5-13 (NLT): When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible […] Source link

Photo by magnezis magnestic on UnsplashIn 2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul calls us to “work toward complete holiness.”  What does that mean, and how do we do it? Scripture: 2 Corinthians, chapters 7-10 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT): Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. Observations: “Complete Holiness” […]

Photo by Paul Pastourmatzis on UnsplashGod created us to be in relationship with him. Sin broke that relationship, but through Christ we can be reconciled to God! Scripture: 2 Corinthians, chapters 3-6 2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT): And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, […]

Photo by Toa Heftiba on UnsplashGod’s promise to his children is not that they will be comfortable, but that he will comfort them. And God comforts us to comfort others! Scripture: Job, chapters 41-42; 2 Corinthians, chapters 1-2 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT): All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our […]

Photo by Brian Erickson on UnsplashGod has given us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (1 Peter 1:3). That hope is for this life, and for the life to come! Scripture: Psalm 149; 1 Corinthians, chapters 15-16 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 (NLT): But tell me this – since we preach that Christ rose from the dead, why are some of you saying there will be no […]

Photo by Jacalyn Beales on UnsplashIn Galatians 5, Paul gives us a contrast between the impact of the sinful nature and the work of the Spirit. The Spirit brings life! Scripture: Job, chapters 31-32; Galatians, chapters 5-6 Galatians 5:13-26 (NLT): For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one […]

Photo by Element5 Digital on UnsplashWhile I believe churches should be allowed to discuss political issues, we should never have to wonder whether we’re listening to sermons or campaign rallies! Faith and Politics This is the third of three articles on subjects relating to faith and politics. The first article (“Should Politicians Be Guided by Their Faith?”) dealt with the importance of personal faith to those in the political realm. […]

Photo by Ben White on UnsplashThe phrase “separation of church and state” is common in our culture. But what exactly does it mean? And do we have separation of church and state the way our founding fathers envisioned it? In my previous post (“Should Politicians Be Guided By Their Faith?”), I talked about the impact that a political leader’s religious faith should have on their actions. That impact should be […]

Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on UnsplashPoliticians talk about faith more today than probably ever before. But should politicians be guided by their faith? Election Day Is Coming! Tuesday November 7 is Election Day across the United States. In some places, like Michigan (where I live), the only elections on the ballot are local. We have some ballot initiatives and some local offices to fill. These types of elections don’t normally […]