Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. Proverbs 29:25 NLT Just a few weeks ago an unemployed pastor friend was trying to find a church and a conference to pick him up. I told Him how Jesus holds the stars of the churches in His hand in Revelation 1, and I … Continue reading –>
A Protestant lady visiting my church asked why we keep Saturday as the Sabbath. I explained that we love Jesus, and Jesus said if we love Him to keep His commandments. (See John 14:15) She responded indignantly, “But you can’t keep the commandments!” I should have been surprised, but I had heard such a response … Continue reading –>
When I was a soldier I met a guy named Kenny. He smoked, drank, slept with different women all the time and got kicked out of the Army for doing drugs. However, according to Kenny, he was saved because four years before he had prayed a prayer at a youth rally. He didn’t do anything … Continue reading –>
An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.. Proverbs 27:5-6 NLT When I was about 9 or so I was playing soccer (football to most of the world) with my neighbor. We had an argument about what the out-of-bounds markers were. It … Continue reading –>
In my last post1 I went over the four most common versions of salvation in the world and in the church. In the end I concluded all of them were pretty lame. However, I also proposed that the Bible teaches a fifth version, or better put the only version, and that is our topic today. So … Continue reading –>
When we read Prov 20: 1 we often get into “Adventist Thinking Mode” and write a “Theology for Teetotaling” to justify our position. I would like to take a different approach because there are an increasing number of people outside the church who are assessing their drinking habits and making lifestyle changes. These articles are … Continue reading –>
Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. Proverbs 20:22 NLT A while back, after a friend had wrongfully taken money from me, I was reading in Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is … Continue reading –>
A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, And contentions are like the bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19 NKJ This text highlights the issue that conflicts with friends and within church communities are hard and often a cause for division and even separation. In my personal time with God, I am … Continue reading –>
As I read “Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy” (Prov. 14:10,) I’m reminded of the largest single need in the Adventist community today. This need doesn’t involve personalities or institutions. It doesn’t touch on finances or even theology. It speaks to the absolute foundation of experiencing salvation. Much … Continue reading –>
This is the Tampa Bay, Florida area I always write from, which is slightly overcast today. You won’t see this picture on a postcard featuring Florida as the “sunshine state.” Even the sunshine state sees its fair share of storms. Likewise, even our most cheerful friends see their fair share of life’s storms. Each heart knows its … Continue reading –>
