The pastor is supposed to use his authority over the flock to build up the flock. Like a shepherd, a pastor should want his flock to be strong and in good health. He wants the flock to prosper and grow spiritually. He wants to promote the best interests and well-being of the flock. He wants the church to be mature, stable, and strong. Read More ...
The Christian life is a battle or a struggle. We have spiritual enemies—primarily, the world, the flesh, and the devil. In Paul’s case, his enemies were the false teachers who had infiltrated the church and were leading people astray. Paul is ready to go to war with these spiritual adversaries. He’s not going to tolerate them or allow them to have any influence in the church. His intent is to destroy their false ideas. Read More ...
Be truthful and honest enough to take the blame when you deserve it. Don’t try to avoid personal responsibility; don’t try to blame someone else for what you are responsible for. God holds us all personally accountable for what we do, and it’s best for us to take responsibility for our own actions. Read More ...
Instead of worrying about daily needs, believers should focus on God, His kingdom, and righteous living. Replace worry with positive action. Adopt God’s perspective on things—eternal and spiritual, not temporary. Read More ...
Hypocrites don’t really care about the law, salvation, the needy, prayer, the truth, tithing, or weighty spiritual matters. Within, they are full of dead men’s bones, uncleanness, extortion, and excess. They are serpents and vipers even though they appear to be righteous before men. Ultimately, their religion is a fraud, a charade, and they are in danger of the damnation of hell. Read More ...
A message from Jonathan Rehfeldt, missionary to Uruguay.
One of the marks of a hypocrite is that he tells others to do what he is unwilling to do himself. They “say and do not,” they preach but they do not practice. Perhaps they keep the rules in public but not in private. Hypocrites are different people when no one is watching them. Their religion is external; it’s an act, a mask or a costume. Read More ...
We must remember that the things of the world are contrary to the things of God. The world is temporary, passing off the scene, here today—gone tomorrow. So it’s foolish to value the things of the world. It’s dangerous for us to think that we can love the world and still love God. John says that we can’t. Read More ...
Value from God’s point of view is godliness without reference to money. We need to learn to be happy/content with what God provides. Our affections must be set on things above, not on the things of this world. Read More ...
If you struggle to control your anger, spend extra time in prayer. Study what the Bible says about anger. Angry Christians must make every effort to uproot and remove sinful anger from their lives. They must exercise self-control and seek to be led by the Spirit on this issue. We must all seek to replace anger with kindness, patience, and compassion. We can overcome anger as we yield ourselves to God and walk by faith. Read More ...