Posts with the tag “faith”

“Every good and perfect gift is from above.” - James 1:17   When life seems uncertain or challenging, it’s easy to question whether things are really going as they should. You might wonder if the difficulties you’re facing are a sign that things aren’t turning out right.  Yet, James 1:17 reminds us of a profound truth: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” This verse speaks to the heart of ...  Read More

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:15-16   In His message to the church at Laodicea, Jesus delivers a powerful and challenging statement: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because ...  Read More

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” - John 14:6   How do you determine if something is true? It’s a question that echoes through our lives, especially in a world where information is abundant and often contradictory. To determine the truth, you must verify the source. Whether it's a fact online, a news story, or a politici...  Read More

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17    Change is an inevitable part of life. Just as a living organism must grow and adapt to survive, our faith journey is marked by constant transformation. The critical question isn’t whether there will be change but whether the change we experience will lead to growth ...  Read More

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” - John 15:8 (ESV)   When you look at your life, what do you see as the evidence of your faith? Is there tangible fruit that reflects your relationship with Christ, or does your life resemble a barren tree with little evidence of spiritual growth? Jesus emphasizes in John 15:8 that bearing fruit is a key way...  Read More

“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” - Revelation 2:4-5a    Have you ever considered what leads to the death of a church? It’s not always external factors like persecution or financial struggles. Often, the cause is much closer to home. The church in Sardis died be...  Read More

"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam." - Revelation 2:14   In Revelation 2:14, Jesus addresses the church at Pergamum, critiquing them on two fronts: their belief and their behavior. Despite their commendable faith in the face of persecution, Jesus points out significant issues that need correction. This is important for us as believers, to u...  Read More

"Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives." - Revelation 2:13   In Revelation 2:13, Jesus extends a powerful compliment to the church at Pergamum. Despite living in a place described as “where Satan’s throne is,” they held on to His name and did not deny their faith. This ...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich.” Revelation 2:9   In the city of Smyrna, the early Christians faced unimaginable challenges. They were afflicted, enduring persecution and slander. They lived in poverty, often unsure of where their next meal would come from. Yet, Jesus looked upon them and declared, “You are rich because of your faith in me.” It’s a paradox that challenges our...  Read More

“I know your affliction and poverty—yet you are rich!” - Revelation 2:9   Following Jesus isn’t always easy—it comes with pressures to conform, compromise, and even abandon our faith. The early Christians in Smyrna faced intense opposition. They were pressured to renounce their beliefs, conform to the world’s standards, and return to their old way of life. Yet, amidst these challenges, Jesus reass...  Read More

“I know your affliction and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” - Revelation 2:9   Have you ever faced hardship because of your faith in Jesus? For many of us, it might mean being mocked, called names, or excluded from social circles. These challenges can sting, but they pale in comparison to the sufferi...  Read More

“Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus is an important reminder of the importance of remembering our first love. When we first encountered God’s love, it transformed us. There was a time when our hearts burned with passion for Jesus, and His presence was the center of our lives.  Think back to those ear...  Read More

“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4   We have spent the last few days discussing the church in Ephesus, a church that was once devoted to love. John, the ‘beloved disciple,’ was their pastor. Thirty years before John wrote his Revelation on the island of Patmos, Paul commended this church in his letter to the Ephesians, saying he had heard ...  Read More

“I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.” - Revelation 2:2   In the letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus acknowledges their unwavering commitment to the truth. This was a church that held a deep passion for sound doctrine. They opened their B...  Read More

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." - Hebrews 11:6   In our journey with God, faith serves as the cornerstone on which our relationship is built. It's not merely a component; it's the very essence of our connection to Him. Our faith manifests in various dimensions: in what ...  Read More

If you love me, keep my commands." - John 14:15   In the face of impossible situations, God's glory shines the brightest. We see this truth echoed throughout Scripture, from Daniel in the lion's den to David facing Goliath's shadow. And in every instance, God's glory prevails, illuminating the darkness and overcoming adversity. But here's the thing: Christian character isn't forged in the absence ...  Read More

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9   Courage isn't the absence of fear; it's taking action despite our fears. Daniel's life exemplifies this truth as he faced daunting trials and challenges yet remained steadfast in his faith and obedience to God. As Daniel was thrown in...  Read More

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9   Courage is a word that stirs something deep within us, isn't it? It's not just about grand acts performed by historical figures like Harriet Tubman or Martin Luther King, Jr. It's about the everyday moments where we find ourselves fac...  Read More

"Salvation comes through the Jews." - John 4:22   Today’s key verse is a profound statement uttered by Jesus Himself: "Salvation comes through the Jews." In these simple words, He encapsulates the foundational truth of our faith—that our redemption, our hope, our very salvation originated from the Jewish people. Long before Jesus walked the earth, the Prophet Isaiah foretold of a future where Isra...  Read More

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." - Romans 12:1   Have you ever pondered the seemingly contradictory concept of a "living sacrifice"? It's a phrase that can be perplexing at first glance. How can something be both alive and sacrificed? In Romans 12:1, Paul...  Read More

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." - Genesis 22:12   As we reflect on the profound story of Abraham and Isaac, we're confronted with a challenging question: What are we withholding from God? In Genesis 22, we witness Abraham's unwavering faith and obedience as he prepares...  Read More

"Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, 'Abraham!' 'Here I am,' he replied." - Genesis 22:1   When the word "sacrifice" is mentioned, it invariably brings to mind the poignant tale of Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22. This narrative doesn't just illustrate the concept of sacrifice; it delves into the depths of faith, trust, and obedience. At the outset of this account, God calls upon...  Read More

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:26-27   Today, let's explore the second reason why people end up in hell...  Read More

"Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it." - Matthew 7:13-14   In a world where skepticism and doubt often clash with faith, I’m reminded of a story I once heard of a brave woman on an airplane. This story serves as a remi...  Read More

“I and the Father are One.” – John 10:30 Jesus claimed to be the ONLY way to God. The idea that Jesus is the exclusive path to God may sound narrow-minded to some, but the truth remains unwavering.In John 10:30, Jesus boldly declares, “I and the Father are One.” This statement is at the heart of the Christian belief that Jesus is not merely a way to God, but He is God incarnate. To un...  Read More

We’ve all been there, caught in discussions with folks whose perspectives differ from ours. It’s a diverse world out there, and we’re on a mission—to love those who question, to share the hope we hold in our hearts, and to articulate the why behind our unwavering belief in Jesus. It’s not merely about reciting a set of doctrines; it’s about having a deep understanding that allows us to explain our faith confidently, whether it’s a planned discussion or a spontaneous chat in the grocery store aisle.  Read More

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” – James 4:8 Our journey of faith is an adventure that is continually enriched by our relationship with God. Cultivating a deep and intimate connection with Him is not just a religious duty but a remarkable privilege, an invitation to experience His presence and experience the depths of His love. It’s a relationship that begins with an...  Read More

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” – 1 Corinthians 15:17  Do you know what a worthless faith is? It is having faith in something that is not alive forever. If your faith is in a statue or a monument, you have a dead faith. If your faith is in your job or your income or your possessions on earth, you have a worthless faith. If your...  Read More

“Moreover, we are found to be false witnesses about God, because we have testified wrongly about God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up, if in fact the dead are not raised.” – 1 Corinthians 15:15  If Jesus didn’t live, die, and rise from the dead, then we are in a world of trouble. What kind of trouble? Well, our preaching would be in vain. Our faith would be in vain. ...  Read More

August 29, 2022“Jesus called out to them, ‘Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!’ And they left their nets at once and followed Him.” – Matthew 4:19-20 When Jesus comes to you, He does so because He loves you. And because He loves you, He desires to change you. You see, prior to you knowing Jesus, and before you followed Jesus, there was a lot that needed to be changed.  Whe...  Read More