Category: Christian Living
Subject: Christian Living
Mining the Scriptures: 1 John 2:7-8
The idea of walking in Christ is the fundamental premise of the disciple. What is clearly evident is that love is the foundation of that walk. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34). This is how the would be “known” as His disciples.
John’s statement that his commandment is not a new commandment indicates that Jesus’ required it from His disciples from the very beginning. John speaks in great detail about the importance of loving one another. He is known as the “apostle of love.” Perhaps this emphasis was because it was so revelatory to him. He and James were at one time called by Jesus the “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17). But John became associated most with the call to love. The command was “old”, or well established.
It was, however, “new” in the sense that Jesus’ call was revolutionary to a world in sin. Never before had “the true light” shined as it was in the hearts and lives of Jesus’ disciples.
Sermon: How Can Christians Stand Out from the World?
Christians should stand out, and be considered peculiar to the world. How can we obtain such a reputation? Speaker: Ian Tilley
Sermon: Lessons from Joel
There are good lessons to be learned from the life and ministry of the prophet Joel. Speaker: Justin Carrell
Sermon: Shepherds Who Scatter
A discussion of Jeremiah 23, with a call for leadership with integrity, and we emulate Jesus Christ.
The Christian Life
Speaker: Ian Tilley. A discussion of 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 giving practical advice on what God requires of the Christian as he lives his life.
You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!
“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:13-14).
It takes a bit of arrogance (or ignorance) to actually believe that you have power over tomorrow. So often we see lives cut short by disease or accident, always with expressed shock and dismay. This is understandable, but the truth is such events happen often. Continue reading “You Do Not Know What Will Happen Tomorrow!”
Winning Souls Without A Word
Peter had instructions for women married to non-Christians. “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear” (1 Peter 3:1-2).
It is an interesting concept, winning souls to Christ “without a word.” Of course, this doesn’t mean that there is another way of saving souls other than through the preaching of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16). Rather, it is a strong statement about the efficacy of good influence.
Many men are not swayed by the words of a preacher. However, if they see Christian principles in action — morality, integrity, kindness, mercy and love — they may become convinced that there is “something to” being a Christian. Then, when the gospel is shared, their heart is fertile and responsive to the truth.
It works when wives show a good example to their husbands, and when husbands show that same type of example to their wives. It also is effective in other familial relationships (an important principle for parents to consider), with friendships, and any others you may impact in the day to day exercise of your faith.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Sermon: Living a Balanced Life
A discussion of the text of Ecclesiastes, learning from the wise man how to live a balanced life.
Meditate On These Things
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).
This passage, is of course, very familiar. But, it may be that a word study of the things, (true, noble, just, pure, lovely, good report, virtue, praiseworthy), may be helpful. Continue reading “Meditate On These Things”
Walk in Wisdom
Paul’s exhortation is, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6). It seems that the instructions in both verses have reference to how a Christian should behave among those who are not Christians.
They are to walk wisely. This is the general admonition. It includes the call to redeem “the time.” The word redeem is defined by Strong—to buy up, i.e. ransom. Figuratively, to rescue from loss, (improve opportunity). Time unused is time lost. We have limited opportunities to both influence and teach those in the world. A wise Christian will make use of such opportunities to the best of his abilities. This is wise.
A wise Christian will measure his words. His speech will be careful, with a consideration of how they might impact the lost. Graceful speech represents Christ. It is speech where He can be seen. In the words, “seasoned with salt” we see the idea of influence. These words should exclude idle words, corrupt speech, filthiness, offensiveness, curing and lying. They should include soundness, blessings, that which edifies and expresses love for God and man.
Wise talk glorifies God, and is much more likely to bring the outsider to Christ. Our love for mankind is not only seen in such speech, but is demanded by it! May we all take this to heart.
What Does it Mean to be a Man?
There are many ideas of what it means to be a “real man.” They conflict with one another, and are heavily dependent upon culture, peers and self-identity.
Does being a man indicate a willingness to fight, an abundance of testosterone, aggressiveness, physicality? Some say so. Does being a man require feelings of superiority, dominance, and misogyny? This seems common as well. Continue reading “What Does it Mean to be a Man?”
Marginalized
Our nation was founded upon what has been referred to as a Judeo-Christian ethic. This means the laws governing right and wrong that are a part of our nation have their origin in the moral standards of right and wrong found in the Bible. It doesn’t mean the founding fathers got it right, or even that they did a good job of applying the principles. In fact, the foundational principle upon which our government was established, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”, was practically contradicted by the institution of slavery until January 1, 1863. But at the very least the United States has been respectful toward Christians. Continue reading “Marginalized”
Religious Fundamentalism
Fundamentalism, as it pertains to religion, is defined as “a form of religion, especially Islam or Protestant Christianity, that upholds belief in the strict interpretation of scripture.” In our day, the term is typically used as a criticism. Note this quote from Wikipedia: “Depending upon the context, the label “fundamentalism” can be a pejorative rather than a neutral characterization, similar to the ways that calling political perspectives “right-wing” or “left-wing” can have negative connotations.
Such a characterization is understandable, as Islamic fundamentalists often use force in an effort to make the world conform to their religious views. As an example, the Iranian government has recently come under criticism for its response to women who do not conform to the fundamentalist views of modesty. A “morality police” actively cited and arrested women for their violation of the code, and at least 508 protestors have been killed and another 19,000 arrested in recent conflicts over the laws. Continue reading “Religious Fundamentalism”
