Category: Faith

The text of 2 Corinthians 3:4-11 is examined, noting the differences between the two covenants.

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In 2 Thessalonians 1:3, the apostle Paul expressed thanks to God for the Christians there, “because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.”

Faith and love are two of the identifying characteristics of the child of God. The love of God abounds toward man, as is evident from His scheme for our redemption. The faithful Christian’s love should be the same, especially toward their brethren.

The faith of the diligent Christian is a faith that grows daily. As the Hebrew writer noted, (Hebrews 5:12 – 6:6), if you are not progressing in your faith, you will regress, potentially to the point of apostasy.

Do you have a growing faith and abundant love?

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Our faith in Christ should inform and impact every facet of our lives. If it does, we will walk in a manner worthy of our calling.

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Invitation delivered by: Josh Cox

The text of Ephesians 2:1-10 is examined to provide a concise summary of God’s scheme of redemption for mankind.

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In order to fight the good fight of faith (cf. 1 Timothy 6:6), we must first identify the enemy, and second utilize all of the help and weapons at our disposal.

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Internet memes are often a product of shallow thinking, which can be seen in their vapid glibness. Even if a kernel of truth can be gleaned, generally a matter is too complex to be resolved in a single sentence. (Perhaps that is why U.S. politics are so fouled up, with candidates vying for a single “moment” to connect with the electorate. Issues are irrelevant, only surface appearance and glibness matters).

I did come across one meme today, however, that deserves some scrutiny. It said:

“But, I think…

“It doesn’t matter what you think! If it doesn’t match up with the Bible, you are wrong!

“…yea, let God be true, but every man a liar…” (Romans 3:4).”

The sentiment is entirely valid, as it seeks to get across the point that God’s word is truth. If a man’s opinions do not jibe with God’s revelation, the man is wrong.

And, this is often the case. Typically, worldly views contradict God’s word. Even those who call themselves Christians often ally themselves with the opinions of man rather than God’s revelation.

However, in one sense it does matter what you think! In fact, the eternal state of your soul depends upon you aligning your views with those of God.

Romans 3 indicates that a man’s belief or unbelief in God and His word is irrelevant to whether it is true. It is, however, relevant to our standing with Him.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

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Sermon 1 of 9 by Carl Allen.

The eternal purpose of God was fulfilled in Jesus Christ when He came to earth, and shed his atoning blood for all mankind. This atonement is available to all, and is accomplished by those who respond in faith to the gospel of our Lord.

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God is eminently fair. He is both merciful and just. As we acknowledge our salvation is dependent upon His grace, extended in His Son Jesus, we must also note that He rightly requires obedience on our part. That is His right, and it is fair of Him to demand our allegiance.

When rebellious Israel proclaimed God to be unfair in His dealing with them, He replied clearly:

“‘Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,’ says the Lord God. ‘Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of one who dies,’ says the Lord God. ‘Therefore turn and live!’” (Ezekiel 18:30-32).

While God does not enjoy condemning men, He is fair! Those who do not turn from their iniquity (repent) will be condemned for their sins. We must get a “new heart and a new spirit.” For us, that means being born again! (cf. John 3:3-5).

Fairness goes both ways. God is fair in rewarding those who practice righteousness. He is pleased to grant the godly eternal life. And yet, though it saddens Him, it is fair of Him to condemn the ungodly to eternal death.

Saul’s encounter with Jesus in Acts 9, and the events that followed are discussed in this lesson.

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Acts 8 records the conversion of the Samaritans, as a result of Philip’s ministry in that region.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The resurrection is the realization of the Christians hope! Because Christ was risen, we have the hope of life after death as well. (1 Corinthians 15)

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A simple lesson, using a chart for personal work (Slide #2) of the PPTX file. Explains both God’s Part, and Man’s Part in the salvation of any individual.

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I recently read at the Washington Post online, a review of the book, Faith vs. Fact (Why Science and Religion are Incompatible) by Jerry A. Coyne. The review itself was written by Jeffrey Schloss, a biologist at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA. The book apparently consists of a series of logical arguments designed to pit religion against science, with the author’s assertion that ultimately, religion’s methods “are useless for understanding reality.”

The review is largely complimentary of the book, but Schloss argues that Coyne falls short in some areas in his treatment of the topic. Consider the following quote by Schloss from the article:

“The preface [of Coyne’s book, SC] begins with a quote from Neil deGrasse Tyson: ‘The good thing about science is that it’s true, whether or not you believe in it.’ But this is simply wrong. Facts are true whether or not one believes in them. Science is an impressively reliable but fallible means for ascertaining facts. Indeed, facts are true whether or not science itself believes in them.”

Continue reading “In the News: Faith vs. Fact?” →

“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”(1 John 5:4-5)

Trapped as we are in this body, and this physical universe, it sometimes seems that “the world” has the upper hand. Evil is rampant, danger abounds, and our faith is constantly under attack. In light of this, it is good to know that our relationship with God through His Son gives us the victory.

It is assured. We are promised, based upon our faith, that we have the hope of heaven. May we all Praise God!, and then, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you are disqualified” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

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