What is Your Life? Part 3 Introduction Several years ago, someone turned the word, “Bible” into an acronym and it stands for: Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth. This couldn’t be a truer statement and I used it, once, for a sermon outline. Solomon wrote, Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, “I have no pleasure in them” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). If we become a Christians at a young age, instead of waiting for retirement, we can utilize our life in preparation of eternity. At the conclusion of chapter 12 it states, Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Keeping God’s commandments is what makes up the Christian. The more time we give ourselves, the more ready we will be for the Day of Judgment.   ...

    Introduction Certain people obtain a reputation, whether warranted or not, that when they walk into a room, someone would say, “Here comes trouble.” Sometimes it’s a child, who causes problems or creates a commotion constantly. Or it might just be an innocent child who has the look of mischief on their face. Then, there are those who see Christians as troublemakers as they want everything done by the book (God’s word) and seemingly disrupt the general flow of things or, what they’d call, the “balance of normalcy”. But, it’s usually because they want what’s best for people who’d rather be left alone. The scriptures gives us a few examples of God’s people who were deemed troublemakers.   O Troubler of Israel In 1 st Kings 18, we read the story known as the Mount Carmel Victory. Elijah, God’s prophet goes up against the 450 prophets of Baal in a contest of which god is the true one. In verse 17, when he comes to see King Ahab, the King’s response is, “Is tha...

  What is Your Life? Part 2   Introduction A lot of people don’t realize that once you become a Christian, Satan works that much harder against because you’re no longer his and he wants you back. You become a target of the devil on a daily basis, and he won’t stop until he wins, or you die in the faith (Rev. 2:10). Of course, when you see a typical image of what is supposed to be the devil, you know that if you were to see someone, or something, like that, you would avoid them at all costs. But the devil doesn’t look anything like that; in fact, no one know what he looks like at all and that’s what makes it that much more challenging. The apostle Peter warns us, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Knowing your adversary is one of the best ways to defend against him.   The Devil has 3 Main Weapons The apostle Paul warns us of Satan’s devices, lest Satan should take...

    Introduction We are familiar with the story of the Rich Young Ruler; the man who came to Jesus wanting to do more to obtain everlasting life. However, when he learned what he had to do (give up his wealth), he chose not to do so. At one point, the apostle Paul had it all, but unlike him, he gave it up as rubbish. This article will focus on his statement in Philippians and what we can learn from it.   Paul’s Boast In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul talked about all that he had as some, like those in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:18). Here’s what he said, though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless (Philippians 3:4-6). But he wasn’t boasting or brag...

  What is Your Life? Part 1   Introduction From the moment you are born to the day you die; your life is essentially yours to do as you please. You are, after all, a freewill agent. However, if you wish to please the Lord you will live your life according to His word. As Jesus states, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21). Since God gave you your life, as a gift, it would make sense that you would want to please Him who created you in the first place. But not everyone sees it that way.   In the Garden We’re all familiar with the Garden of Eden story; creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, etc. But we sometimes just skim over the story as we’ve learned it since we were children and can give a decent summary of those stories. Sometimes we need to stop and focus for a bit on that which we already know and get a better appreciation for it. For example, T...

    Series Introduction Many of us recall the old reality TV series called, “This is Your Life” starring Ralph Edwards as the host. Each week, celebrities would be brought on and people from their past would appear and share an anecdote about that individual. Perhaps a third-grade teacher, a football coach, or a boss from their first job. It's heartfelt memories and shared experiences of friends and family. The bible asks a very poignant question in Jas. 4:14, what is your life? Here’s a brief answer to this question...   Four Aspects of Your Life It’s a gift from God. James writes, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17) We should be thankful every day as we wake up that God has given us another day to live.   It’s a target for the Devil. As Peter warns, Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a...