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Showing posts from October, 2014

Open Your Eyes

Acts 4:12 " And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."             Too often you see in society and in the church those who idolize people because of their social or economic status.  Also, there are those in society and in the church whom enjoy being idolized. Many are idolized because of either financial, social, political, economic, or "spiritual" power/influence.             Those who obtain such status may not be required to provide credentials to establish trust but provide false promises or unsustainable "entitlements" (false salvation) which entertain the selfishness of those they seek recognition.             Paul knew that having an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus could provide true salvation of which is sustained through eternity by the power of Christ's death and resurrection. Remember, we are not of the world but in it, Joh

Adopted By Faith

Mark 3:35 "For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother."             It is fitting that this passage would be found in the book of Mark.  Mark "lived" out his faith in Christ.  He was a true servant.  Christ was talking to the Galileans helping them to understand how to identify genuine believers. Mark tells how Christ fulfilled His calling even in the midst of those who would judge Him and even one day call for His persecution.             Notice in the verse above, Jesus says, "whoever does the will of God", who we know was His father.  James 7:20 "So then, you will know them by their fruit". Life does not exist without evidence.  Saying something exists without evidence of its existence is very difficult to validate. Being one who cannot validate what is said is not considered credible.  James 2:26 "So just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead". I understan

Christ is your Anchor

Isaiah 26:4 " Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock".             Isaiah describes that God is interested in saving or "rescuing" His people. God is the head of a very large rescue team, the body of Christ. As team members, we must have a mature, intimate relationship with our leader and with each other. Why?  Relationship develops opportunity to learn of each other and develop trust in the ability of each member of the team and the leader of the team.             As a former firefighter-paramedic I understand when rescuing someone hanging out the window of a burning building, dangling on the face of a mountain cliff, or trapped in the confines of a deep shaft, the rope and anchor to which my harness is tied to must be strong and unmovable.              Isaiah is telling us that we can rest in the assurance that God is that strong, immovable rock, our anchor.  It is your responsibility, as part of the team, to know

This is Discipleship

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Complete in Mind

1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment."             Denominational and cultural divides within the body of Christ are a result of man's pride.  This scripture identifies Christ's intention to bring unity in the body. Paul got it. Why did man fall away?  Possibly due to the lost influence and discipline of the Apostles whom brought accountability to the early church. Paul's influence was Spirit led. He was not leaning on his own understanding.             We must, through an intimate, genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, surrendered and submitted to Him, understand His desire to use us to again bring unity through discipline.  The body is not complete without it.              RELATIONSHIP!  Bite into that and chew.  Savor the flavor of that concept in your life. Let it n