Some of the most thrilling entertainment are death-defying stunts. However, the terms “Adrenaline Junkie” and “Fool” can often be applied to the same person. Is it possible to risk your life for something and not be labeled a fool?
Some of the most thrilling entertainment are death-defying stunts. However, the terms “Adrenaline Junkie” and “Fool” can often be applied to the same person. Is it possible to risk your life for something and not be labeled a fool?
It has been said that everyone ages, but not everyone matures; everyone grows older, but not everyone grows up. The same is true spiritually. But God’s desire is for us to grow up spiritually; to mature in our walk with Him. Are you pursuing God with an intentional, passionate hunger that will feed you spiritually and cause you to grow and mature in your faith?
Jesus told the most religious people in Jerusalem that even though they diligently studied the Scriptures, they still did not have the very life of which the Scriptures spoke. How is that possible? It’s possible because we can read the Bible, go to church and do all kinds of religious things, yet still completely miss Jesus! You may be religious, but have you ever come to Jesus to find the life, forgiveness and hope that only He provides?
“Follow Me.” This is the call Jesus extended to four simple fishermen along the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Little did those young men know what that call would entail, but their obedience forever changed their lives and ultimately changed the world. How do you respond when Jesus calls you to put Him above everything and everyone else and follow Him wherever He may lead?
As John the Apostle writes to his beloved children in Ephesus, he desires to stir their hearts into remembering their beginnings; when they first believed in the Lord Jesus for salvation; when they first received the gospel in faith. But why is it so important to be reminded of our beginnings in the gospel? Do we have any control for how much the gospel affects us now compared to when we first believed?
Have you ever admired a professional athlete at the top of their game and thought, “I wish that could be me. They’re so lucky!” But luck has nothing to do with it. What we fail to realize is that anyone who achieves great things in life has invested years in training, hard work and sacrifice. The Bible says if we want to grow in godliness, we will have to discipline ourselves to get there. Are you willing to pay the price?
What would you do differently if you knew you only had one year to live? This is not a hypothetical question. What if you really knew your life would end one year from today? What plans would you change, what relationships would you mend, what values would you embrace? Now, imagine the kind of difference your life could make if you started living that way today!
When Jesus was born 2,000 years ago, people reacted in very different ways to Him. Some were threatened by Him, like King Herod. Others, like Simeon, welcomed His arrival. And Jesus still evokes the same two responses today. People either reject Him or receive Him, and which one you choose will make all the difference in your life. How have you responded to Jesus?
Why should you take your hard-earned money and give part of it away? That is a valid question that needs to be asked, and today we will look into the Bible to see if we can find any valid answers. If there are no good reasons to give, then let’s not do it. But if there are good reasons, then let’s commit to becoming joyful, generous givers to the Lord!
The Bible clearly commands us to be generous, joyful givers of all that God has given to us, but exactly how much are we supposed to give? In the Old Testament, God demanded a 10% tithe, but is that still true for us as New Testament Christians? What really is the standard of giving for us as followers of Christ, and is it actually possible to become a joyful giver rather than a disgruntled one? Everyone has their opinion on this matter, but find out what the Bible really says!
It doesn’t matter how much knowledge we have about the Bible if we’re not living it out in daily obedience. The real test of what we believe comes in whether or not we are willing to step out and follow God wherever He leads us. Are we eager to respond when God calls us to follow Him into the unknown, and are we prepared to let go of anything that would hold us back from a life of total surrender to Him?
Jesus made it unmistakably clear that it was impossible to follow Him without a cost. But too often we think of the ‘cost’ in terms of something that probably only applies to other people, not to us. This kind of thinking has caused the weight of the Great Commission to fall on the shoulders of a few, while the majority simply stand by and look on. The fact is, the mission of Christ will never be carried out without a high cost. Are you willing to be a part of it?