The sovereignty of God is a mysterious doctrine because it brings us face to face with the problem of evil and free will. If God is sovereign, why is there evil in the universe? If man has free will, how can God be sovereign? Christians have debated these questions for centuries. Suffice it to say that God is sovereign and you are truly responsible for all the choices you make. Often we won’t understand how they work together, but they do. When we embrace this truth, we have the true freedom—and peace that comes with it—to stop trying to be God and let Him direct our lives.
Text: Daniel 4We are called to be a kingdom of people living in a foreign land, representing the King himself in a world that thought it best to crucify him. In his long absence we are called to stand in his place, taking care of his interests, spreading his Word, and inviting others to join his cause. This is a high and noble calling: Let us live so that no one will be surprised to discover who it is we represent.
Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12Do you believe it was just a myth? Do you think Jesus somehow staged his own death and then faked his resurrection? Why did the Jews concoct a plot while Jesus was still dead? Why were they so afraid? Why were the grave clothes left in such an odd position? If he didn’t rise from the dead, what happened to his body? These are the questions you need to think about. After you are through, then it’s time to make up your own mind. When Jesus stood before Pilate he declared, “Everyone on the side of truth listens to me” (John 18:37). Whose side are you on?
Text: Matthew 28:11-15We aren’t called to save the world. But we are called to make a difference. We can’t do everything. But we can do something. And what we can do, we ought to do. That’s what being salt and light is all about.
Text: Matthew 5:13-16Some of us need to consider this beatitude very carefully. It’s not that’s we’ve said anything against Jesus. We really haven’t said anything at all. We’ve gone along and gotten along. We’re whittled down the sharp edges of our faith so we’re no longer like square pegs in round holes. Some of us “fit” too snugly in the holes of the world.
Text: Matthew 5:10-12In Acts 17 Luke talks about Paul’s visit to Thessalonica and how Paul had great success until the Jewish opponents began to spread rumors and stir up the rabble of the town. Many were saying, “These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also.” What a great thing to have said about you—that you managed to turn the world upside town. I can’t think of a greater compliment for a Christian! How did they do it? Acts 17 records the fact; I Thessalonians 2 gives us the answer.
Text: I Thessalonians 2:1-12God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. What will you give to the world that He loved? Will you give your money? Will you give your vacation next year? Will you give a meal for an international student? Will you give the time it takes to write a letter? Will you give a year or two years or thirty years? Will you give your son or your daughter?
Text: Exodus 4Lift your eyes from the trivial pursuits of life, and you will see a world filled with people who are dying of thirst. They’re empty. They’re broken. They’re lonely. They’re confused. They’re misled by a million false voices. And they are all around you. Waiting, hoping, praying that someone will show them a better way.
Text: John 4:35-38When you do a good job, you are serving Jesus Christ just as much as a missionary on the other end of the earth. The other side is also true. When you cheat your boss and do poor, shoddy work, when you’re lazy, when you show up late, when you’re not respectful, conscientious, sincere and eager, you are sinning against God just as much as the cheapest thief on the street.
Text: Ephesians 6:5-9In 1990, Life Magazine published an article naming the 100 most significant individuals of the 20th century. Many of the […]
Text: Romans 7:7-13