“Abstain from all appearance of evil.”1 Thessalonians 5:22 This is a tough verse for me. First, it is not talking about abstaining from evil, which is difficult enough, but from the very appearance of evil. This can be quite subjective as well. What we call “cussing” is socially constructed (outside of taking the Lord’s name… Continue reading The Appearance of Evil
Tag: Christianity
Freedom in Christ
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”Galatians 5:1 Society tells us that Christianity is restrictive; it focuses on what NOT to do. Society tells us that freedom is doing whatever you want. God tells us that true freedom is in… Continue reading Freedom in Christ
When the Building Falls
2 Corinthians 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." I believe wholeheartedly that if my church building crumbled tomorrow, we would meet in a field somewhere. That is because we have become… Continue reading When the Building Falls
Become All Things for God
1 Corinthians 9:20 "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God,… Continue reading Become All Things for God
Be Warned
“I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.”1 Corinthians 4:14 Evangelistic Christians who openly discuss their faith often cause shame in the listener. This is one reason why street preaching, door knocking, and hard preaching are so abhorred in our sinful society. We Christians are motivated to… Continue reading Be Warned
Professing Wisdom is Foolish
Photo from inc.com Romans 1:22 "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" In a world in which every average person with an opinion (including Simmons' Opinions) has a blog, YouTube channel, or podcast, this is one of those verses that really hits home for me. During my time as a graduate student, I was… Continue reading Professing Wisdom is Foolish
Facing Social Rejection
Acts 21:13 "Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." Paul was warned that the Jews were looking to arrest him. They implored Paul to stay away from… Continue reading Facing Social Rejection
Knowing the Unknown God
Acts 17:23 "For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, To The Unknown God. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you." The Greeks and Romans were polytheists - as were many ancient cultures. However, they still had room for a "god" that they did… Continue reading Knowing the Unknown God
Eliminating Differences
Acts 15:9 "And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith." "Us" are the Jews and "them" are the Gentiles. Peter is saying that when "we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they" (verse 11). Salvation eliminates our social, racial, gender,… Continue reading Eliminating Differences
Speak Boldly
Acts 9:29 "And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him." After Paul's conversion, he almost immediately began preaching. The Grecians of this day were Greeks, but also Jews who spoke Greek. Paul was also a Greek speaking Jew, so he… Continue reading Speak Boldly
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