We have just observed Independence Day in our nation. We hear a lot about Christian independence. The truth is, we are not absolutely independent, nor should we desire to be. There is a sovereign God in Heaven and we have an obligation to Him. Personally, I am glad to be dependent upon God.
I believe our passage teaches the proper candidate for baptism, the proper mode of baptism, and the proper purpose of baptism. Indeed, we will discover the essential element of salvation.
A man should earn respect and merit honor. He can do so by being moral, by possessing integrity, and by being godly. It is my objective, once again, to teach on this subject so that we all might be honorable.
Each of us is either presently facing a dilemma of our own, or we have faced a dilemma in the past. The question arises, "How can we have peace in the midst of the storm?" My objective is for us to see how the psalmist reacts to whatever is burdening his heart, and why.
Our text deals with some of the details while Jesus was on the cross. Much of this is familiar ground. Therefore, I do not wish to focus on the events which unfold, rather, I would like to emphasize a common thread found in the text.
With Memorial Day upon us, we remember our military dead. Those who gave their lives in service to our country. I would also like to use this occasion to cause us to remember Jesus, Who died for us.
Someone sent out an email warning the readers of the coming of the "mark of the beast." If these things are true, there is good reason for the Christian to be concerned. It does call for a reality check. I wish to address the passage of Scripture and consider the "mark of the beast."
We are told in this text to give honor to whom honor is due. I plan to point out some areas of life, whereby, if you do well, you shall earn respect and gain the honor due. Since this is Mother's Day, I will direct my thoughts toward the ladies present. (I will speak to the men in like fashion on Father's Day.)
You might think you are good in the eyes of God. You think your heart is clean. But is it? By itself, your heart may appear pure. It looks to be white and clean. I challenge you to lay it beside the heart of God for a comparison. If you do, you will find that your "white" is not so white after all. How clean is your heart? My text addresses this subject.
It is proper for every Christian, on a regular basis, to look within and take a personal audit. To give themselves a job performance review, as it were. To ask the Lord, "How am I doing?" My objective is that you will do so today.