Monday Mini-Messages Archive 2013

Monday's Mini-Messages Archive 2013

12/30/13

James 2:19 - "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." It is not a belief in the existence of God that saves a person and results in them going to heaven, but rather trusting in the finished work of Jesus Christ for the atonement of one's sin.

12/23/13

Technically and practically the tomato is a fruit because it has seeds and is the mature ovary of the plant. However in the Nix vs. Hedden legal case heard by the US Supreme court in 1893 it was declared a vegetable, which meant taxes could be collected when tomatoes were imported. So, even though the tomato is technically a fruit, and practically a fruit, it is viewed as a vegetable because of a ...judicial decree. This is a wonderful example of a biblical truth as well. A man who puts his faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is technically and practically a sinner. He has always sinned and continues to sin. However, a judicial decree is made when he puts his faith in Jesus Christ and he is declared righteous by God. So, even thouh he is technically and practically a sinner, he is viewed by God as a saint (literally a holy one). "...Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Romans 4:3

12/16/13

1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The Greek word that is translated "confess" in this verse is homologeo. This word is formed from two other words: homo, meaning the same and logeo, meaning to say or speak. So, the literal definition would be to say the same thing. Thayer's Greek lexicon defines the word as to agree with, assent. So, according to this passage we must agree with God about our sin before it can be forgiven. Do we view our sin as God views it? Do we see it as awful as He does? Have we confessed it to Him?

12/09/13

Jesus said: "...Go, call thy husband..." John 4:16, "...go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and...come and follow me," Matthew 19:21, "...why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:4. In each instance Jesus dealt with the individuals main sin. The woman at the well was guilty of fornication, the rich young ruler was covetous and Saul of Tarsus was guilty of persecuting Christians. Jesus' actions reminds us of an important truth: None of us can be saved until we first recognize the fact that we are a sinner. After we do, then we can call upon Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin. What is your sin?

12/02/13

Hebrews 11:25 - "(Speaking of Moses) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" Sin is enticing, alluring, attractive and fun...for a season. But being a disciple of Jesus Christ involves restraint, discipline, self-denial and reproach. So naturally, most people will follow the easiest path with the least amount of discomfort and the most amount of instant gratification. However, that is not in our LONG TERM best interest. We must chose the narrow way in order to reap eternal rewards.

11/25/13

Hebrews 11:25 - "(Speaking of Moses) Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" Moses could have chosen the wealth, fame and power that came from being a son of Pharaoh. Likewise, he could have chosen the indulgence of a king and enjoyed all of the pleasures of sin. But, instead, he chose to suffer with the people of Israel. He exchanged the temporal for the eternal. Let us not be so short sighted that we partake in the pleasures of this life and lose out on eternal riches.

11/18/13

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Have you ever been denied access to an amusement park ride because you were not tall enough? Many rides will have a red mark indicating how tall you must be to ride. If you "miss the mark" you are denied access. The Greek word translated "sin" in the Bible literally means "miss the mark." And Romans 3:23 says ALL have missed God's mark/standard for righteousness, which means we do not meet the requirements for heaven. No one will every enter heaven on their own merits. However, God does give a means by which we can be justified (declared righteous) and it is by believing Jesus died for your sin, was buried and rose again.

11/11/13

Luke 8:11 - "Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." In the parable of the sower, the same seed is planted in four different types of soil, but only one type of soil produced fruit. Therefore, the lack of fruit was not the result of the seed, but of the soil. Jesus said the four different types of soil represents four different types of hearers. In one case the word of God is sown into someone's heart but it is neglected. In two cases the word is received with joy initially, but when persecution and the cares of this world come along, it causes the seed to be unfruitful. In the last instance the word of God is sown into someone's heart, received with joy and brings forth fruit. Which type of soil accurately describes you? Is your heart "good ground?" Are you receptive to the words of God?

11/04/13

Matthew 24:35-"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." In the late nineteenth century, a young farm boy traveled to town for the first time. As the boy walked with his father down the unpaved main street, he heard a loud clang ... clang ... clang. "What's that?" he asked his father. His father said, "Come, I'll show you," and took the boy to the door of the blacksmith's shop. There the boy saw a huge man lifting a big, heavy hammer high in the air, as if to chop down a tree, and then crashing it down on a glowing piece of metal on top of the anvil. The man hit the anvil so hard that it made the boy wince. The boy's father explained to him that the blacksmith made all kinds of metal pieces for wagons, carriages, plows, and tools. But the little boy was fixed on two things: the heavy hammer and the great metal anvil. They met each other with such a loud sound and with such force that the boy thought surely the anvil could not last long. The big, strong blacksmith paused for a moment to catch his breath, and saw the boy standing in the doorway. "Aren't you going to break that thing?" the boy asked, pointing at the anvil. The blacksmith smiled and said, "This anvil is a hundred years old and has worn out many hammers." Likewise, the Bible is an anvil that has worn out a thousand hammers. In every generation, new heavy "hammers" are forged against the truth of the Bible. Strong men and women use these hammers to pound on the Scriptures. People with no historical perspective--like little boys who've never been to town--see it and say, "Surely the Bible will be destroyed." But others who know their history a little better say, "This Bible was forged in the furnace of divine truth and has worn out many hammers."

10/28/13

Many books and articles have been written on the subject of success, attempting to explain what characteristics are necessary in order thrive in this life. And while the Bible would define success much differently than your average self-help book, it does speak of success. Notice one key element in being a success in the eyes of God: Joshua 1:8 - "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." In addition, Psalm 1 describes the blessed man as one who delights "in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." The Bible is instrumental in being spiritually successfully. Therefore, it is important that we not neglect it.

10/21/13

If you knew each time you opened your Bible you would find a $20 bill, how often would you open it? It is safe to assume most of us would open our Bibles all day. The Bible says of itself that its contents are MORE valuable than gold and silver. Psalm 119:72 - "The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver." Psalm 19:10 - "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Do we believe God when He speaks of the value of the scriptures? If we do, it will be demonstrated by the amount of time we spend reading and studying it. If you put the teachings of the scriptures into practice in your life, you will discover how valuable they truly are.

10/14/13

Nehemiah 8:8 - "So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." The Bible teaches us to interpret it literally. Jesus viewed Adam, Eve, Lot, Noah, Jonah and others as historical figures. Likewise, He referenced Old Testament events, such as the creation of man, the flood in Noah's day, Jonah being swallowed by a whale and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as literal events. While some choose to interpret the Bible allegorically, rather than literally, this is not how the Bible instructs us to interpret it.

10/07/13

Matthew 4:4 - "But he answered and said, It is written..." In Matthew chapter four the devil tempts Jesus three different times and each time Jesus responds with the words, "It is written." He refuses to do what Satan tempts Him to do because of what the Bible says. Jesus not only viewed the scriptures as authoritative, but illustrated that they are our main line of defense against temptation. Therefore, it would behoove God's people to become very familiar with the Word of God! Psalm 119:11 - "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

09/30/13

Notice what else the Bible teaches about itself: Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, "...Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Job said something very similar in Job 23:12 when he wrote: "...I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Just as our physical bodies need food to sustain them, our souls need spiritual food to thrive. If a believer neglects the word of God, he becomes spiritually anemic and lacks the knowledge and strength to overcome the temptations he faces on a daily basis. Do we esteem the reading and studying of the Bible more highly than breakfast, lunch and supper?

09/23/13

Psalm 138:2 - "...for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name." Some of the names the Bible ascribes to God include: the Almighty, I Am (self-existent one), the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the only Potentate. And Philippians 2:10 says that at His name "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth." Clearly, His name is High and Holy. But notice Psalm 138:2 says He has magnified His word "ABOVE ALL THY NAME." Do we view the Bible as God does? Does it have an exalted position in our lives?

09/16/13

Luke 16:30-31 - "And he (Jesus) said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Occasionally someone will insist that if God would just do something miraculous or observable, they would believe in Him. However, Jesus said if someone will not receive the testimony of Moses and the prophets (the Bible), they would not believe even if someone rose from the dead. Unbelief is not due to a lack of evidence, but a lack of faith

09/09/13

Matthew 19:4 "...(Jesus) answered and said unto them, HAVE YE NOT READ, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female." How did Jesus view the scriptures? Seven times in the gospels when Jesus is asked a question He begins His answer with the words, "HAVE YE NOT READ." Jesus viewed the scriptures as authoritative in all areas of life. In John 5:39 He said, "Search the scriptures." In Matthew 22:29 He said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures." In Luke 10:25-26 Jesus was asked what must be done to inherit eternal life and He responded, "What is written in the law? how readest thou?" Are we following Jesus' example? Is the Bible our sole authority for faith (what we believe) and practice (how we behave)?

09/02/13

What does the Bible teach about itself? Acts 4:25 - "...(God) by the mouth of thy servant David hast said...(referring to Psalm 2)", Acts 28:25 - "Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet...(referring to Isaiah 6)," 2 Samuel 23:2 - "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." Mark 12:36 - "For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. (referring to Psalm 110)," Hebrews 3:7 - "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts...) (referring to Psalm 95)." Notice in each of these passages God is seen as the author of the scriptures, not the human instrument He used to pen them. Does our view of the scriptures match what the Bible teaches?

08/26/13

2 Peter 1:16 - "For we have not followed cunningly devised fables...but were eyewitnesses of his (Jesus) majesty...We have also A MORE SURE word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed..." What does the Bible teach about itself? In this passage Simon Peter states that he and the other disciples were eye witnesses of Jesus' majesty (referring to when Jesus was transformed before them in Matthew 17). However, this passage also indicates there is a MORE RELIABLE SOURCE THAN AN EYE WITNESS, which is the Bible. Does our view of the Bible match what the Bible teaches about itself? Do we put more confidence in what the Bible says than we do any other source of testimony?

08/19/13

2 Peter 1:21 - "For the prophecy (i.e. the Bible) came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." What does the Bible teach about itself? This verse explains the means by which God gave His word. He used holy men of God (Moses, David, Paul, John) to pen the scriptures, but the Holy Ghost guided them in such a way as to record exactly what He wanted them to record. Acts 1:16 is one of many passages which support this, "...this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake..." David's mouth was the instrument which God used, but the words were God's.

08/12/13

2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." What does the Bible teach about itself? This verse says ALL of scripture (Genesis to Revelation) is given by inspiration of God. The word "inspiration" (theopneustos) comes from two different Greek words: theos, which means God, and pneuma, which means to breathe. Therefore, the word literally means God breathed. So, if we allow the Bible to define our view of the scriptures, we will not pick and choose which parts we believe and which parts we do not, but we will treat the whole as the authoritative Word of God.

08/05/13

Genesis 3:1 - "...And he (Satan) said unto the woman, YEA, HATH GOD SAID," Satan's first recorded attack was an attack on the word of God. And these types of attacks have not ceased since then. Liberal theologians, skeptics, atheists and others have attempted to discredit God's revelation to mankind (i.e. the Bible) since it was given. In a recent news article an archeologist warned against a "belief that what's written in the Bible is accurate like a newspaper." This was inspite of the fact that what had just been unearthed in the Middle East appears to support exactly what the Bible says. In addition, I am sure there are many who would contend with his assertion that what is written in a newspaper is accurate! While people are at liberty to view the Bible however they want, over the next few weeks, I want to share with you what the Bible says about itself. Voltaire (1694-1778) once said, "One hundred years from my day there will not be a Bible in the earth except one that is looked upon by an antiquarian curiosity seeker." Today, Voltaire is dead, but the Bible lives on.

07/28/13

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." In the world there are multiple examples of how plant life and animals depend upon one another for their existence. For instance, squirrels eat acorns and other nuts from trees. They also bury them in the ground, intending to use them during the winter. But the squirrels either forget about some of their buried nuts, or don't need them, and they are left to grow. Wouldn't the squirrels and trees have needed to evolve at the same time for this mutually beneficial relationship to exist? Of course this is another intelligent design, and one of many evidences of a creator/designer.

07/22/13

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Certain pine trees require tremendous heat, such as heat from a forest fire, in order for their cones to open and release their seeds. They are called Serotinous cones. This unique characteristic aides in the reforestation after a fire. What an intelligent design! This is just one of thousands of evidences for a creator/designer in the universe.

07/15/13

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Each spring our yard is infested with maple seeds (we call them helicopters). Their unique shape and weight distribution causes them to spin in circles as they fall to the ground with the actual seed pointed downward. This increases the chances of the seed burrowing into the soil, taking root and growing. What an intelligent design! This is just one of thousands of evidences for a creator/designer in the universe.

07/08/13

Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Many flowers are bright colors, which attracts the bees and assists in the pollination process. What an intelligent design! This is just one of thousands of evidences for a creator/designer in the universe.

07/08/13

Matthew 1:18 - "...she was found with child..." The Bible never uses the word pregnant, but instead calls a woman "with child." If we believe the Bible, we must believe life begins at conception and therefore, when a child is aborted, it is the murder of an innocent being. Some contend they are personally against abortion, but don't believe in imposing their views on others. Even Joe Biden stated this in the most recent VP debate. But no one would allow a parent the liberty to decide whether or not to kill their 3 month old child. And likewise, we should not allow it just because the baby is in the womb. May God forgive us!

07/01/13

Galatians 4:29 - "But as then he that was born after the flesh (Ishmael) persecuted him that was born after the Spirit (Isaac), even so it is now." Verse 24 indicates the history of Isaac and Ishmael are also an allegory, demonstrating that those who teach a works Gospel have always persecuted those who teach a biblical gospel, which is that a sinner is saved by grace through faith. History bears this out as the Judizers persecuted early believers in the first centuries, Roman Catholics persecuted believers in the dark ages, many protestant churches persecuted believers during the reformation years, and the congregationalist churches, persecuted believers in the early colonies of America. This passage, as well as the whole chapter, demonstrates the unbiblical nature of anyone who adds anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ as a means of salvation.

06/17/13

Acts 20:31 - "...remember, that by the space of three years I (Paul) ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears." In verse 20 it warns, "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." Be wary of those who preach only "positive" themes and neglect to warn of false gospels, false christs and false spirits, as they are not preaching the whole counsel of God. They are watchmen with no trumpets, watch dogs, which don't bark and shepherds with no rod. Isaiaha 56:10 - His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber.

06/10/13

Galatians 3:21 - "Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." Most religions teach that heaven is obtained by keeping some set of rules or laws. However, the Bible says there is no set of rules that can make someone righteous. Instead, God imputes to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ when we place faith in His death, burial and resurrection. Galatians 3:24 - "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

06/03/13

Revelation 5:9 - "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;" This passage describes a future scene in heaven. Notice there will be people from every race, every ethnicity and every nation. BUT, they all get to heaven through the same narrow way. They will be there because of their faith in the sacrificial, substationary death of Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. Acts 4:12 - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

05/20/13

Romans 6:21 - "What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed..." When someone gets saved by placing their faith and trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ, they are ashamed of their old sinful behaviors. This is in stark contrast to the tendency of the natural man, who defends and excuses his sinful behavior.

05/06/13

Galatians 1:10 - "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." The following things would have been different, had Paul's goal been to please men, rather than God: 1) His gospel, vs. 11-12 (it would have been man centered rather than Christ centered, as men desire to play a part in their salvation), 2) His Ministry, vs. 12-16 (he would have continued to climb the religious corporate ladder, rather than humbly following Christ), 3) His actions, vs. 17-22 (He would have sought the approval of the disciples before fulfilling his calling) and 4) His Legacy, vs. 23 (We would know nothing of him today).

04/28/13

2 Kings 7:1 - "Then Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the LORD; Thus saith the LORD, To morrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel..." Due to a three year famine and the Syrian army having surrounded the city of Samaria, food prices were dramatically increased. However, God sent Elisha to proclaim that prices would "bottom out" within 24 hours. As Elisha proclaimed God's word, one man said, "Behold, if the LORD would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?" He doubted the Word of God and therefore, God allowed him to see the event unfold, but didn't allow him to participate (as he was killed by a stampede of people). Likewise, there are many people today who mock the gospel message and say, "It will never happen, It is a fairy tale and a figment of your imagination." As a result, they will see the spendors of heaven (at the Great White throne judgment), but not be allowed entrance. Believe God and His word, lest ye suffer such a fate.

04/21/13

Proverbs 19:20 - "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." When we refuse to hear and heed godly instruction, we are missing an opportunity to be wise. I often teach my children and congregation to listen to instruction regardless of who gave it, how they gave it or why they gave it. Because even if biblical instruction is given by a hypocrite with a mean spirit for the sake of causing you grief, you only hurt yourself if you ignore it.

04/21/13

Galatians 1:6 - "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another..." There are a number of truths to be learned from this passage. One is there is only one true gospel, and the gospel is defined in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 as "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:" Have you embraced the true gospel, believing Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again from the grave?

04/14/13

2 Timothy 3:16 - "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable..." The whole of scripture has been given to us by God, and it is ALL profitable for us. Whether it be negative or positive, makes us feel good or bad, or we agree with it or not. Paul said in Acts 20:27, "For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God."

04/14/13

1 Timothy 6:9 - "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." I preached a message a couple of weeks ago from this text entitled, "The Anti-Prosperity Gospel!" While some bible teachers promote the Prosperity Gospel (also called the Health and Wealth gospel), it would NOT be in the best interest of most believers to become wealthy. Because this would invite many new temptations, snares and hurtful lusts into our lives (Just ask Tiger Woods.) 1 Timothy 6:5 describes these false teachers in this way: "...supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." Jesus told the rich young ruler in Matthew 10:21 to "...sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. Obviously, the purpose in Following Christ is not to become rich! "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2.

04/01/13

1 Corinthians 15:14 - "And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain." What if what we (disciples of Jesus) believe is not true? If Jesus Christ did not rise from the grave, then He is not the Son of God as He claimed, and our faith is vain, our life is based on a false hope and when the we die we will not be taken into the presence of heaven, but simply cease to exist. BUT what if the atheist is wrong and Jesus did arise? Then Jesus is the Son of God as He claimed, and they are rejecting their only hope of eternal salvation and when they die, they will spend an eternity separated from God in the lake of fire.

03/25/13

2 Timothy 2:25 - "In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" While it is very discouraging for Christians to have watched our culture transform from a biblically based one to one that is secular and pagan, the way to bring it back is not through the means of legislation. We must win people to Jesus Christ and teach the Bible so effectively that people voluntarily embrace the Biblical culture once again.

03/18/13

Proverbs 29:18 - "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." This appears to be one of the most misunderstood passages in the Bible. The confusion is most often due to people forcing a modern definition upon the word "vision," rather than applying a biblical meaning of the word. Hebrews 1:1 explains that in the past God communicated His will to men in many different ways, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past..." In the Old Testament God revealed His will to men by the means of prophets, trances, dreams and VISIONS! Therefore, in this verse "vision" does not refer to a person with a plan (i.e. a visionary, in the modern sense), but instead, it refers to the will, and word of God. When we understand the nature of Hebrew poetry the verse becomes even clearer. Hebrew poetry does not have rhyming words, but instead it has parallel (and sometimes contrasting) thoughts. Therefore, the last half of the verse is repeating the same truth in a slightly different way. "BUT he that keepeth the law..." is another way of saying "vision." So, it is not visionaries with a new plan or method we need in the pulpits of our churches, but faithful teachers of the Word of God. Otherwise, people perish!

03/11/13

Hebrews 11:31 - "By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies..." When the city of Jericho was destroyed, only Rehab and her family survived. They were spared as a result of Rehab's faith in what God revealed about Israel and her city's destruction. Her faith in God's word is illustrated by the fact that she hid the spies. Likewise, those who put their faith in what God has revealed to us concerning our sin and His Son Jesus Christ will be spared from the coming judgment. And the way we act should also demonstrate that we believe what God has promised.

03/04/13

"God's plan for the family and home had a greater motive behind it than just procreation. The husband-wife relationship pictures Christ and the church. ‘Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church,' Ephesians 5:25. How did He love the church, anyway? He died for it when it was ugly and wicked...Most men love their wives when they love them. When they fix a good supper, when they do their laundry and fold it nicely and put it in their drawers. Then they love their wife. Husbands you are called upon in the scriptures to love your wife if (she) spits in your face. Because that is what we did to God" -Pastor Bill Hendricks

03/04/13

Numbers 24:11 - "...I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour." Balack refused to reward or promote Balaam because he did not say what he wanted him to say (Balack wanted him to curse Israel). Likewise, when a preacher today restricts his preaching to that which is contained in the Word of God, rather than what is popular with man, he finds himself unrespected by the world. But a preacher's primary objective is not the respect of the world, but the approval of God. And be of good cheer brethren, God's promotion will be greater than anything this world has to offer.

02/25/13

Deuteronomy 8:15-16 - Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness...that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; Sometimes God's people may feel like the younger generation of Israel who came out of Egypt. They wandered around in the wilderness for 40 years, seemingly accomplishing very little. Perhaps you feel like God is not using you and you are going around in circles. Be of comfort, just as God eventually led Israel into the promised land, God intends to "do thee good" in the latter end as well. But first He must prove thee.

02/25/13

My Pastor once told me we always wonder whether or not we are making a difference or influential, but he said these are not really good questions to ask. He made that statement in passing and did not elaborate, but it had a tremendous impact upon me. The problem with these types of questions is they focus on self rather than Christ. So, instead of asking such questions, may we learn to die to self, avail ourselves to Christ, and allow Him to use us however He chooses. Then He receives the glory! Galatians 2:20 - "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..."

02/18/13

Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Before ever presenting the gospel message of salvation by faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the book of Romans spends three chapters addressing the subject of sin. Likewise, before God sent His Son into the world, He gave the Old Testament law that sin "might become exceeding sinful" (Romans 7:13). These are important lessons for us today, as no one can ever be saved until they first realize they are a sinner.

02/11/13

Song of Solomon 2:5 - "...I am sick of love." The phrase "sick of love" is equivalent to our modern phrase "love sick," and is found twice in the Song of Solomon. This book of the Bible is a love story between a shepherd boy and a shulamite girl, and throughout the book we see two characteristics of people who are "sick of love:" 1) They cannot stand to be apart, and 2) They are consumed with one another. One application of this book of the Bible is to a believer's love for Christ. Are our thoughts consumed with Jesus Christ and is being apart from Him (either physically or by not being in His Word and in prayer) unbearable? Happy Valentines Day!

02/04/13

2 Chronicles 18:7 - "And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil:" King Ahab hated the prophet Micaiah, not because he spoke lies, but because he spoke the truth. And sometimes the truth is hard to hear.

02/04/13

Mark 6:12 - "And they went out, and preached that men should repent." One preacher defined repentance as self condemnation. Has there been a time in your life where you have condemned yourself because of your sin, realizing you deserve the judgment of God? And in such a state did you call upon the Lord asking him to forgive you, believing He died in your place and took your punishment? If you have not, I implore you to consider the teachings of the scriptures and the claims of Jesus. If you will judge yourself, you will escape the judgment of God.

01/28/13

John 3:19 - "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." Dr. George Wald, Nobel Prize winner and professor emeritus of biology at Harvard University said, "I do not want to believe in God. Therefore I choose to believe in that which I know is scientifically impossible, spontaneous generation arising to evolution." The reason some people reject the Bible is NOT because they cannot believe, nor is it due to a lack of evidence, but rather it is because of their sin and an unwillingness to repent of it.

01/21/13

Exodus 21:16 - "And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death." Exodus 22:3 - "...he (a thief) should make full restitution; if he have nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft." Skeptics and antagonists of the Bible will often attempt to discredit it in the minds of people by suggesting it supports the practice of forced slavery. However, this is inaccurate. In truth, the Bible prescribes the death penalty for someone caught stealing and selling another individual. However, there are reasons why someone might rightly find themselves in servitude. One reason is given in Exodus 22:2, in order to pay a debt for your crime.

01/14/13

Some theologians hold to the belief of universalism, which teaches all men are saved and will be allowed by God to enter heaven (except maybe the most vile criminals). Likewise, most people assume they will enter heaven upon their death. However, Jesus teaching in Matthew 7:13-14 contradicts this type of thinking: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY THERE BE which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE that find it." According to Jesus, most people are not on their way to heaven. Instead, they are on the broad way which leads to destruction. 2 Corinthians 13:5 - "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;"

01/21/13

01/14/13

01/07/13

I am not nearly as concerned with whether or not prayer and Bible reading is exercised in public schools as I am with whether or not they are being exercised in the home. Deuteronomy 6:7 - "And thou shalt teach them (God's words) diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." If a parent is to succeed with their children spiritually (in the eyes of God), they are going to have to teach them the Bible.

LISTEN

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Monday's Mini-Messages Archive 2013

12/30/13

12/23/13

12/16/13

12/09/13

12/02/13

11/25/13

11/18/13

11/11/13

11/04/13

10/28/13

10/21/13

10/14/13

10/07/13

09/30/13

09/23/13

09/16/13

09/09/13

09/02/13

08/26/13

08/19/13

08/12/13

08/05/13

07/28/13

07/22/13

07/15/13

07/08/13

07/08/13

07/01/13

06/17/13

06/10/13

06/03/13

05/20/13

05/06/13

04/28/13

04/21/13

04/21/13

04/14/13

04/14/13

04/01/13

03/25/13

03/18/13

03/11/13

03/04/13

03/04/13

02/25/13

02/25/13

02/18/13

02/11/13

02/04/13

02/04/13

01/28/13

01/21/13

01/14/13

01/21/13

01/14/13

01/07/13