When a person places faith in the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ as their only means of salvation, they are saved (John 3:14-19, 36; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5; Galatians 2:16; John 5:24; Acts 16:30-31; Titus 3:5). At the moment of salvation, a person receives the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9; Titus 3:5-6; … Continue reading The Fruits of Saving Faith
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Forty Years of Bricks
I am not a fan of what the rest of the world calls “football.” I cannot tell you the score of any game played during the World Cup. However, I do love America, and I have loved seeing hundreds of short reels from people around the world talking about how great America is. I’ve watched … Continue reading Forty Years of Bricks
Signs of Backsliding
The story of the Prodigal Son is the go-to story of a backslider in the Bible. The man demands his inheritance early. Dad gives it to him, and he is off to the party life. Wine, woman, and song become the norm. Eventually, the money runs out, and the fellow finds himself working on a … Continue reading Signs of Backsliding
The Call
I’ve written a lot recently, encouraging Christians to follow the steps in Romans 12:1-2 to “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Those steps are being a living sacrifice to God, not being conformed to this world, and being transformed by the renewing of your mind. I’ve been asked, “What … Continue reading The Call
Church
Countryside Baptist celebrated its forty-first anniversary yesterday. The church started on the first Sunday of May 1985. Bill Howard was the original Pastor, and I came along ten years later. It was a wonderful day! We had a slideshow with pictures going all the way back to the beginning, presented gifts to the congregation, and … Continue reading Church
The Importance of the Cross
About once a quarter, our local fairgrounds hosts a "Vendors and Yard Sale Day," where both professionals and locals rent spaces to sell their items. Our church will often acquire space at these events. We don’t sell a thing; we give things away. In December, we gave away ten different styles of tree ornaments that … Continue reading The Importance of the Cross
It All Melts
For the most part, everyone wants to keep their stuff. Yes, there are those people of whom we say, “He’d give his shirt off his back if someone asked for it.” This is true of some people, but in reality, the percentage of people willing to give up everything is quite small. We had a … Continue reading It All Melts
Will America Do What’s Needed?
Mark 3:24-26, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.” All of us should pay attention to every word God says, but … Continue reading Will America Do What’s Needed?
How Does God Feel About Israel & The Jews
Antisemitism is on the rise throughout the world, even in Christian circles. Since the Jews have been hated throughout history, at least some of what appears to be an increase is nothing more than hidden feelings finally rising to the surface. As Christians, we should look to God for answers to everything in life. What … Continue reading How Does God Feel About Israel & The Jews
Spiritual Influence
Have you ever wondered what the world was like before Christianity? For us Christians, we have the Old Testament, and we can read how God interacted with Israel and the Hebrew people. We see a little about what life was like in Babylon and Egypt as we read of the Jews being slaves. The Old … Continue reading Spiritual Influence
Preacher's Point 