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Suicide: Never a good idea, even for depressed Christians!
No matter who you are, no matter what you are experiencing right now, nothing is worth throwing your life away in suicide. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and – while it was not God’s intent, and He does have the solution – even troubled Christians can think about ending their life for one reason or another. There are a host of reasons why a person would want to die by their own hand and we’ll look at some of the root motives of the heart that can play a part, but let it be said from the outset suicide is a sin. Suicide, bluntly put, is inspired by demons, not God,…
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Love your neighbor (effectively) as yourself
If you are a Christian, then this is a simple question for you: Do you believe that those who die outside of the Lord go to hell? And if you do believe this as the scriptures say, does that move you to always be aware of this reality in your dealings with others? Do you see this reality clearly? Is it clear as crystal all the time for you? Do you see people as the Lord Jesus sees them? Did you know it is not only possible, but it is a command, and vital, and is not an option? This is about life and death. We are alive today, and…
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How can I really know what the Bible teaches?
Is your church “Bible based?” It is not uncommon to hear a person offer an enthusiastic invitation that goes something like: “Our church only teaches what the Bible teaches,” or, “Our pastor is terrific, he teaches straight from the Bible!” This sounds good, and in so far as the Bible is taught under the direction and power of God’s Holy Spirit, it is. The sad fact is this sentiment is repeated by people from assemblies which disagree between one another on what the Bible specifically means on various matters. In many cases, serious matters. More do agree on the fundamentals, but the details are like spices that season the soup,…
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What Manner of spirit are you of?
It’s no secret that the Christian faith has splintered into thousands of denominations and sub-groups, each effectively saying God has shown them how to live and express their faith. Beyond this, how people’s characters come across varies immensely, and this article will also look at that, particularly in this day where so many express themselves in ways that do not always represent God in them. The original apostles tried to prevent schismatic conditions, instead advocating “unity of the spirit,” and so today – with us taking a pivotal phrase spoken by Jesus from Luke 9:55 – a core question is “what manner of spirit” are you of? Jesus asked this…
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How Christians May Pray Deeper
The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:19 God is love, and He loves you. Whether you are His disciple in Christ, or not, He listens and weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart of every person (Acts 10). The following however are bedrock principles, and this is primarily a message to Christians … To His followers, both Jesus and the apostles after Him said prayer is pivotal. Growth in God and therefore learning to keep to His will means praying, and we who are born again may do so on a certain basis.
