-
My best friend Immanuel – audio sermon
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother, and His name is Immannuel. That was one of Jesus Christ’s prophetic names (Mt 1:23) meaning “God with us” and Colossians 1:27 also speaks of “Christ in you” to the Christian, and it is He who we are to know (Jn 17:3). Though much more could be said, the Christian faith which is now splintered into so many sects that cannot agree on what the Bible exactly teaches on various hot-button issues is supposed to be lived in, and taught by Immanuel.
-
Jesus said ‘come to Me’ as little children – audio sermon
The gospels record several instances in which Jesus Christ told His followers to “come to Me” – with the implication being that they also stay with Him – as little children. The relationship of abiding in the Lord is first spiritual, from the inward depths of a person. Shallow or false religiosity may go a long way in duplicating the outward appearance of a Christian life, but God who deals with our spirits by His Spirit is satisfied by nothing less than authentic spirit-to-Spirit relationship. His goal is to restore us to Himself, in love, and by so doing create a testimony and witness that cannot be falsified by the…
-
How Christians both ‘don’t’ and ‘do’ have to do ‘works’
The subject of “works” has been a confusing and fought-over subject since before Martin Luther offered his doctor’s cap for whoever could reconcile Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. – Romans 3:28 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. – James 2:24
-
The Church of Jesus Christ and the Ephesian Epistle – Audio
The church that Jesus would build is hidden in plain sight in the words of scripture. While today people cannot even agree if the scriptures themselves are valid, or what the church in our times ought to look like, the Bible says God knows! A valid church is one Jesus builds (Ps. 127:1) – by His Spirit – to the praise of His glory! There is both the universal church comprised of all Christians everywhere, and the local assemblies – and indeed, the epistles were written to local assemblies, such as the one in Ephesus (depicted in picture above). May the Lord bless you!
-
Where is the testimony of the Christians?
Where is the testimony of the Christians as told of in God’s Word? Who truly represents the kingdom of God in its fullness? What is represented to the world that should even be very compelling for citizens of the world to leave what the world offers and come join with the Christians? A kingdom that is only in word and not in power? A house of mediocrity? Jesus said that we should have an overwhelming love (Jn 13:34.35) and unity (Jn 17:20-23) and spirit and way about us that would be called light. Are Christians and their assemblies supposed to eye “the mark?” (Phil 3:14) How do they define “the…
