Skip to content

Faith

Never Lost: The True Gospel Survived Every Attempt at Apostasy

gospel
via Pexels | Pixabay.com

As I prepared to write an article this past week, I saw a quote which resulted in the original topic being put on the shelf, and this article about the true gospel being penned instead. The quote comes from an essay entitled “Ecclesial Deism,” written by Bryan Cross, a former Protestant who converted to Catholicism. In his essay, he wrote:

The Mormons believed that the true gospel was recovered in the early nineteenth century by Joseph Smith. I believed, as a Reformed Protestant, that the true gospel was recovered in the early sixteenth century by Martin Luther.

Even Among The Rulers – Jewish Leaders Who Believed

Jewish Religious leaders
via Gemini

The apostle John, recording a discourse of Jesus before the people of Judea stated:

…even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue… (John 12:42)

The religious leaders of the Jews are often portrayed as a crowd of unbelievers, and rightly so, for that was the manner of most. And yet, John speaks of some who did believe in Jesus. As we look in the gospel accounts, we will see occasional references to these rulers who believed, most of whom did not openly display their faith in the Lord.

Jephthah’s Vow: A Promise Made to the Lord

Jephthah gave his word
via StockSnap | Pixabay.com

The words in our title today were spoken by Jephthah, a judge in Israel. This man made a foolish vow to the LORD, stating,

If You will indeed deliver the people of Ammon into my hands, then it will be that whatever comes out of the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the people of Ammon, shall surely be the LORD’s; and I will offer it up as a burnt offering. (Judges 11:30-31)

Book Burning in Acts 19: An Act of Repentance

burning
via Movidagrafica | Pixabay.com

We noted last week that the burning of books has a long history, and has particularly been associated with protest or disapproval of religious movements. We concluded such an action to be unwise at best, and perhaps sinful at worst. Burning books is a sure way to burn bridges of communication, and results in the perpetuation of hate rather than the pursuit of peace. This form of burning books has no place in the Christian’s activities.

The Spiritual Water Cycle: How the Bible Produces Growth in You

water cycle
via gpm.nasa.gov/education/water-cycle

Hydrogeology is the science of water cycle and distribution through the earth. Consider a simple description of the cycle:

  1. The ground is watered by the falling rain and snow;
  2. The water runs off into the oceans by the river system;
  3. Then the water returns to the sky by the process of evaporation.

With the water back in the sky, it is set to fall yet again.

The prophet Isaiah uses the hydrological cycle to tell us about the working of God’s word. Consider:

A Pillar of Salt: A Warning from Lot’s Wife

Pillar of salt
via Federico Bottos | Unsplash.com

On the western shore of the Dead Sea, on Jebel Usdum (the Hill of Sodom), is a pillar of salt known as Lot’s wife. Is it her? I don’t know. What I know is that there is a lesson about faith and obedience to learn from her.

Lot’s family were warned,

Escape for your life! Do not look behind you… (Genesis 19:17)

He Had Faith To Be Healed

healed
via Dawn Rose | Pixabay.com

It is a common perception in the religious world that for one to be healed, she or he must have adequate faith. I’m sure this false idea has allowed many fake healers to save face when their hypnotic ad-vantage over a would-be recipient has failed. And as sure as it has been a refuge for the charlatan, it has no doubt been the breaking point in the faith of those accused of failing to believe in God’s power.

God’s Word Cannot Be Bound – Even When God’s People Are

bound

Jesus warned His disciples that persecution would come because of the word. Being arrested and bound for preaching the truth was not a possibility, it would be a reality. Jesus said,

…when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand, or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. (Mark 14:11)

The Providence of God in the book of Esther

Esther
The Glory Story | FreeBibleImages.org

The Old Testament book of Esther records events which were in the days of the Persian empire. The book begins with details about Queen Vashti failing to heed the voice of king Ahasuerus when he called her to his presence. Her disrespect resulted in her being put away (1:19) and the king sought another wife for himself.

Women from throughout the region were taken to the palace and prepared to come before the king. Among them was Esther, the neice of Jewish man by the name of Mordecai.

Seasons Come & Go – Trust in God Who Never Changes

Seasons
Pixabay | NoName_13

    Rain, rain go away,
    Come again another day,
    Billy wants to go out to play.

I’m sure many of us sang this cute little ditty as a child when the rain kept us from going outside to play. The weather has an impact on our lives each day. Weather determines what we will wear. It will affect whether an event is able to go on as planned or needs to be postponed. Changes in both mental (mood) and physical (ie. Arthritis) health can be attributed to the weather. Let’s consider some things found in the Bible with regard to weather.

Verified by MonsterInsights