Laws that threaten religious freedom rarely begin by banning sermons. They begin with the redefinition of words — especially words like harm, hate, safety, truth, tolerance, and inclusion. Over time, those redefinitions reshape what a society considers acceptable speech, and eventually, what it is willing to tolerate from people of faith.
Speaking the Truth in Love – and Under Scrutiny
Is believing in Jesus enough? Or is there more? Hear the words of Jesus:
True Faith: More Than Just Believing in Jesus…if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48)
The Lord came to reveal and call us to the truth. He said:
Breaking Free: The Power Of Truth Over Tradition…if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to savve the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. (John 12:47-48)
God’s word is of exceptional value and benefit to the child of God. The Scripture says:
The Cutting Edge Of Truth: Piercing Hearts With God’s WordFor the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
– PARABLES OF JESUS –
The Parable of the Two Sons (Authentic Service)
The Jews confronted Jesus, asking what authority He had to do and say the things He did. He answered:
Lip Service Or Authentic Service: What Do We Offer God?I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: the baptism of John – where was it from? from heaven or from men? (Matthew 21:24-25)
My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother, for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. (Proverbs 1:8-9)
Solomon’s Wisdom for Life: The Instruction Of A FatherMy son, if sinners entice you, do not consent … My son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. (Proverbs 1:10, 15-16)
We Are Not Peddling The Word Of God: Embracing Authentic Faith“For we are not, as so many, peddling the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as from God, we speak in the sight of God in Christ.”
—2 Corinthians 2:17—
In the New Testament, we read about crowds of people being converted to Christ. Many of them are unnamed—we don’t know their stories—just that they heard the gospel and responded in obedience to the Lord. However, the Spirit of God gave us several details about the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and not just his conversion but what he did thereafter. Let’s spend a bit of time considering Paul, the convert to Christ.
Saul’s Radical Conversion: A Life Made New In Christ
Over the past year, we’ve faced many Covid-19 related restrictions from all levels of government; federal, provincial, and regional. Non-essential travel has been restricted with closed land borders. Those who travel must submit to a mandatory test, costly hotel stay, and forced quarantine upon their return. The economy has been shut down, stay-at-home orders and curfews have been issued, social gatherings have been limited, masks are compulsory in almost every indoor setting (and some outdoor settings), etc..
The Christian’s Duty to God and Government: A Biblical Perspective
As the apostle John closes his gospel account, he states of the ministry of Christ,
…there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.(John 21:25)
Quite simply, we do not have all the details of Jesus’ work and teaching while upon the earth. But what is given is sufficient
An Important Life Decision: Will You Obey The Gospel?…that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.(John 20:31)
