Every believer thinks that they have the tares identified: it’s those people whose doctrine is wrong. They aren’t saved. Everybody thinks they have revelation about what Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” was: it’s whatever is tormenting them relentlessly. John said that there were already “many antichrists,” so it is probably ok for everyone to disagree about who THE antiChrist is […]
John 7:14-19 14 When the festival was already half over, Jesus went up into the temple complex and began to teach. 15 Then the Jews were amazed and said, “How does He know the Scriptures, since He hasn’t been trained?” 16 Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t Mine but is from the One who sent Me. 17 If anyone wants […]
Every healthy congregation should probably be giving birth to other congregations. Any congregation that we plant that does not produce leadership to “give birth” – become the leaders of a new congregation – is unhealthy and probably needs to have its members distributed among a few other healthy congregations. Every congregation that has access to unbelievers should be fruitful, though. […]
The more you say, “Yes,” the more adventures you have. Saying, “Yes, and…” is usually much more powerful and creative than saying, “Yes, but…” The more you say, “No,” the more you are at home alone. There are, of course, times when you should be home alone. They should be strategic though, not lazy or afraid or stingy. No matter […]
The more creatively you think and act, the more likely you don’t see problems as problems. In fact, if you simply respond to problems by fixing them, it points to your skills set as being more like a maintenance person than a builder. That is not a failure – we need both, but identifying your place and doing good work […]
When I owe taxes, Paul believes that I should pay them. If it is proper to respect someone, he counts that also in unpaid debt terms. He implies that I should pay off all my debts but one – I always owe you love (Romans 13:8.) What is different in cultural terms today that should influence the way I try […]
Hupernikao (“hoop-er-nik-ah’-o”) is a Greek word. A transliteration of it might pass as “hyper-victor.” Nike, the shoe manufacturer, likes their name because it means something like “overpower,” or “win a victory over,” or “conquer.” “Hyper” can mean “above,” or “greater than” something else. “Nikodemos” means something like “victorious among his people.” In Romans 8:37, hupernikao is the way Paul described […]
In his book Hunger Driven, Brian Nickens coined or quoted the phrase “voice activated” to refer to the high response level successful citizens of the Kingdom of God exhibit by obeying the King. “Smart” phones are voice activated if you want them to be. You can get the phone’s attention by speaking a word or phrase and then you can […]
Expect that because you are going to be one of the people who will do what you have been ordained to by the King of Glory, that there will be an impact in the earth because you were alive. You will not be one of the diverted – taking up men’s yokes and being distracted from the call to settle […]
How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness! for they will be filled. (Matthew 5:6 Complete Jewish Bible) When we are hungry for righteousness, we are seeking a condition that we can only attain by the power of the Holy Spirit’s influence in our hearts and lives. It is by being filled with Him that we become capable […]