Billy Graham made the hymn “Just as I Am” become perhaps the most well-known church song ever by having George Beverly Shay sing verses of it at the invitation at the end of each of Billy’s sermons. His invitation was accepted by many people because of the welcome he helped them feel by the power of the love Jesus had for them. Then the arguments start from that point. Libertarian […]
Category Archives: Discipleship
Who You Are
Your identity is comprised of what you do and to whom you are related. In eighth century villages, everyone knew who your parents were, so you didn’t really need a last name. I think there are probably a few hundred Douglas Thomases, so even last names are not sufficient to identify uniqueness today. Where you were born fits into the who are you related to category. “Where is your village?” […]
What Happens Next?
Peter was hiding while Jesus was paying for my sin (and Peter’s) on the cross. He accepted the invitation of Jesus to stand again in hope and in purpose, though. When I feel that my failures and sins have been too much, when my fears and doubts make me give up, I cannot stay in those defeated places. I don’t have to. I am invited back to stand. No matter […]
Not New Commandments
Every good word that has been spoken was a tiny piece of these two things: Love Yahweh with all you have and with all you are Love your neighbor like you love yourself Those are not new commandments, but if you pause a few minutes and listen to the Spirit of Jesus, He can probably give you a new idea about how to accomplish both of them today. Looking forward […]
Narrow is the Gate
Good works won’t keep a person from the lake of fire. Obedience won’t keep a person from the lake of fire. Nothing but being born of Yahweh’s Spirit will keep me from paying for my sin (Revelation 20:15). The narrow entrance Jesus taught about in Matthew 7 is not an entrance to Heaven when I die. It is the entrance to the Kingdom of Heaven, in this life and the […]
Living With Your Father
Lord, who can dwell in Your tent?Who can live on Your holy mountain? The one who lives honestly, practices righteousness,and acknowledges the truth in his heart—who does not slander with his tongue,who does not harm his friendor discredit his neighbor,who despises the one rejected by the Lord,but honors those who fear the Lord,who keeps his word whatever the cost,who does not lend his money at interestor take a bribe against […]
Usefulness Advice
If you desire to be useful in the Kingdom of Heaven, and want the knowledge you have of the Lord to empower you to fruit and not just be information, Peter has advice for you: For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great […]
The Treasure of the Lord’s Words
I don’t always know whether I am doing what the Spirit tries to lead me to. On days, I have done the right thing perfectly, yet I have been convinced it was wrong, or wondered altogether what was right. I ask Him to lead, and take the step that seems to be the right one. Then I wait for the report. Sometimes it is good. Courage doesn’t demand to know […]
Sons of God
All those led by God’s Spirit are God’s sons.(Romans 8:14 HCSB ©®) If you discern that someone is being led by His Spirit, it should be deducible that person is His son or daughter. That declaration is not reversable. All of the sons and daughters of Yahweh are not led by His Spirit. Using “the” evidence of speaking in tongues as a test regarding someone having been filled with the […]
A New Commandment
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”(John 13:34-35 HCSB ©®) In these three sentences, Jesus used the Greek word “agape” four times. It was translated into English as “love.” He did not use the Greek word “eros,” which […]