Hebrews 10:30-31 12/2/2025

“For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.  It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”

I’ve heard these verses before, but didn’t realize they were connected… I always thought “Vengeance is mine” was a verse I could quote when someone wronged me, and God would “sic em” for me… Apparently, it’s directed toward those who trample His grace… Which, at times, is me. 

It’s followed by another verse I’m familiar with because of Jonathan Edward’s famous sermon “Sinners in the hands of an Angry God” … Again, a verse that lands closer to home when I examine its origin. 

As we begin the season of candy canes and reindeer, we must remember why Christmas exists…  God sent His Son because His justice demanded payment for our sin… His holiness is terrifying, and the demand was one we could not meet.  

Christmas is “step one” of a rescue mission, the importance of which cannot be overstated. The massiveness of the debt we owed is only outweighed by the enormousness of the price God paid when He allowed the sacrifice of His Son. It is the Cross that keeps us from falling into “the hands of an angry God” and the road to Calvary begins with Christmas.  

This holiday reminds us of our inability to save ourselves… it obliterates the arrogance that tries to convince us that we can earn our own salvation. Jesus’ birth has made a way for us to avoid our self-earned destruction.

What brought “Joy to the World” was the catastrophic collision of God’s love and His holiness, which resulted in Christmas… I must grasp the terror of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God to rightly appreciate the importance of the birth of the sacrificial Lamb. Christ’s birth opened the door to the amazing Grace of the Cross. Only Jesus’ death and resurrection pays my debt and credits me with the perfection required to live eternally with my Heavenly Father. 

As you anticipate Christmas morning, remember there will be nothing under the tree this year that holds a candle to the gift God gave us on that first Christmas. Joy to the World… we have been redeemed!

“My righteousness is just as good as Jesus' righteousness, because it IS Jesus' righteousness!” ― E.W. Kenyon

2 John 1:10-11 11/25/2025

“If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds.”

This is a tough passage. Apparently, there is to be a difference in the way we treat non-Christians who ignore God’s truth, and non-Christians who pollute it. We must love our enemies… However very little latitude is to be offered when someone distorts the “non-negotiables” of Christianity.  

Jesus said the second most important commandment is to love your brother, but the most important commandment is to love God. Sometimes we get those out of order… If it’s up to me, I should be at peace with all men, but sometimes it’s not up to me… I must follow the truth of scripture and not allow deviation. I must be holy, I cannot “go along, to get along”. Nor can I do anything that lends validity to a false doctrine.

The phrase “this teaching” in this morning’s passage, refers to and earlier verse that says “those who deny the coming of Jesus in the flesh” … and that point is non-negotiable. I can’t allow the teaching of those who deny His coming because it is the substance of the Gospel. If I show tolerance toward those who deny Jesus’ coming in the flesh, I am guilty of helping spread that lie.  

There are many “non-negotiables” in scripture, and it is critical that I know what is, and what is not flexible in the Bible. 

So, my guidelines are as follows:

1. I must not bend on points where God is unbending, even when it is unpopular.

2. I must be rigid without hating those who teach differently. 

3. I cannot compromise to get along. 

4. I must study my Bible carefully and rely solely on scripture to determine what is, and what is not “negotiable”.

As I said, this is a tough passage, but it’s also an important one… because according to this verse if I support those who teach heresy, I am guilty of teaching it myself. I must disagree civilly. But at the same time, I must be willing to be labeled intolerant by clearly calling sin, sin.

"We are to be hard where the Bible is hard and soft where the Bible is soft" - Francis Schaeffer

Romans 6:22-23 11/18/2025

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

We’ve all heard the verse, but have we really considered the phrase “gracious gift of God”?  It is astonishing that God would offer us such compassion.  I get swept up in the joy of the offer and tend to miss the stark contrast depicted by it.  To fully comprehend the gracious gift of eternal life, we must fully understand the alternative. 

The wages of sin is death…which means separation from God… Eternally.   We don’t like to talk about hell… but Jesus clearly spoke of it, so it must be acknowledged.  And its existence magnifies the importance of God’s gift. The magnitude of a rescue is determined by the consequences, had it not occurred… and there has never been a more impactful rescue than this one. We cannot comprehend hell, nor eternity, much less the combination of the two, but that is what’s on the table.

Sin equals Death… God equals life. There is no gray area, no “choose your own truth”, no relativism… Just Death or life.  If I could, I would work incessantly to achieve life… but I can’t. It’s unattainable for me… BUT GOD made a way.  What I couldn’t do, God did. My acceptance of His plan sets me free, makes me new, and delivers the gift of eternal life.

His sacrifice also gives me the ability to resist sin here on earth. Purity in life is breathtaking because it is how we were designed to live.  It’s as if we are birds, but we’ve been walking our entire lives and suddenly, we start to fly.  Once you fly, you’ll never be satisfied walking again… So, the gift is twofold.

First, on this earth we get to trade in our shoes for wings, and secondly, we avoid our rightful punishment and instead spend eternity where we were created to be with our Heavenly Father. Considering the alternative makes this the most gracious gift ever given.

 “Think lightly of hell, and you will think lightly of the cross. Think little of the sufferings of lost souls, and you will soon think little of the Savior who delivers them.” - Charles Spurgeon

Romans 6:11-12 11/11/2025

“So, you too, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.  Therefore, sin is not to reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts.”

The old me died when I gave my life to Christ. At that moment I began my eternal life with Jesus and was given the power to live as God designed me to live.  

Before this took place, I was a slave to sin… it ruled over me. And since Adam’s fall in the garden, that has been the human condition. We are all born into sin and are powerless to resist it with our own strength. 

That is why so many believe that their sin defines them… They think they were ”born that way” and must “live their truth”… On some level they are right. We were all “born that way”.  We were all born as slaves to various types of sin… But it is a spiritual problem, not a biological one. And believing you can’t change, is believing a lie. 

We call it addiction,  predisposition, alternate lifestyles, blaming DNA and environment because we don’t like the word slavery. Call it what you like, but the fact is we are all born in bondage to sin, and whether it be pride, sexual perversion, greed, idolatry, or selfishness, we all have the opportunity to be reborn into freedom in Christ. 

When I accept salvation, the battle becomes choosing not to allow sin to rule over my earthly body. The difference is, now that I have The Holy Spirit inside me, I can win the fight. I can see sin for what it is and resist temptation. A choice I didn’t have before. 

With this newfound power, I can dethrone sin and be set free from the ravages of depravity. Regardless of which sin rules me, I must recognize that it is not liberty. Living in opposition to God’s plan is not freedom. It is a thinly vailed trap that keeps me desperate, lost, and in bondage to a power that is killing me. 

The good news is that Jesus died to destroy the darkness. My cell door has been kicked open, the chains have fallen off, and all I have to do is keep my eyes on Christ, and walk out.

“If you don't know you're in prison, you're unlikely to escape.”
- Wayne Trotman

1 Timothy 2:1-2 11/24/2025

“… I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 

This is the antithesis of America today. We are not tranquil or quiet when it comes to our leaders and no one in their right mind would describe us as having dignity. 

There should be no “endzone dances” or pointing fingers this morning, as both sides of the isle violate these verses. There may be some who pray, intercede and give thanks for ALL who are in authority. But most of us prefer to call our adversaries names, assign blame, and slander our opponents.

As Christians who profess to believe that the Bible is the inerrant word of God…it’s odd that we so quickly ignore what this chapter refers to as “good and acceptable in the sight of God.” We are stringent when it comes to sin outside our accepted parameters… but casually ignore verses as crystal clear as the one above.

Will you do this? Will you pray for a party you don’t agree with and conduct yourself with dignity?... Will you pray for ALL who are in authority?… Because that is what the verse instructs you to do.

The second part of the passage and the rest of the chapter, instructs us to lead tranquil, quiet lives in all godliness and dignity not seeking attention but pursuing holy obedience.

Is that your target today?… Are you aiming for tranquil quietness or are you itching to get on your keyboard and start a fight.  Is today going to be about you and your stellar debate skills? Or about God?

Making ourselves and our plans the center of attention is tempting. We honor our leaders if they agree with us. If not, we go completely off the rails. Yet our job is to lift holy hands in prayer without anger or dispute… live with dignity and direct all attention to our Maker.

Leaders can do nothing without God allowing it, so focus your hope on the highest authority instead of subordinates. Live today as if the one who is in control loves you… because He does.

"The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will." – Proverbs 21

Romans 3:3-4 10/28/2025

“What then? If some did not believe, their unbelief will not nullify the faithfulness of God, will it?  Far from it! Rather, God must prove to be true, though every person be found a liar…”

2000 years ago, Paul refuted today’s self-centered assumptions.  Matt Dillahunty, who once was the President Of the American Atheist society, was asked: “what would it take for you to believe” – his answer “I don’t know what it would take, but God does… if He exist, and since He hasn’t provided it, He must not exist.” Pretty narcissistic world view. Apparently, God’s existence depends on God providing evidence that Matt deems acceptable.

Many today share the same logic, and it goes something like this … “if in my wisdom, objectivity, and sheer intelligence I don’t believe something, then it cannot be true.” Our culture has so whole heartedly bought into this lunacy that it is now acceptable to say “live your own truth” …as though you have influence on, or ownership of truth… which is insanity.  Just examine the “educated” opinions online, and you will see that man is unqualified to determine truth. 

In this passage, Paul directly opposes Matt’s statement.  If every human denies the existence of God, it changes nothing. Throughout history man has been very “sure” of things that aren’t true. Today we are “sure” of things that even a child wouldn’t believe.  We “follow the science” until it makes us uncomfortable… and then we just start making stuff up. We double down on disproven foolishness and are offended if challenged… seemingly unaware that our sensitivity isn’t an ingredient in determining truth.  

Truth belongs to God, and God never changes. He is not moved by our definition of truth, because He IS truth. If my opinion does not line up with God’s word, then my opinion must change… Unfortunately, like Jack Nicholson said, many of us “can’t handle the truth!”…And the truth is that “ALL Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...”. 

All of creation shouts that God exists, and if we will come down from our tiny thrones and seek Him, we’ll find Him. If you will honestly examine the evidence, it will unequivocally lead you to God. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” - Aldous Huxley

1 John 4:9-13 10/21/2025

“By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 

This passage reminds me of the movie Avatar… where the disabled guy is put into an apparatus that transforms him and gives him incredible strength and speed. This new entity looks enough like him that he is recognizable… but he is changed.

Along those same lines, today’s passage illustrates two important truths.  

First, we are loved by God. We flippantly make that statement too often, but it should drive us to our knees.  The Master Designer and Creator of the Universe not only knows you… He loves you. For that reason, He rescued you from your sin. Not because you loved Him, or were loveable… You were His enemy, living in open rebellion…still He chose you, redeemed you, and paid your debt. Accepting that payment transforms you into His beloved child. 

Is that what you see when you look in the mirror? … Or do you still cling to the lie that you  need to improve before you can be loved? You were created in the image of the perfect God, nothing else in all creation can make that claim.  You are a self-portrait of your Father and He has undeniably proven His love for you.

The second truth is, that like the avatar, we are transformed. It is no longer I living, but Christ lives through me…So my crippled heart can become strong and powerful. We are given the ability to love like Jesus did… We are new creatures with amazing abilities. Have you acknowledged that change, or are you still spiritually crippled?  Do you stubbornly cling to your old disabilities when God has powerfully transformed you?

Those who dwell with God can rest in His shadow… Since you are loved and protected by The Lord, is there anything you should be anxious about? Take the abilities God has given you and rescue others who are still wounded and lost. Embrace the priceless gifts God has bestowed on you and enjoy the powerful abundant life He created you to live. 

“We want to change our circumstances. God wants to change us.”
- Rick Warren

Romans 1:11-12 10/14/2025

“For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” 

Is this your attitude Sunday morning? 

According to Romans, church is not about music or the sermon, it is about sharing the gifts of the Spirit with each other.  And not so we can be entertained or even educated, but that as a church, we can be established in love…  We are to come together to Worship God, learn to obey His Word,  and love each other.

Is that your mindset? When you come to church, are you wanting to be a Quarterback, or an Offensive Lineman?  … One gets more attention; the other is more important to achieving success.  Some have forgotten that the gifts God gives us are intended to glorify Him … not elevate ourselves? 

Sadly, one of the biggest churches in Texas is currently suing itself over ownership … The outcome of the case is irrelevant as neither side owns the church… it is God’s house.

Unfortunately, many other churches have forgotten this as well, and instead of following biblical principles for church government… they have become thinly veiled entertainment corporations… more interested in business than ministry. This has opened the door to “leaders” using the church to advance their own agendas. Jesus was clear that misusing the Temple is a dangerous endeavor.

Paul’s humility in this passage is instructive. His tone of encouragement is coming from a man who was handpicked by Christ to write much of the New Testament. Yet his goal for going to church is to encourage and be encouraged,  lovingly sharing his faith with others. 

Next Sunday morning try going to church to let other sinners like yourself, see how God has redeemed you, and then marvel at how God has redeemed them. You don’t need to grade the sermon or rate the music… you are not a spectator; you are part of the offering. God alone is the audience.  We don’t go to church to be entertained and advance our personal agenda. We go to worship God, and to encourage each other with His extravagant love for us.

“Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” – Jesus (with a whip in His hand) 

1 Samuel 19:11-12 10/7/2025

“Saul sent men to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning. But Michal, David’s wife, warned him, “If you don’t run for your life tonight, tomorrow you’ll be killed.” So, Michal let David down through a window, and he fled and escaped.”

Saul’s deranged obsession with killing his son-in-law David is a family tragedy.

Saul’s son Jonathon, and daughter Michal, both see their dad’s unhinged resentment of David as indefensible.  Saul’s envy alienates him from his friends David and Samuel, as well as his own children.

It is hard to understand as Saul seems to have much to be thankful for... tall and handsome, a powerful king, wealthy  –Yet he allows jealousy to consume him. Despite his blessings, he chooses to allow envy and insecurity to rule over him, and it produces what those emotions always produce… pain and suffering.

We have similar choices to make. We all have a long list of things we should be grateful for … So, the question becomes will we consciously appreciate our blessings, or will we fixate on the blessings of others?

Envy produces anxiety and depression and is more powerful than most of us realize. Too few of us actively guard our mindset. Which is a shame because your mindset is the canvas on which you paint your life… Every brushstroke will be impacted by it, and allowing self-centered envy to be your canvas will produce a dull, unattractive picture. Saul’s envious attitude led to a full emotional and mental breakdown… and destroyed his life. That should be a cautionary tale for us.

So, what will you do this morning? Will you rejoice and praise God for your blessings, or will you drink the poison of envy?  If you allow the avalanche of jealousy to begin, it will become unstoppable and bury you, while demolishing your relationships. 

Loving others means being overjoyed at their success. If you don’t feel that, you have a heart problem, and getting more trophies, recognition, and “stuff” won’t fix it.

Let your love for God, and thankfulness for His blessings, cause you to deeply desire those same blessings for others. Starting today, determine to become the head cheerleader for your friends and family… you will be amazed at the joy it brings both of you.

“The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.”
- William Penn

 

Matthew 5:37 9/30/2025

"But let your ‘yes’ mean ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ mean ‘no.’ Anything more than this is from the evil one."

We covered this verse a while back, but it deserves a reexamination because we compromise in this area often.  Jesus is discussing the use of vows and swearing on objects to guarantee the validity of a statement, and He clearly says not to do it. The point is it shouldn't be necessary.  

If you say “yes”, it should mean “yes”...  and “no” should mean “no”. Extravagant declarations should not be required to assure people you are being truthful. There should be no need to promise, or swear, or take a vow... If it comes out of your mouth, others should know it is the truth. That is the foundation for strong relationships.

God holds honesty in much higher esteem then our society does. We use words like “smooth”, or “polished”, as commendations for those who can twist the truth. While “white lies”, and “exaggeration” are words used to gloss over what is in fact deceitfulness.

God is clear on this issue because He knows how devastating dishonesty can be. People can be deeply wounded by the speaking of a hard truth. But dishonesty not only wounds a relationship -  it also destroys the tools needed to repair it. Once the truth comes out (and it always does), the lie leaves “radioactive fallout” that creates an environment where repair is difficult.  If words cannot be believed, there is little left to rebuild with.

“To be honest with you"… should be an unnecessary and redundant phrase for Christians. The truth may hurt those you love, but at least it cuts clean and allows for future healing. A lie rips and tears, producing jagged edges that leave scars. 

Own your actions. Speak the truth and face the consequences so when you emerge on the other side, there is still a foundation upon which you can rebuild. Live in such a way that no one questions your word...  Be a man of integrity and provide a firm footing for strong relationships.  At times it may be painful, but it gives hope for the future by preserving trust. 

You must decide that truth is your only option... that is the non-negotiable price of integrity.

"If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters." - Harvey Mackay