"Pastor, we just feel led to leave" is occasionally the explanation - most often there's not one.  Then, with so many dwindling congregations looking for fresh meat, finding a new fellowship is easy - and with no questions asked. Of course sometimes God does lead us to new opportunities but we must be cautious because clever justifications for putting distance between ourselves and disappointment ...  Read More

Christ desires to be our advocate "one called alongside" (I John 2:1-2).  The context addresses our standing before God as guilty sinners with Christ standing beside us speaking on our behalf-- speaking as One who has satisfied (propitiation) His own wrath for our sin. Sounds like only a fool would refuse such essential and unwarranted grace.Unfortunately, many do reject such grace and choose to r...  Read More

WARNING... how and what one should give to God gave birth to the first jealous rage recorded in human history - and ended with murder. In Genesis 4, Cain concluded that whatever I choose to give is a personal and private matter and God should appreciate my decision. In fact, whether to give in the first place, and if so how much, has been sacred groundsince the beginning of  human history, and any...  Read More

Understanding the difference between what God’s word says and what I want it to say is critical for the follower of Christ. Such sounds simple enough, especially since we have it in writing. So, whatever “I think” or “want to believe” is either biblical or it isn’t.  Read More