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RESTOLOGY
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention posted an article on their website entitled, “Insufficient Sleep is a Public Health Epidemic,” which documented research from the past decade on sleep-related behaviors.[1]According to their research, thirty percent of adults report getting an average of less than or equal to six hours of sleep per night when they actually need at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night. In other words, many people fail to get the rest they need…
YOU MIGHT BE A HYPOCRITE IF…
The term “hypocrite” originally referred to an actor who pretended to be something he was not. In its original context, the word “hypocrite” was not a derogatory title; however, it evolved over time so that it came to be associated with dishonesty, a lack of genuineness, and contradictory behavior. It is this latter understanding of hypocrisy that the Bible utilizes. As Christians, we are consistently instructed to eliminate hypocrisy. We are called to “love…without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9), we are called…
THE GREAT COMMISSION: TEACH
Over the past few weeks, we have explored the Great Commission and the different components of it in an effort to obtain a clearer understanding ofJesus’ parting assignment for disciples. Thus far, we have seen that He expects us to “go,” to “proclaim the gospel,” and to “make disciples.” Jesus then indicated that making disciples consists of “baptizing” them and “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). What is the difference between Jesus’ “baptizing” instruction…
THE GREAT COMMISSION: BAPTIZING
This month we have explored the Great Commission to discover what Jesus expects of us when it comes to sharing our faith. Thus far, we have seen that He expects us to “go,” to “proclaim the gospel,” and to “make disciples.” The final two instructions that comprise the whole of the Great Commission are components of the disciple making process. The first of these appears in Matthew 28:19 where, after instructing His followers to “make disciples of all nations,” Jesus…
THE GREAT COMMISSION: MAKE DISCIPLES
How many things can you make? I am fascinated by the ingenuity and creativity of individuals who make things because there is very little that I can make. I can make breakfast, I can make a joyful noise, and I once made a functional, yet aesthetically unappealing, dog house. But beyond that, I am not a “maker.” I am not an artist. I am not an inventor. I am not a cook. I am not a carpenter. And the list…
THE GREAT COMMISSION: PROCLAIM
Before Jesus returned to heaven, He left an assignment for His followers. We often refer to it as the Great Commission. This one assignment consists of five distinct commands that are stated in either Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 16:15-16, Luke 24:44-49, or Acts 1:7-8. Over the course of this month, we will examine one of these commands each week so we can obtain a clearer understanding of what Jesus expects us to do in the interim between His ascension and His…
THE GREAT COMMISSION: GO
Can you remember the last time you were given a “to do” list? Maybe your parents left the house to run some errands, and they gave you a list of chores to complete before they returned. Maybe your teacher or employer presented you with a project to complete by a prescribed deadline. Maybe your wife handed you a “honey do” list that she wanted you to complete before that big event you were scheduled to host in your home. Regardless…
THE BLESSING OF PRAYER
I once heard a story about a young boy’s family who went to his grandmother’s house for dinner. Once the food was placed on the table, the boy quickly fixed his plate and began to eat. His mother said, “We haven’t asked God to bless the food yet. You know that at home we always say a prayer before we eat.” The boy replied, “But we don’t have to say a prayer here. This is grandma’s house. She knows how…
THE BLESSING OF PREDESTINATION
A man arrived at the gates of heaven and noticed that there were two lines. One had a sign labeled “Predestined,” and the other, “free will.” He headed over to the predestined line first, and while waiting, an angel came up to him and asked, ”Why are you in this line?” The man said, “Because I chose it. ”The angel replied, “Well, if you ‘chose’ it, then you should be in the free will line.” So the man obediently wandered…
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT POLITICS? (PART 3)
With politics taking center stage in our society due to a divisive Supreme Court confirmation and pending midterm elections, maybe it is time we consider what the Bible has to say about political matters. For the record, this will not be an investigation or critique of political ideologies, platforms, or parties; instead, it will be a three week study of some key biblical principles affecting the Christian’s relationship with the government. Two weeks ago, we observed the relationship between God…
THE PATH TO GLORY – PART FIVE
So, you want to bring glory to God? Isn’t it a wonderful thought? Isn’t it almost unbelievable that imperfect, sinful people could bring glory to our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior? And yet, we have studied a passage of Scripture over the past few weeks that has shown us a clear “path” that leads to doing just that. And here we are, at the end of this study of Philippians 1:9-11, to examine the final step in this important and amazing…
THE PATH TO GLORY – PART FOUR
In the world of sports, the phrase “respect the process” is often used to remind people that there is no “magic wand” or “easy button” that can create a winning team. It takes hard work, discipline, and lots of “behind-the-scenes” effort to be successful, and anyone who thinks otherwise is most likely nothing more than a “consumer” with a lack of understanding about the dynamics and inner workings of these organizations. The process is important. The process is the path…