"A Study on Character Based Appearance" - Amy Lawrence
There are so many methods that we use to communicate. Did you know that only 7% of human conversation uses words? 37% is in our tone of voice, but 55% of our communication is in our body language. That’s more than half ! How we sit or stand, how we use our hands or the expressions upon our faces - these all communicate to others, right down to even the clothes we wear. What many do not know is that there are outward behaviors that indicate inward ideals - and they show, whether we want them to or not.
"Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft..." - Joey Ferrell
In today’s society, we often hear things that are not customary to scripture. There is violence that is condoned, gender confusion, sexual deviation, dishonesty and this list could go on and on regarding the immorality of our world. But what about God’s people? Those whom have done what God has commanded to do…but, they take it upon themselves to make a decision or simply take the seat of God in judgment to say that “it is okay, God wants me happy?”
Inward Spiritual Struggles - Good or Bad? - Ben Bailey
Do you ever feel like you need to do more for the cause of Christ? Does the feeling that you aren’t everything you need to be trouble you? Maybe these feelings are something you struggle with every day. I have a friend who constantly struggles with this problem. He would often get discouraged by the feeling of imperfection and deeply distressed over the fact that he just didn’t feel like he was doing enough in the kingdom. As I thought about his situation and the inward struggle that each of us faces, I wondered “Are these feelings of imperfection a good or bad thing”?
Sin... - Joey Ferrell
The title says it all. Sin. That is what has been on my mind…well, not the actual sin itself, but the idea of sin. From the very time that man first sinned in the Garden of Eden, until today…and even into the future, sin lives on, and it is our worst enemy at work.
The Folly of “Following Your Heart” - Chase Green
“It’s my life and I’ll do what I want!” Perhaps the tune reverberates through your mind as you recall the 1965 song recorded by the Animals, or several newer renditions covered by various bands. Or maybe you’re more familiar with the much newer “The Heart Wants What it Wants” by Selena Gomez? But do these hit singles really reflect the truth?
The Christian Influence - Ben Bailey
To illustrate the power of our influence an Old Korean Proverb says, “Power lasts ten years, influence not more than a hundred.” Sometimes we may think, “Am I influencing anyone? The question asked is really a faulty one. It’s not IF we are influencing anyone, but HOW are we influencing them. All of us are an influence on others either for good, bad, or indifference. What type of influence should a Christian possess? Let’s notice what God says.
When Enough is Enough, or is it Enough? - Joey Ferrell
A few months ago, I posted an article regarding the method of evangelism seen in the gospels. In particular, we talked about the efforts of those that Jesus had taught and sent out…and the reward of evangelism that they saw in that Jesus told them to “Rejoice not in these things, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” What a beautiful passage…but there is more to learn.
God Knows You! - Jameson Steward
“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether” (Psalm 139:1-4).
"A new year...a new YOU? - It is time!" - Joey Ferrell
Here we are…once again at the end of a year. A year that may have been prosperous for you individually…or it may have been challenging in one way or another. In some ways, all of us can say that we have been prosperous, can we not? We have lived yet another day on this earth and we are alive and somewhat well enough to even read this article. And then…some of us may have had the absolute worst financial, emotional, physical…and maybe even spiritual years we have ever had.
Where is Your Treasure? - Ben Bailey
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). With these words our Lord teaches us the folly of material wealth and the splendor of heavenly riches. There are many worldly temptations that the Devil throws before us each day: money, power, luxuries, etc,. Jesus clearly teaches us that none of these are more important than our eternal soul. Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and looses his own soul? Or, what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Mk. 8:36-37). Nothing is more important than your soul! Notice several reasons why we must not put our focus on earthly treasures.
What is Evangelism and Why is it Important? - Joey Ferrell
Evangelism. You may have heard this word many times and not really understand the meaning behind it. After all, you will not find the word evangelism in your Bibles. But, the concept is definitely there, and we must understand the significance and the importance of utilizing evangelism in our day and time.
Praying - Amy Lawrence
As I write this, I am thinking how unqualified I am to be discussing something I struggle with myself. Don’t get me wrong, the desire to pray is not the trouble. God’s command to pray is for our benefit, not His, Phil. 4:6-7. The struggle is remembering to talk to God without making it nothing but a check in a box. Communication - real, deep communication - is one of my shortcomings. There is only so much of myself that I let be seen. I have my reasons, but I tend to be reserved in any relationship. Rare is the person that can get me to feel comfortable enough to fully open up. I’ve built that habit in my communication with God as well. When I remember (but not as frequently as I should) that my shortcomings shouldn’t keep me from talking to God, I pray. He knows me better than anybody already. There is nothing that is hidden from Him - not even our insecurities - and He still loves us all. That knowledge makes me speak from my heart to the only One that can see the picture in my head before I utter a single word.
Thanksgiving to God - Ben Bailey
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:4-5). With the recent Thanksgiving holiday upon us, many are counting their blessings. But shouldn’t thanksgiving be an everyday event instead of a once a year holiday. To the child of God, everyday is a day of thanksgiving. But, what should we thank God for?
"A War Worth Winning!" - Parker Webster
Each and every day, we are faced with battles, trials and temptations. Some wars we engage in are against ourselves, others, or even circumstances that exist around us. Many times, we can feel like we are losing our battles. Whether they be emotional, spiritual, or even moral battles we cans often feel vulnerable and desperate. The good news is that we have someone on our side who helps us in every battle that we face. We have someone who is "able to deliver" and someone who "helps in time of need."
"Sojourner or Settler?" - G. Scott Furniss
There is a popular hymn entitled “This world is not my Home” with the words, “This world is not my home. I am just a passing through.” I hear preachers speaking of a renewed earth as if this is our world. I listen to Christians talking about politics, elections, and other worldly things more than spiritual things and I am worried too many Christians are becoming settlers in this world instead of sojourners just passing through. They speak more of this world and fight harder to keep things in order in this country than they speak of their home and fight for Christ and His kingdom.
Once Saved, Always Saved? - Ben Bailey
One of the most destructive doctrines to the Bible and Christian character is the man-made teaching that once a person has been saved he can never loose his salvation. This doctrine is destructive to the Bible because it twists the Scriptures to their own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16). But, it is also destructive to Christian character because it provides a license for sin. Does the Bible really teach that once a person is saved he can never again be lost? Let us consider two passages of Scripture.
Heaven, Our Forever Home - Ben Bailey
“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God” (Heb. 4:9). With these words the Hebrews writer reminds us of our forever home—Heaven. Unlike the Israelites who were heading toward the physical home of Canaan, Christians are journeying toward our final destination of Heaven. As we think about that forever home each of us are probably made to ask, “What will Heaven really be like?” Notice how the Bible describes the beauty of Heaven.
5 Steps to A Stable Relationship with God from Psalm 15 - Ben Bailey
1. The Person Who is Concerned About Living with God Will Have a Stable Relationship with Him. Notice what was on the Psalmist's mind when He asked, “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy Hill?” (Psalm 15:1). If a person is concerned about His soul and living with God for eternity, He is not only going to be thinking about that regularly but working toward achieving that goal (Col. 3:1-3).