People’s sinful nature needs changing, but only God, working through His Holy Spirit, can transform the sinful human heart, through the power of His Word. In 1 Peter 1:3 we are reminded that God, “has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” At death a believers hope becomes reality as they enter the glorious presence of God and the full unhindered, joyous fellowship with the Trinity, the angels, and other saints (Romans 5:1-2) The means of appropriating this living hope and eternal inheritance is spiritual birth, and the power for that appropriation was demonstrated by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Christ rose from the dead, forever securing His children’s living hope in heaven by finally conquering death (cf. 1 Corinthians 15). We need to recognize that as a follower of Jesus Christ we become a new creation, and while we cannot change our spots, God make us something new! We must learn to live in that newness as we experience a metamorphosis from this life to the next.… READ MORE

Today we live in a culture, that believes that no one has the “right” to tell me what I can and cannot do. If the Bible does not speak against a specific act, it is assumed that we can do whatever we want. However, Galatians 5:13-14 reminds us that just because I may have the liberty to do something, doesn’t mean that I should do it. We do not possess a spiritual license to do as we wish. This would be seen as Spiritual “Sadduceeism.” Sadducees were a sect of Israel which taught religious tolerance to the nation of Israel, the problem was that they were only tolerant to those who agreed with them on their “liberty in God” This is part of the reason they hated Jesus so much, because He challenged their doctrine. We need to be careful that we do not desire to exalt ourselves at the expense of others. Demanding my right to exercise liberty, and exercising it at the expense of others, is a sign not of maturity but of carnality. Paul reminds believers in 1 Corinthians 12:31 “that I show you a better way” and then shares with the wonderful instruction in 1 Corinthians … READ MORE

Sin is a terrible enemy, and we all wish that we did not have to battle with sinful choices. Sin is a constant reminder how much we need God. God told Cain that if he would do the right thing that he would have victory in his life. Unfortunately, Cain chose to go through the door of temptation and the result was the murder of his brother Abel. Sin and temptation create a real battle in the lives and hearts of people. It is a constant reminder that we must remain close to our heavenly shepherd in order to gain victory over those things in our lives. We would prefer not to battle with Sin, but praise the Lord that we have a God of compassion, who will enable us to overcome all temptations. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Our battle is won through the work of God in our lives through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, based on the work of Jesus Christ. Choose to live in the victory that provides on a daily basis. … READ MORE