The Word of God is to be the basis of our walk and faith. There is no other foundation that we can walk upon. It really does not matter what I believe, what matters is what the Bible says! It is the Bible that is our source of spiritual nutrition. 1 Peter 2:2 says, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” While we need teachers we trust, that will provide guidance for us in our understanding, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to give us direct understanding of the Word of God. We must never believe something simply because a teacher says it is true, we must only believe it because it is clearly taught in the Word of God. No instruction that is not CLEARLY, taught in the Word of God should be embraced. We can use tradition to give meaning to some of the things we do, however, we must recognize the difference between tradition and Scripture. We must recognize that tradition may change, but the truth of God’s Word remains forever! Truth must always trump tradition.… READ MORE

As Jesus gathered with the disciples on the night before His death, He knew they were filled with sorrow and fear. Their love for Him was so intense that they were convinced that they would rather die than live without Him. But Jesus wanted them to understand that they would not have to face the world’s opposition in their own strength. In John 15:26-16:15 Jesus shares with the disciples that the Holy Spirit’s empowering of Christians will enable them to live the Christian life, and share the word of God with a richness and victory that can not be accomplished by their own power. It is important for us to understand that the Spirit of God will enable us to not only know the truth but live in it. This is why we are “different” as a believer. Not because we are better, but because the Holy Spirit has come to transform us into the image of Christ. The power to live the Christian life in is not in us, it is in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and is unlocked by our submission to the Word of God. May we learn what the Word of God says, … READ MORE

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; Give thanks to Him and praise His name.  For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”  I am reminded that thankfulness to God is a recognition that God in His goodness and faithfulness has provided for us and cared for us, both physically and spiritually.  It is a recognition that I am totally dependent on Him! Failure to give God thanks is not just a mistake, it is a sin of the deepest magnitude.  Yet, it is the tendency of our hearts to usurp the credit that rightfully belongs only to God.  An attitude of thankfulness is the work of the Holy Spirit, and it also comes as a result of personal effort on our part.  We must cultivate the habit of always giving thanks for everything.  This is brought about by staying focused on God’s Word and hiding that Word in our hearts. An ungrateful heart must be transformed by the renewal of our minds.  This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit as we fill our minds with the Word of God.  May God give to … READ MORE