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

As a follower of Jesus Christ, I need to understand that God is in sovereign control of everything, and that everything that happens in the world is controlled by Him. Yet even though we believe and teach this, we often become nervous when people ask us “If God is all powerful, why would God permit sin?” In answering this we need to begin with Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” We need to understand is that God is not accountable to us, as to what He permitted. Because He is God, and our creator, He can do what He wants, and how He wants. Having said this, I believe that we have some clues in the Word of God that can help us understand His purposes. Sin allows us to see and understand much about God that we would never know or appreciate without its entrance into history. God uses sin as a tool to help us see Him in a different light, and from … READ MORE