There are certain phrases that should give you chills. Some things are automatic stomach churners. One string of words that should cause an immediate negative reaction simply does not have the effect you think it would among followers of Jesus. The phrase: “Washed in the blood.” If someone came up to you and said they were […]
Prodigal
Prodigal is a foreign word to our ears. It means “overwhelmingly wasteful.” If you have ever been in church circles, the word may conjure up an image of a young man in tattered rags. “Prodigal” may also bring to mind a person who has gone astray from faith in God, one who for whatever reason […]
PRAYER
WHAT IS PRAYER? People from the beginning of time have prayed. Although it involves accessing the supernatural, it is one of the most natural things that we as humans can do. All religions advocate it in some form or another. Some have defined prayer as simply “talking to God.” I can agree with that statement, […]
Witness
What does it mean to be a witness? What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus? Many have defined witnessing for Jesus as being bold and sharing your faith. It may mean having a fish bumper sticker on your car or taking a stand on a hot-button issue. If you listen to some […]
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE A CALLING?
Many Christians talk about being called. Whether it’s to this ministry or to that particular church, many use the word “calling” to state their certainty in making decisions. In fact, it no longer is a decision when someone says they have been “called” to something. It means that something or someone external to them has […]
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BLESSED?
What does it mean to be “blessed?” What is a blessing? What does it mean when someone utters the phrase “God bless you?” Somehow this religious word has entered into our culture and is now found on the lips of pop stars when they talk about how they won a Grammy. Even for a seemingly […]
ABIDE
What does it mean to abide? The dictionary defines abiding as staying, living, or dwelling. When the Bible speaks of abiding it usually speaks of abiding in someone rather than something. It usually speaks of abiding in Christ. And totally boggles the mind. Our minds can comprehend staying with someone or near someone. When it […]
DISCIPLE
What is a disciple? When I was younger I used to watch martial arts movies. In these movies there would be a master and he would always have one or more disciples. These disciples chose to learn kung fu from this master and they would follow his every move and hang on every word that […]
RIGHTEOUS
Righteous is a word you don’t really hear anymore. It sounds very archaic and conjures up images of a Puritan in stockings and a wig. To others it reminds them of outdated slang flowing from the mouth of a long haired hippie in the Haight Ashbury area of San Francisco in the late 1960’s. The […]
COUNTING THE COST
While in a church context you may hear people use the phrase “count the cost.” It is usually said as counsel before someone is making a decision. It is usually applied to a major undertaking such as a business opportunity or even marriage. When Jesus used it he was actually referring to a major undertaking: […]