I'll Be Honest

Nathan Rages | Our conscience is the internal moral monitor hard-wired into every human by the Creator. This sermon explores eight questions about our conscience:

1. What is it? (Rom. 2:14-15)

2. How does it change at conversion? (Heb. 9:14,10:22, Rom. 9:1)

3. Is it always accurate? (Acts 23:1, Rom. 14)

4. Should you always obey it? (Rom. 14:22-23, 1Tim. 1:19)

5. Can it be damaged? (Matt. 23:24, Col. 2:16-18, 1Tim. 4:2)

6. Can it be re-calibrated? (Acts 10:12-15, 2Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 5:14)

7. Is it possible to keep it clear? (2Tim. 1:3, Heb. 13:18, 1Pet. 3:16, 1Tim. 1:5,3:8-9, Rom. 14:22)

8. How can that “clearness” be maintained? (Acts 24:16, 1John 1:5-9, Rom. 13:5, Matt. 5:23-24)

Nathan Rages pastors in Columbia, Missouri at Redeeming Grace Church.

Have you ever wondered why prayers go unanswered or why internal conflicts seem so persistent? This sermon on James 4:1-10 explores these struggles, delivered during a week of prayer and fasting. It takes an honest look at the root of spiritual apathy and divided loyalties, challenging us to examine our motives and our relationship with God.

Bob Jennings | When we come together as a church, praying at prayer meetings becomes an essential part of our fellowship. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 11:18, our gatherings are more than just Christians sharing the same space—they are intentional assemblies in the name and power of the Lord Jesus to worship, study scriptures, sing, and pray. Praying at prayer meetings distinguishes us from merely performing communal tasks like helping someone move or painting a house, emphasizing our spiritual unity and devotion. 

True wisdom is not measured by knowledge or words but by the way we live, as demonstrated in James’ challenge: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct, let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” This wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere—a stark contrast to the bitterness and selfish ambition of earthly, demonic wisdom that leads nowhere but destruction.

Tim Conway | In this “Ask Pastor Tim,” someone asked how many times can Christians fall into sin. What is ultimately behind their question, and what does this reveal about their view of salvation?

Bob Jennings | Article | After becoming a Christian, I used to recoil at the idea that there was such a thing as Christian maturity—a growing up to be done. Didn’t I already have everything in Christ? Wasn’t I complete in Him? Were they suggesting that I needed to reach some higher stage? While it is true that, positionally, I have everything in Christ, it is not yet fully reflected in my condition. For instance, when my son was born, he was fully and completely mine from that moment on. Yet, there is much growing up ahead for him. It will take years before he becomes fully matured, filled out, and able to navigate life on his own.

Read the article: https://illbehonest.com/signs-of-spiritual-maturity

This Ask Pastor Tim Bible study addresses why blaming God for not being saved is wrong and offers biblical guidance on handling idols in your life that you cannot completely remove.

Are you navigating your spiritual journey safely, or are hidden pitfalls like rigid practices, exclusivity, leadership cravings, legalism, and the desire for praise threatening your true walk with God?

This chapter is taken from G.D. Watson's book, "Spiritual Feasts".

Read the article: https://illbehonest.com/dangers-to-deep-spirituality

When a church member leaves, it often brings challenges and lessons that require careful reflection. Recently, a longtime member of our congregation departed, and this change highlights two significant issues: how the decision was handled and the decision itself. Addressing these concerns helps us honor God, strengthen our fellowship, and learn from these experiences.

In this episode of Ask Pastor Tim, two important questions are addressed: First, what principles should guide a single father in deciding how to dress his toddler for church, balancing practicality with reverence? Second, is a church building truly a "sacred place," or does the New Testament offer a different perspective on sacredness? Pastor Tim unpacks these topics, exploring modesty, cultural expectations, and biblical teaching on the nature of worship spaces, while offering practical and compassionate advice.