Leaving Laodicea

Have there been times in your life when you have experienced the Holy Spirit is such a profound way that it literally took your breath away?  Looking back, do you consider those encounters with the Living God mountaintop experiences?  Most do.So why doesn't it happen more often?  Why does the Holy Spirit seldom show up in our church services?  Why do we spend so much time and money trying to manufacture what we can't duplicate?These are troubling questions for a troubling time and an apathetic church.  Do you want to know more?  Then, by all means, please keep listening. The following is a study on Acts 13:1-4 and the Holy Spirit.

We are living in very turbulent times.  And the day will soon come when widespread sanctioned persecution upon Christians will not only be acceptable in this country, but encouraged. When that day happens, will you be prepared to face such persecution?  Is your faith strong enough to stand up against that kind of assault?  Are you confident in your standing with the Lord that you will not fear what they can do to you?  Are you ready to have your faith tested by fire?If not, or if you are not sure, please keep listening. The following is a study on Psalms 3 and 4.

In our church culture we feel that everyone is equal and all should be treated the same... much like Christian socialism.  But in the Kingdom, the Millennial Reign of Christ, the concept of Christian socialism is foreign to the Scriptures.  In fact, the teachings of Jesus clearly show that all Believers will enter the Kingdom, but not all will inherit the Kingdom.  And the difference is determined by obedience.Are you confused?  Does that seem unfair?  Just keep listening.  You might find it changes your entire concept of rewards and inheritance in the Kingdom.The following is a study on Rewards and inheritance in the Kingdom.

When you come to the understanding that the seven letters written to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 actually lay out for us church history in advance, you will come to the frightening conclusion that we are now living in the Laodicean church age.  And that is the frightening age that Jesus says He wants to vomit out of His mouth.  Remember?But what does that mean for us today?  Much.  Everything.  More than you can imagine.Just keep listening.The following is a study on Leaving Laodicea and James 5:1.

When it comes to the ever elusive topic of "How to find God's will for your life," one key element seems to be conspicuously missing.  And that element, that non-negotiable, can be found in James 4:13-17.In part it reads, "Come now, you who say..." And then later, "Instead you ought to say..."And finally, "Therefore, to him..."  Are you confused?  Just keep listening.The following is a study on James 4:13-17.

James 4:12 says, "Do not speak evil of one another, brethren" which is a command that is seldom obeyed in our church culture today.  Many, if not all, Christians are guilty of this.But what happens when you are the object of evil talk or slander?  What happens when those closest to you malign your character in secret with evil intent?  How do you respond?  And, more important, how do you overcome?Often we build walls up between each other or develop attitudes of disengagement to cover our hurt and loss of innocence.  But, be encouraged, there is a better way.  Just keep listening.The following is a study on James 4:11-12.

One of the most misunderstood but profound statements by Jesus is found in the gospel of John.  There, on the eighth and final day of the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cried out to the crowd and said:"If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink.  He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water."Rivers of living water?  Really?  So, what is Jesus saying?  Is it a universal call to salvation... or something more? The following is a study on John 7:37-39.

James takes great care in setting out tests of true salvation that cut to the heart of casual, lukewarm, so-called Christianity.  Then, halfway through his letter, James presents the Gospel without compromise.  And it is a sobering presentation compared to what is preached from most pulpits today.Consider the following:Therefore submit to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.  Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.  Lament and mourn and weep!  Do you know the implications of what James is saying?  If not, then you'd better keep listening.The following is a study on James 4:7-10.

Sometimes, when difficult times come our way, it helps to reflect on God and the truths He reveals to us about His character and life in general.  And it would literally take a lifetime to attempt to understand all the truths about God.But let's just list ten... our Top Ten.  And they deal with God's sovereignty, His love, His choice of us from the foundation of the world, trust that destroys worrry and doubt, living in His Kingdom and now the kingdom of Satan, that God is for us even when we are not for Him, that nothing we do can separate us from the love of God, the entire promise and hope of heaven... and the fact that He promised us an abundant life today.  Whew.  Overwhelming, isn't it.If you need some encouragement... then you'd better keep listening.The following is a study on ten truths about God.

There are voices all around us that bombard us, 24/7, with the wisdom of the world.  They say think this way, feel this way, lust for what you don't have, exalt yourself, magnify yourself, demand your own rights, love those who love you and hate those who hate you, go for all the gusto you can, you've only got one life to live... so live it your way... and on and on and on.Then there is the other voice, the still, small voice, that speaks another message.  This small voice says love your enemies and give to those who use you, do not defend yourself but wait for God to be your defense, love not this world or the things in the world because your home is not in what you see.  One voice preaches the wisdom of Satan and the other the wisdom of God.  Which one will you listen to?  Which one will you obey?Not sure?  Then you'd better keep listening.The following is a study on James 3:13-18.