Rhythm of Faith

1 Corinthians 1:31 31… “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” If someone asks you, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” you would probably tell him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved,” wouldn’t you? Well, a rich, young ruler asked Jesus the same question, but instead of telling him to believe in Him, Jesus gave him the law. (Mark 10:17–22) Jesus saw that the young ruler lived his life taking pride in his ability to keep the law to earn salvation and the favor of God. But because of His love for the man, Jesus had to show him that those who live by the law must realize that their self-efforts cannot save them. He therefore reminded him, “You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery…‘Do not steal... ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” The young ruler showed that his trust was in his law-keeping when he replied, “Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth.” So Jesus had to tell him, “One thing you lack… sell whatever you ...

But we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, so that through God's grace he should die for everyone. We see him now crowned with glory and honor because of the death he suffered. Heb2.9.GNT The Bible says that Jesus experienced death for us. So you and I do not have to experience eternal death because He has paid the penalty for our sin and given us the gift of eternal life. Now that is something to rejoice about! Because of Christ's resurrection and victory over death, what happens when you wake up in the morning? I believe that when Christians put their feet on the floor in the morning, hell ought to shake. Demons should tremble when they realize we're up! That's exactly what will happen when we realize who we are in Christ and understand the authority we have in Him. We are soldiers in the army of God. We have authority in Him! Jesus has defeated sin and death. Now we need to consistently walk in the authority and...

   The question we should look at is this: If self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, wouldn't it automatically come natural to those who belong to God? The Bible tells us that those who belong to God have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. (Galatians 5:24) Those who walk in the Spirit walk according to the wisdom they've been given. In other words they make choices day after day to put away sin. With that said, let's praise God for His unfailing grace. Putting down my flesh is a daily process, and I'm no where near completion.  Putting away sin is more than a decision, it calls for a measure of self-control. Without conviction however, that self-control won't be worth much. The Spirit gives us strength for the journey. Let me give you an example. During my twenties I started struggling with my weight. I went from a 98 pound bride to a 150 pound 30-something-year-old within ten years. I'm short so the extra bit of weight was uncomfortable...

All of Christ’s suffering and his death would have been meaningless if he had not risen again. The resurrection completes Christ’s work of salvation. But it is also very practical for our lives.   Here are a few things we gain from his resurrection:   1. A completed salvation “[Christ}  was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification . Romans 4:25 Through the resurrection God validated our forgiveness and showed to all Christ’s dominion over life and death, heaven and hell, the works of man and our sin.   2.  Death defeated but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2 Timothy 1:10 We no longer need to fear illness and death. Christ knows what it is like to suffer in our bodies and he has perfect compassion so we are never left without a comforter. Death marks the beginning of life for a Christian because we have...

    Years ago we had “game night” with another couple when the husband called his wife out regarding her attitude about the game. Let’s just say she was not a gracious loser and he addressed it. Awkward!! Now, maybe he should have done that in private, but nevertheless I imagine that some of the people and disciples of Jesus felt pretty uncomfortable when Jesus called out the Scribes and other religious leaders. And in the hearing of all the people he said to his disciples, “Beware of the scribes” (Lk 20:45,46a) Let me say first that it was totally appropriate for Jesus to take these Pharisees to task in public because they were figures of authority whose sins were public and in some cases against the public. Jesus is on a roll, he confronts their cold hearts, their wrongful interpretation of the scriptures and now their hypocritical lives. And he does this straight to their face. Can you feel the tension crackling in the air? But it isn’t enough to feel awkwar...

    Shame, guilt, failure…despair How could he have been so proud and joined the other disciples earlier in the day arguing with them about who would be the greatest… How could he be so zealous before, willing to protect Jesus to the point of drawing his sword and cutting off the servant of the high priest’s ear… (vs 50) In Luke 22:33 we see Peter telling Jesus that he was: “willing to go to prison and even death.” How could he go from one minute being so confident in himself, his abilities, his commitment and within a few hours, a few changes and a few questions find himself sitting around a fire in the courtyard of the high priest watching Jesus being interrogated from afar? (vs 55) Hours later, Peter was drowning in the despair of his choices, his actions, his responses…..his lack of bravery. Ever been there? I know I have. The regret. The poor decision that washes over you as your mind replays the event over and over again, each time etching the me...

  The terrifying, cruel and wonderful work of Christ, which will rescue us from our own sin and destruction, has begun. He has been betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter. After Christ’s arrest the rest of the disciples ran away to hide. Christ is taken into custody and the men who are holding him begin to play a cruel game of blind man’s bluff. They blindfolded him, made fun of him, and punched him saying, “Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?” (You can read in the other Gospels that they hit, spit, and slapped him as well – Matt. 26:67,68; Mark 14:65). In the morning he is taken before the Sanhedrin where all the religious leaders had gathered. The man they had been trying to trap and arrest for 3 long years was finally at their mercy. During his time with the Sanhedrin three of his titles are mentioned. The Christ   “If you are the Christ, tell us.” But he said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, Luke 22:67 The word “Christ” and Messiah both mean...