What Does It Mean to be a Christian?(Part #3)

What Does It Mean to be a Christian?(Part #3)

Early Christians faced numerous challenges, including government persecution, adhering to a different set of beliefs, and striving to do what is right in an immoral world. These issues are not unique to the first century but continue to be relevant today.

How do you cope with the challenges you encounter?

James tells his readers that it is possible to find joy in the midst of trials and temptations.

Do you find joy, even in the smallest amount amid trials and temptations?

This is achievable for Christians because they have a long-term perspective. James writes, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1.2-3 ESV)

Steadfastness, when fully developed, helps Christians become mature and complete (James 1:4). A long-term perspective has its advantages.

Christians know that things in life work towards a greater good because they have a God who cares for their well-being. James encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom, as He will grant it to those who have faith (James 1:5-8).

How do you deal with challenges?

Do you have a long-term perspective?

Do you seek wisdom from God?

Just some thoughts,

 

 

 

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

Do you check prices when you go grocery shopping? Do you read the sales to be sure the “deal” you are getting is a “deal?”

In 50 Secrets Your Grocer Won’t Tell You, Jeff Weidauer revealed that the 10-for-$10 is one of the most effective promotions. Sales volume takes off when a grocery store offers this option even though it’s not uncommon to charge the consumer more.

He explained how they’ll take 89-cent cans of tuna and flag them with a “10-for-$10” sign to increase sales. Shoppers will unwittingly pay the extra $1.10 because they think it’s a deal. Temptation works the same way. That which seems irresistible is costing us more than we think. (Reader’s Digest, February 2014, p.142)

Satan makes sin look wonderful, but the consequences are eternal punishment. Sin is made to look glamorous, but its wages are death. (Romans 6.23) No one is beyond of scope of being tempted by Satan. He will use every available means to pull you away. (Ephesians 6.11; 1 Peter 5.8)

Each Christian needs to strengthen themselves so we are not pulled away (James 1.14)

How can one continue to strengthen themselves against sin?

Here are a few suggestions on growing in Spiritual Strength:

  • Surround yourself with people trying to get to heaven (Hebrews 10.24, 25)
  • Spend time in the Bible (God’s words on avoiding sin) (1 Timothy 2.15)
  • Communicate with God (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
  • Change your life to live for God if you have not (Acts 2.38)

Just some thoughts,

Marital Happiness

Marital Happiness

The Wall Street Journal (WJS, 1/27/18)reported on a study published in the December 2017 Journal of Happiness Studies and suggested “getting married is one of the best ways to cement a couple’s long-term happiness.”
Using research spanning the past two decades and over 300,000 people, the study sought to discover if marriage causes happiness or if happy people are more likely to get married and stay that way.
The simple conclusion is “a close marital bond spurs long-term happiness.”
The WSJ reporter noted, “That level of commitment, formalized by a ritual and a legal document, may be one reason why the advantages of marriage trump those of just living together.” The article was appropriately titled, “For Happiness That Lasts, Take Those Vows.”
The Bible speaks to the value of the marriage relationship and the strength of the marriage commitment:
  • “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)
  • “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” (Mark 10:9)
  • “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.” (Proverbs 31:10-11)
  • “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:31-33)
There are more verses that could be mentioned, but the commitment of a marriage is strong and even stronger when God is present. God’s plan is always best.
Just some thoughts,
Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

The Rich Man’s New View

When Jesus spoke the words of Luke 16.19-31, he shared the lives of two people. One was a rich man, and the other was a beggar. Each of them had a different life while on Earth and each found themselves in a different life after death.

The rich man, while had nice clothes and “feasted sumptuously” every day (Luke 16.19), had a troubling life after this Earth. After death, he found himself in torment. (Luke 16.23) In the great distance, he saw Lazarus, the beggar who laid at this gate, sitting with Abraham. (Luke 19.23)

While in pain, agony, and unbearable torment, the rich man petitioned Abraham to give him a drop of water. (Luke 16.25-26) Life’s memories filled his mind because he asks Abraham to send someone back to speak to his family. (Luke 16.27-30) Even the rich man begged for someone to evangelize (teach) his family while in torment. He did not want them to have the same fate.

William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, believed in the power of understanding Hell and torment. Mr. Booth is noted as saying, “Most Christians would like to send their recruits to Bible college for five years. I would like to send them to Hell for five minutes. That would do more than anything else to prepare them for a lifetime of compassionate ministry.” While we cannot do that, it is a reminder of the destination of our souls after this physical life is over.

Sometimes, it is necessary to realize what we are saved from to help us understand what we are saved for.

Just a thought,

Bible Class – Day #3 of the Class on John 4

Bible Class – Day #3 of the Class on John 4

Here is day #3 of talking about the woman at the well in John 4.

This is Day #3 of Week #1 of our new Bible Study Series for 2023. Today we share thoughts on the conversation of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

The videos below are on YouTube and Rumble. You can choose whichever format you prefer. 

Thanks for taking part,

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The Bible Class on Rumble:

You can find more Preacher’s Pen videos on Rumble by clicking here.

The Bible Class on Youtube:

You can find more videos of the Preacher’s Pen on YouTube by clicking here.