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Words And Actions Reveal The Heart Attitude

Words and actions show people for what they areas we learn from Mark 6:14-29. The people saw and heard the things Jesus and His disciples did and all of them had different ideas about who Jesus was and where these miraculous powers came from, verses 14-15. When people look at us and our lives do they see the power of Jesus at work and honor Him because of it? News of what had been happening reached King Herod’s ears. And he feared John the Baptist whom he had beheaded had been raised from the dead, verse 16. Guilt can often … Continue reading →

Gospel Doctrine: “Whosoever Killeth You…”

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As I reviewed the Gospel Doctrine lesson for this week, the second half of John 16:2 stood out to me. Here, Jesus tells His disciples that “whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.” Given that today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith, these words took on a special significance to me. Of course, Joseph was not the only person in the restored church who died because of his faith. Early church history is filled with a number of Saints who gave their lives because of their faith. One story that stood out … Continue reading →

Are Christians called to be Tolerant?

What do you think? When I read about Jesus I see a man that accepted those who wanted Him. Though He did accept them where they were, He did not condone their sin. Take for example John 8:1-11. The scribes and Pharisees brought to Jesus a woman who was engaging in adultery. Jesus told them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” Of course the accusers left. None of us are without sin. Jesus followed up saying to the woman, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” Jesus acknowledged … Continue reading →

Do You Serve Religion or Christ?

This is a really a topic that you must know I write with the best intentions. I’ve blogged such topics as Religion vs. Faith, False Teachers, Sunday Christians and The Occult, just to name a few. But today I really want to view a slightly different facet; I want to address the definition of Christianity and touch on people’s fascination with religion. There is real danger in getting wrapped up in a religious mindset. Consider this blog the tie that binds the blogs I’ve mentioned. To be honest with you, I’m not sure what to even call myself anymore. I’m … Continue reading →

The Cross of Nero

I’d like to start out with an excerpt from an article I found online regarding the life of Nero. In addition to learning about his apparent self-absorbency, perverse sexual behavior, and lack of regard for even those who were close to him; this portion of the article shows his particular hate toward Christians: “Nero, always a man desperate to be popular, therefore looked for scapegoats on whom the fire (Great Fire in Rome; July 64 AD) could be blamed. He found it in an obscure new religious sect, the Christians. And so many Christians were arrested and thrown to the … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks

I’m not here to write about the song “Jesus Freak” by Christian band DC Talk or even the Jesus Freak movement of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I’m here to talk about the book put out by DC Talk and The Voice of the Martyrs entitled, Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus: The Ultimate Jesus Freaks. This book is so much more than just a creatively antique-looking book with its grungy cover and torn parchment-like pages. Inside this book lie the stories of many faithful who put their faith in Jesus, even as it meant their … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Resisting Temptation to Sin

I am encouraged by what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” We will all go through temptation. Not even Jesus was immune to Satan’s temptation while living here on earth. I hear people talk about God testing their faith when they are going through hard times; once in a while, I … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: The First Christian Martyr

I’d like to share the story of Stephen that took place about 34 AD. Mention of him can be found in Acts chapter 6 and 7 of the Bible. He was said to be a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. He had the power of the Holy Spirit working through him, and was full of wisdom. There were men who came to take Stephen to council because he put Jesus over the customs of Moses. As Stephen gave his testimony in front of the council, it was said they saw his face as the face of an … Continue reading →

Trials and Faith: Persecution

Throughout the Bible we can read stories of persecution to those who followed God. Some were even martyred for their beliefs. The persecution of Christians, among others, is still happening today. In some nations like China, Christians are forced to register with the government in order to attend a certain congregation. You might have heard of underground churches there where Christians are gathering in secret so they can worship God freely. Time magazine did a story a few months ago on this topic. Folks, this is not just happening in China, it’s happening all over! Christians have suffered beating, and … Continue reading →

Trials of Faith: Trial by Fire

God can take the trials of our lives and turn them into glory for Him if we will allow it. When going through difficult times, I try to look at the situation as a refining of my faith. I know God didn’t make the trial happen, but that He can use it to show me that He is in control because He is God. Taking a look at 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Beloved, do not thing it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that … Continue reading →