Many heaven jokes feature a conversation with Peter at the pearly gates. Most Christians are able to spot the misconceptions about heaven implied in such jokes. But myths about heaven persist, even in the church.
Paul urges the church to put off the old nature and “put on the new nature, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24). But what do real “righteousness and holiness” look like?
When you get ready to go to the store, or work, or running around, do you go naked? If you do your going to get into trouble with the law, aside from being extremely embarrassed. We always make sure to get ready. Are you ready? 10 But the day of the Lord will come as a…
Gods word gives us laws, gives us commands, gives us everything we need to live our lives daily to please him, but to figure out what those things are we must study. 2 Timothy 2:15 says: 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing…
Before Nehemiah told the Jewish officials of his plans to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, he carefully inspected the damage (Neh. 2:9-16). His leadership is a good example for the church. It’s impossible to rebuild unless we see what’s broken.
The old nature is impure, ignorant, and insensitive (Eph. 4:17-24). Paul doesn’t encourage us to hide it. He challenges us to cast off the old nature and put on something new.
Nehemiah prayed about the sad conditions in Jerusalem for four months. When King Artaxerxes noticed his cupbearer’s sadness and asked him about it, Nehemiah boldly revealed his plan for rebuilding the city’s broken wall (Neh. 2:1-8). Devotion to prayer naturally gives birth to planning.
Jesus gave spiritual gifts to the church so that apostles, prophets, evangelists and shepherds might build it up (Eph. 4:7-16). Is Christ still bestowing gifts today?
The Bible describes church leaders as shepherds (Acts 20:28). The shepherding metaphor implies some interesting things. People are messy and needy. But working to meet their needs is often painful.
How could a “doctrinally sound” congregation split? It definitely happens. And whenever it does, there’s a disconnect between head and heart. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells the church how to maintain true unity (Eph. 4:1-6).
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