Your car needs certain provisions in order to run. It needs oil to lubricate the moving parts. It needs water to cool the moving parts. It needs petrol to run the motor. It needs a battery to start the motor. If any of these provisions are lacking, it will not run. Spiritually we also need […]
Many homes are a war zone. The battles fought behind closed doors (and sometimes in front of the children) are ignited by what James calls “Lusts”. These are selfish desires or pleasing self. Selfish lusts cause wars over unneeded purchases, extravagant spending, debts, undiscussed decisions, in-laws, putting children ahead of spouse, child discipline, meal complaints, […]
The “spoil” in this verse means to carry off as a captive slave. This was common practice when an army conquered a city. For example, the Jews in Jerusalem were spoiled (carried off as slaves) by the Babylonians when they conquered the city in 586 BC. In our text, Paul warns that false teachers want […]
Have you ever made a foolish choice, or said the wrong thing, or responded in an ungodly way? Yes, all have. Why do we do that? One reason is we lack God’s wisdom. About 3000 years ago Solomon wrote, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to […]
On my computer, I have installed Norton Antivirus. It is a program that protects my computer from invasions that can harm, destroy or steal my data. As Christians, we too need spiritual protection. The devil and his false teachers are actively working to deceive God’s people. Transition In this section, Paul gave the Colossian believers […]
The old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me” is not true. Words can hurt badly. Have you ever been hurt by the words of someone? Yes, we all have. Read James 3:1-12 James begins this chapter and section with a stern warning to those who desire to […]
James 2:14-26 speaks about faith and works. This section has caused many people to think that salvation is part by faith and part by doing good works. However, that is NOT what James was teaching. Each of us here today has a heartbeat. The heartbeat can be heard by placing an ear on the chest […]
I enjoy learning facts about Creationism. Learning how scientific facts about origins and geology fit the biblical creation and flood model far better than they do the evolution theory strengthens my faith. It gives me confidence when talking to those who promote evolution. A clear understanding of God’s Word on the subject is a fantastic […]
When I was young I was often an angry youth. As I matured I gained better control, but I still had a spirit of anger that I did not know existed. It wasn’t until I listened to a message by Dr. S. M. Davis on anger that I realized I had that spirit of anger. […]
Years ago we planted an orange tree. For several years, it did nothing. It did not grow. It did not produce fruit. Finally, we pulled it out. Spiritual growth is just as important for Christians. Transition Because Paul heard that the Colossians had been saved, from that day he began praying for their spiritual growth. […]