Faith Is Not Wishful Thinking

James Rochford

1 Peter 3:15

Atheistic scientists in the world cannot explain the origin of the universe, nor the fine-tuning we see in the universe or the reality of objective morality or free will. Only the Bible gives a satisfying and reasonable explanation for the complexity we see all around us.

Two Things You Shouldn't Talk About

James Rochford

1 Peter 2:11-17

It is said you should not talk about religion or politics at gathering. Here, Peter talks about both. In any generation, Christians will find themselves in tension with the governing authorities whether directly or with people who agree with the state's policies. We must remember politics is not our priority and approach public policy with humility. With people we disagree, we must work toward listening and dialoguing without falling prey to contempt.

An Imprecatory Psalm

Gary DeLashmutt

Psalms 58

Imprecatory psalms that call down judgment on evil-doers may cause discomfort in modern readers and tempt them to avoid those psalms. But then one would have to excise a significant portion of Scripture. But taking a closer look, one sees that in Psalm 58 that David does not seek personal vengeance but that God would intervene to uphold His reputation. David desires the wicked rulers would repent so they can take refuge in God. Reaping the consequences of evil behavior is an act of God's love designed to bring us to repentance so we can receive forgiveness.

Babylon the Great

Gary DeLashmutt

Revelation 18

Babylon the Great is the ultimate expression of human empires that defy God's rule. It seduces governments and businesses thorough the allure of material wealth. It seduces individuals by turning good things into idols that corrupt and enslave. As believers, we are not citizens of this world system and so should not get caught up in arguing the relative value of different political systems but instead should make the ongoing decision to resist the seductive influence of Babylon the Great.

When God Intervenes

Mike Sullivan

Revelation 8:1-9:21

In Chapters 8 and 9, God is ready to act upon the prayers of the martyrs to unleash judgment on the rebellious world that caused their death. During the Great Tribulation, people will not repent of their evil ways but will reject God's moral leadership, thinking that they will occupy the seat of power instead of God. They are unaware that to not worship God is to worship Satan. They will bear the consequences of that decision to reject God's authority.

The Backward Wisdom of God (Part 2)

Ryan Lowery

James 4:1-11

The Kosmos--the world system that stands in opposition to God and His will--draws people toward a selfish point of view and lifestyle, which leads to destruction in their life. The Kosmos distracts us away from the good life that God has created us to have, and away from the true needs of others that He wants us to help meet. For Christians, James describes obedience to the Kosmos as being spiritual adultery, and calls on us to take these failings seriously. The good news is, as we turn to Him for mercy, God offers us forgiveness and a restoration to usefulness.

Don't Be a Troll

Ryan Lowery

James 3:1-12

James describes the power of our speech, for either evil or good in the lives of others, calling on all Christians, particularly those who teach the Bible, to prayerfully use their words to build up and encourage. He uses a variety of images to describe the need to control our speech, including fire and a ship's rudder, and the need for us to represent Christ and his love in our speech. Our culture badly needs encouraging, loving, constructive words, and Christians, under grace, can offer this.

The Story of Joseph

Gary DeLashmutt

Genesis 37-50

An overview of the life of Joseph--an incredible story of favoritism by Jacob, hatred, cruelty, deception, and guilt by his half-brothers, as well as faithfulness, perseverance, obedience, and forgiveness by Joseph. Like many of us, Joseph was victimized by many people, but he did not succumb to a victim mentality because he trusted in God's loving sovereignty. He was able to thrive in spite of ill-treatment and adversity and we can, too, through God's help.

Lot: The Impotence of Uncommitted Faith

Gary DeLashmutt

2 Peter 2:7-8

We can learn about having a vital faith by studying its antithesis in the tragic life of Lot. Though a true believer, he was a carnal believer and lived more like a non-believer; but the Lord was compassionate to him. An insightful explanation of the tragedy of and the hope for carnal believers is given. At any point, Lot could have decided to begin living by faith like Abraham and reaped the benefits.