Six Christmas Gifts That Last a Lifetime
Christmas is stressful because we all want to give the perfect gift. But gifts are temporal. A godly home, integrity, love and a good marriage are precious gifts. The gifts…
Christmas is stressful because we all want to give the perfect gift. But gifts are temporal. A godly home, integrity, love and a good marriage are precious gifts. The gifts…
prophecyThe Book of Revelation has a two-fold purpose. But contrary to what many Christians assume, it’s not a book of riddles and cryptic clues to see who’s smart enough to…
It’s been said that our decisions and responses determine our destiny. As we explore the rise of David and the sad demise of King Saul, we’ll see why one of…
The truth about temptation is that it’s not a sin to be tempted, only to give in. Don’t blame God, others or the bait. When tempted run, don’t try to…
Jesus asked Jesus to follow Him immediately. What a bold request! How do you recognize and respond to God’s call for your life? Expect it to be clear, progressive and…
Humans have a traitor within. When the truth hurts, most prefer a lie. The three marks of the accountable life are taking responsibility, accepting correction and living transparently. Preached at…
King Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, lost his throne by listening to bad advice, by leading with fear and intimidation and by selfishness and greed. Good, godly leaders humbly put the needs…
Abraham learned that half-truths that deceive are still lies. Don’t be surprised when our children copy our actions, not our boundaries. Abraham’s deceiving ways were passed down to his son,…
Paul gives practical relationship advice in 1 Corinthians 7. To singles, he advises to stay single if you can. Marriage undercuts your ability to serve God wholly. Get married if…
God is looking for faith that trusts Him enough to do what He says. He’s not looking for intellectual assent, positive thinking or risky living.
God gave us three kinds of glimpses of Jesus in the Old Testament that illustrate His ministry to us. PROPHETS: A prophet speaks for God. HIGH PRIESTS: A high priest…
So many of God’s people missed God’s heart for everyone. They missed the purpose of the law and how God wanted them to live. In the New Testament, the scholars…
Work is a calling from God. Every job stinks. There is no perfect job. God is in control of who is in control.. If you can’t find a better job,…
Jude, the tiny little Bible book before Revelation, concludes with instructions on how to come back to God after backsliding. Jude teaches us to reflect and discover how we departed…
The apostle John, in this short letter, warns of the traits that cause spiritual leaders to lose their spirituality and influence. Five characteristics of a dangerous spiritual leader are t…
False teachers like Cain, Balaam and Korah compromised the truth of God and led people to destruction. Cain was trying to reach God on his own terms. Balaam was trying…
Larry Osborne gives a solid Biblical answer to the question: Does the Bible endorse slavery? Philemon also teaches much about righteous living. God is in control of who is in…
God wants to be treated like God. He desires that we obey all of His commands. He asks to be at the center of our marriages and families. He insists…
Jonah’s book reveals what we can expect when we say “no” to God’s clear instructions. We head into a “storm” in our lives, we put others in danger. We face…
Haggai’s message, unlike the other minor prophets’ sermons, was readily received by God’s people. Haggai taught to put God’s house before their own, to commit to live within their means,…
Habakkuk asks “God, why are you tolerating wickedness? Why would you use wicked people to judge Israel? They are worse than we are. God explains how His judgment works. Faith…
Protect yourself from lying preachers. Check their message with all of Scripture. Check the fruit before you buy the tree. The majority can be dead wrong. Never confuse God’s patience…
All hell had broken loose in Israel because of their sin. When God brings justice, He also brings judgment. God always prefers forgiveness over judgment. www.northcoast.org.
Amos, the unpopular prophet, taught us four practical lessons. If we are not right with others, we can’t be right with God. Social justice matters. We are blessed to be…
Paul discussed questions of religious freedom with the Corinthian believers. He related that an idol was powerless, and that true worship of God is more than religious formality. Love and…
“Brain Cramps” refers to how religious leaders from the Old and New Testament completely missed the heart of God and the teachings of Jesus. Old Testament leaders missed the purpose…
The picture of Ruth asking Boaz to marry her and become her “kinsman-redeemer” is a picture of how Christ became our “kinsman-redeemer.” he became our kinsman by choice. He paid…
We learn from the life of the patriarch Jacob that God’s will has a what and a when — and both are important. We should never do the wrong thing…
Are there tears in heaven for believers? Of course, we are saved by faith, but Scripture teaches that God “will wipe away” every tear. Certain passages teach that our judgment…
How do you deal with a rebellious child? When they insist on leaving, let them leave. When things get tough-don’t run to the rescue. If they come back, run to…
Passing the torch is part of a parent’s job description. Many things are better “caught” than “taught.” Strong marriages teach your children how to love and feel secure. When parents…
Financial freedom starts with how we think. Money is not an accurate measure of God’s favor. We mustn’t equate net worth with self-worth. Money does not equal security. Get the…
Daniel lived fearlessly in the midst of the hostile, pagan Babylonian culture. Living a “gutsy” life doesn’t mean we deny the reality of darkness and fear, but it does mean…
Lot’s selfishness, misplaced priorities and spiritual dullness cause disaster. He and his family barely escape certain death because of God’s amazing acts of mercy and grace. The lesson for us…
The promised land landmines include unrealistic expectations that lead to disappointment with God, amnesia that leads to fear and arrogance, and partial obedience that leads to compromise and presumption. Only…
God promised Joshua and the Israelites that they would take the land. But God’s promises also come with conditions. Cowards, who refuse to follow God’s plan, get angry with Him…
When a Jericho (a seemingly insurmountable obstacle) blocks your path, never confuse God’s patience with weakness or approval. in yesterday’s (or someone else’s battle plan. God will go before you.…
When you need to make a big decision, don’t be hasty. Get the facts, inquire of the Lord. Once you’ve make a commitment, keep it no matter what the cost.…
Envy is a disease cured by submission, contentment and humility. When you stuggle with jealousy, remember: life is not fair-eternity is better than fair. You can’t lead if you can’t…
How do you know if you are greedy? If you make most decisions based on the financial impact, if you put financial opportunity over family and health, if you experience…
Cain’s bloodless sacrifice was a homemade religion. Six substitutes for genuine faith God won’t accept are good morals and deeds, clear conscience, sincerity, great theology, religious rituals, cut and paste…
Jonah became angry that God saved Ninevah. We need to remember the kind of God we have and the kind of people He invites. We must be caring, listening and…