What Exactly is a “Religious Spirit”?

When he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was untrue to the Lord his God, for he entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense- 2nd Chronicles 26:16 NASB I did not grow up in church. As a result, there were a bunch of churchy phrases tossed… Continue reading What Exactly is a “Religious Spirit”?

How Many Times Should Christians Pray? Answers From The Bible

How many times you should pray isn’t recorded in the Bible. It’s an individual choice that should be continuous. However, it is recommended to be a daily activity. Christians sometimes wonder if they are praying less or too much and wonder again if something is wrong with their prayer pattern; Thinking that might cause them… Continue reading How Many Times Should Christians Pray? Answers From The Bible

CAN I TRUST MY PASTOR?

Given the level of distrust that seems to be growing towards church leaders and  corporate offenses rising against the Church, I’ve been getting more emails asking how to know if a pastor can be trusted. Obviously, there are clear scriptural directives concerning the qualifications of church leaders (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1:6-9, and 1 Peter 5:1-3). But,… Continue reading CAN I TRUST MY PASTOR?

Where’s the Love of God in This Dark World?

On most evenings, I turn on the evening news. I want to see the the lead stories, to see if there was anything big in the world I missed while my nose was buried in crafting Bible studies. Inevitably, I’m bombarded with violence … another shooting … another looming health crisis … another round of… Continue reading Where’s the Love of God in This Dark World?

ARE WE APPLAUDING LUKEWARM CHURCHES?

Without preaching Christ crucified and the need for repentance, the glitter of this pastor’s presentations are but cheap imitations. This is not a judgment of his heart or his intentions; merely a reminder of the bar that God has already set for those who are called to preach the “good news.” “Not everyone who says… Continue reading ARE WE APPLAUDING LUKEWARM CHURCHES?

Idolatry: Did you know about these two false gods?

By Elizabeth Prata I finished reading through Amos. A hard book, but a majestic one. God is at the center of it. His wrath, righteousness, and holiness. It ends with a promise, as do most of the prophetic books- I will plant them on their land,and they shall never again be uprootedout of the land… Continue reading Idolatry: Did you know about these two false gods?

Does God Run Out of Patience? (1 Sam 28.6)

When Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, not by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. Background The prophet Samuel has died. It is the end of an era. The book of First Samuel is approaching its climax: a great battle against the Philistines. Previous battles have all been in… Continue reading Does God Run Out of Patience? (1 Sam 28.6)