Earnestly Contend
Encouraging Believers. Defending the Faith.
What Is Worship?
Worship – the very word brings controversy. The world, and yes Christians, all have differing views of worship. Does the Bible define worship for us? It does and possibly looks different than we would think. Let’s see what God’s Word says. In Malachi 1:6-8 God says,...
Romans 14 & COVID-19
I am disturbed by a byproduct of the unrest caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Usually, there is broad agreement among my peers in ministry in response to incidents that affect our nation, but in this instance, I have seen men that I love and respect insulted and...
The Importance of Words
Matthew 12:36-37 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. The number of words used by modern men and women...
Spiritual Quarantining
Modern medicine has done a lot to mitigate the risk of widespread infections. Still, we hear on occasion of some virus or disease that begins to spread rapidly and people must take drastic measures. In recent news, there has been the outbreak of the coronavirus. In a...
Uncomfortable Truths for Contenders
Let us assume for a moment, that a reader becomes convinced of the need to earnestly contend for the faith. Having seen the Scripture and looked at the issues, he is convicted that he, too, must take his stand for truth in a world where compromise is all around. Such...
Grace Based or Off Base?
I want to invite you to join me at a small-town cafe in Belmont, NC, across the street from the city park. Inside it's cozy, with seating for about twenty. Outside are tables and chairs made of metal wire and mesh, the kind that leaves marks on your elbows after a few...
The Heart of a Pilgrim
John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” is one of the most sold Christian books of all time. It is an elaborate allegory of a man who comes to salvation and eventually reaches heaven. While within the story, he is called “Christian” (after salvation), the title labels him...
The Authority of Scripture
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. Today, many people brace against any kind of authority in their lives. “Who are you to tell me what to do?” is an often-repeated question. A case could made for a person saying this...
Why We Need To Earnestly Contend
The sport of wrestling has its roots in Ancient Greece and has remained popular throughout history for a good reason. When two athletes square off, lock arms, and attempt to overpower and outmaneuver each other, it may not seem like much is happening, but the amount...