Each Thanksgiving, we gather around the table and talk about the things for which we’re most thankful. But long before the Pilgrims celebrated the first Thanksgiving, the Bible instructed Christians to be grateful people. In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul demonstrates what happens when gratitude truly permeates the life of a believer.
The Application of Discipleship
November 14, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
Growing disciples demonstrate the life of Christ in their thinking anddoing. Many believers tend to focus on one or the other. But the Apostle Paul links accountability to Scripture directly to the application of discipleship.
The Accountability of Discipleship
November 7, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
Many evangelical churches emphasize the importance of personal discipleship, as well as meeting in discipleship groups. Sometimes though, the discussion can get off track. Verse 16 helps us examine the accountability of discipleship.
We’ve already seen how Israel’s grumbling quickly turned to distrust of God, which led to rebellion. And the moment they rebelled against His command they stepped off the path of victory. They believed the price of obedience was too high; only to discover the cost of disobedience. As a result, a generation of Israelites existed only to wander in a circle for 40 years and die.
Focus on God’s Faithfulness
October 17, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
As followers of Christ, we can point to times when God’s faithfulness was undeniable. Yet, we often begin to gripe and complain when adversity seems to block our way. The victorious life promised in Scripture is not compatible with grumbling. The uncompromising Christian chooses to focus on God’s faithfulness, even when it’s difficult.
God’s Word is Imperative
October 10, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
Uncompromising Christianity doesn’t merely think that Scripture is important; it knows that God’s Word is imperative to our lives - even during times of adversity.
Obedience isn’t Optional
October 3, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
When we make concessions to God’s commands it takes us off the path of victory, onto the path of spiritual mediocrity. Recognizing that obedience isn’t optional is the foundation for uncompromising Christianity.
Heaven is Unchanged
September 26, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
Professing Christians generally agree that Heaven is a real place prepared for God’s people. After that, ideas about what it’s like can vary greatly. But Heaven is unchanged from what Scripture has always said. Misconceptions can be cleared up by simply looking at what God tells us in His Word.
The Lord's Return is Unchanged
September 19, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
The moment that Jesus ascended into the heavens, angels began to talk about His return. Two thousand years later, doubters and skeptics have increased with intensity. Yet, the Lord’s promise to return is unchanged.
Salvation is Unchanged
September 12, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
The majority of Americans claim some form of Christianity. Yet, less than two percent view their lives and the world through the lens of Scripture. So, most people are counting on going to Heaven when they die, but they do not believe what the Bible says about how to get there.
Forgiveness is Unchanged
September 5, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
Some people say that if God doesn’t judge America, then He will have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah. Remember though, God would not have destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah if just five righteous people had been there. He is always ready to forgive those who repent, just as He forgave the wicked city of Nineveh. Even today, God’s forgiveness is unchanged. Repentance and forgiveness still go hand-in-hand.
Marriage is Unchanged
August 29, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
God designed marriage for pleasure, for partnership, and for parenting. His definition of marriage today is consistent with His design in the Garden of Eden. Anytime we try to redefine what God has already defined, chaos and perversion are sure to follow. Biblical marriage is unchanged.
Sin is Unchanged
August 22, 2019 • Bucky Kennedy
People don’t talk much about sin these days. According to progressive thinkers, it’s judgmental to label particular actions as sinful. Even in Christian circles, the conversation has moved to acceptable sins versus unacceptable sins. And the list of what’s acceptable becomes more inclusive every day. The problem is - we don’t get to decide what is and what is not sinful.
