And On the Third Day...

"If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead."  - Tim Keller

Jesus' life was marked by many remarkable days. It was a memorable day when Jesus came to Bethlehem. It was a significant day when Jesus was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17). The day Jesus embarked to Jerusalem to die for sinful humanity was a meaningful day, as well.

The Friday of the Crucifixion (Good Friday or Holy Friday) has been studied and pored over throughout the years. But is is on that long ago Sunday following Good Friday which we will focus on today.

And it is this day, in particular, that has uniquely affected Christianity. Paul and various New Testament writers carefully record the account of Jesus' resurrection day (1 Corinthians 15:4).

Without any question that third day made a difference. It changed the Crucifixion from grim, distressing news of death to the wonderful news of deliverance. There are distinct differences that are presented to us by the third day.

The third day authenticated the resurrection of Jesus Christ as a historical event. It removed the Resurrection from the scope of philosophical speculation and put it in the realm of historical fact (1 Corinthians 15:20).

The third day, the day of Jesus' resurrection, makes a tremendous difference in the redemption of humanity. For you and I to feel totally secure in our salvation, the resurrection of Jesus is a necessity (1 Corinthians 15:17). When He rose from the grave, a whole new perspective was placed on the Crucifixion.

The third day promises every believer that there will be an eternity with the Lord. His resurrection makes the difference between gloomy, hopelessness about life beyond the grave and glorious hope.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, Christians know they, too, will be raised from the dead and will possess resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 15:17-18). For without His resurrection Christians would have no hope for a future life.

Scripture: Romans 10:9; John 11:25; Acts 17:31; Romans 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:14

Prayer: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, amen.

May God's Word be the life you live,

~Eve

Video - J. I. Packer: What is the Lord's Supper?

Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) occurs on the day prior to Good Friday. It is on this day that Jesus and his disciples celebrated the Passover. This event established what we are familiar with as the Lord's Supper (Communion) Luke 22:19-20.



Here, in this short video lesson, author and theologian J.I.Packer does a wonderful job of commenting on the topic: "What is the Lord's Supper?" I hope you enjoy it!  ~Eve

Video - Billy Graham: "What is Easter?"

In this vintage video by Billy Graham, he expounds on the question, "What is Easter?" A powerfully delivered message in the incomparable style of the late evangelist. ~Eve

Are You a Fruitless Tree?

"Remember. O my soul, the fig tree was charged, not with bearing noxious fruit, but no fruit." - Thomas Fuller

Jesus and his disciples slowly made their way back to Jerusalem from Bethany on Monday following his triumphal entry into Jerusalem the day before (Palm Sunday). Along the way, Jesus grew hungry.

Off in the distance he noticed a fig tree that was brimming full with leaves. The thought of having something to satisfy his hunger quickened his pace as he headed towards it.

But his excitement quickly turned to disappointment when he found that the fully, leafed fig tree lacked any fruit on it, "because it was not the season for figs" (Mark 11:13).

It has been asked that if knowing that it was too early in the season for ripe figs, why did Jesus approach the tree as if he expected to find some there? It would seem that such a green, leafy fig tree should have some fruit to offer.

Therefore, with Divine authority Jesus cursed the barren tree. (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:14). Immediately after he spoke, its sap dried and it lost it greenness; the leaves shriveled and fell. The disciples were shocked at the swiftness in which this occurred (Matthew 21:20).

The significance and meaning of this passage must be taken into consideration along with the cleansing of the Temple by Jesus (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19), The fig tree is used to symbolize the spiritual condition of Israel, especially after the Temple cleansing (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17).

What we have, in effect, here is Jesus rebuking Israel's worship of God. He was forcefully and dramatically condemning them as a nation and, in a manner, castigating those unproductive "Christians" who claim to be Christian but lack evidence of any connection to Christ.

A bountiful fig tree was thought of as a symbol of, both, prosperity and blessing for Israel. However, a lack of, or even death of a fig tree would represent judgement and rejection. We can compare the fig tree to the spiritual apathy of Israel as a nation.

On the outside they appeared very religious, following ceremonial and sacrificial observances and duties. Still, due their sins they were spiritually deficient. The powerful statement made by Jesus when he cleansed the Temple, and caused the fig tree to die, was no doubt meant to leave an impression, and it did.

By his actions, Jesus was declaring His coming judgement of Israel and that He had the means to make it happen. The lesson for us here is that religious practice alone will not save us. Outward appearances don't account for much if we are spiritually empty. God wants us to be spiritually passionate and fruitful (John 15:5-8).

Scripture: Matthew 7:19 ; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 3:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; 

Prayer: Dear Lord, You saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to Your own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, amen.

May God bless you,

Kaye

Palm Sunday: Your King Comes to You...

"When Christ entered into Jerusalem the people spread garments in the way: when He enters into our hearts, we pull off our own righteousness, and not only lay it under Christ’s feet but even trample upon it ourselves."  -Augustus Toplady

Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter, which signals the beginning of Passion Week/Holy Week. This signifies the final dark and tragic seven days of Jesus' life.

On Palm Sunday, we observe the victorious entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to commemorate the Passover. Riding on a simple donkey,“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road (Matthew 21:8).

Some of them ran ahead shouting,“Hosanna to the Son of David!Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matthew 21:9). They were excited at the thought that their long, awaited Messiah had come.

What a thrilling and exciting scene this must have been! The people's hopes and spirits were soaring to new heights. Yes, things were certainly going to be different from now on; to say the least. The celebrating multitude had expected a totally different Messiah.

This savior was supposed to deliver them from political, cultural, and religious persecution. However, this was not the reason for Jesus' presence here on earth. He had come for their spiritual freedom.

It was this missed point that occupied his mind as he rode over the cloaks and palm fronds that were laid out before him. Jesus could see the city of Jerusalem coming closer into view. Looking at the crowd, and hearing their celebration, a sudden wave of emotion overtook him.

He began to weep over Jerusalem (Luke 19:42-47). The people could neither grasp nor appreciate the signification of the cross. The saddest part of all was that they had the Savior in their midst, yet they did not recognize Him.

Even sadder yet, in just a few days many who were in the celebratory crowd on this Palm Sunday would be among those who will cry out the loudest for his crucifixion (Matthew 27:22-23).

Scripture: Jonah 2:9; Psalm 3:8; John 3:5; Psalm 25:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:9

Prayer: Dear Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love, amen.

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

We Are the Body of Christ (Part 2)

"The church which is not a missionary church will be a missing church when Jesus comes." - F.B. Meyer

When we met last we discussed, albeit briefly, the relationship between Jesus and his church. Specifically, we saw it from the perspective of a marital relationship with Jesus as the Bridegroom, and the Church as His Bride.

We are at the present considered to be in an engagement period with the promise of a future marriage. There are certain assurances that are exchanged from Jesus to His Bride, the Church, and that is where our focus will begin this week.

Jesus was well aware of His limited time. And knowing that His time on earth was drawing to a close, Jesus wanted to prepare his friends (the apostles) for His appointment with Calvary, and the meaning of it all.

It is no secret that Jesus loved and gave Himself to his Church. Like any affectionate and devoted Bridegroom, He expressed his true feelings to his Bride. He promised that this marriage was definitely going to happen (Matthew 16:18).

As you read this verse, understand that Jesus is articulating in the future tense ("I will"). And that the foundations of that Church were not in the Apostle Peter, but rather in his confession that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16).

The 4th century Bishop of Milan, Aurelius Ambrosius (Ambrose) wrote, "The Church's foundation is unshakable and firm against the assaults of the raging sea. Waves lash at the Church but do not shatter it. Although the elements of this world constantly batter and crash against her, she offers the safest harbor of salvation for all in distress."

Jesus promised that His Church would not fail. In Matthew 16:18, he says that, "gates of hell," that is, all of the unseen world, which includes all of the kingdom and powers that are joined together against God's people, will not overcome it.

Although the materials, so to speak, for His Church had already been gathered and prepared, the building process started at our Lord's resurrection. Jesus, the Architect of the Church, has been faithfully and steadily building it for centuries.

Thus, if we are the Lord's church today, we are there because He culled us from the first Adam, and placed us where we currently are. I feel this is a good place to pause for now. I hope that you will join me next time!

Scripture: Romans 4:21; John 14:27; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20; John 14:27;

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to change my difficulties and disabilities into opportunities for growth; so that I may be a blessing to others, amen

May the Lord bless,

Shawna

Loyalty and Devotion of Ruth

"To lose something in the will of God is to find something better."  - Jack Hyles

Members of a large church in New England were given a survey to find out who they thought were the ten greatest women in the Bible. Though there are many great women found there, the results were totally unexpected.

When the final count was released, Ruth came in first place and Eve last. Why was she rated No. 1? Was it due to the fact that she was the great-great-grandmother of David and ancestress of our Lord? Was it for her unusual loyalty to her mother-in-law, Naomi? Or, because of her good choice of God and his people?

There is no single factor that would entitle her to this position. But, if you look at the big picture, and take all of these factors into consideration, Ruth stands out as a truly, remarkable and godly woman. And in the library of inspired books, the Book of Ruth is a real treasure.

If you have read it, you'd agree that there is not one instance of cruelty or wickedness mentioned. No one is the victim of violence or vengeance. Instead, the book is filled with examples of courage, faith, virtue, love, sorrow, loyalty, and perseverance.

If you haven't read it, you really should. It is the story of two widows who are confronted with famine, prosperity, and separation in the exotic land of Moab. It also speaks of homesickness and Naomi's decision to return to her native land of Israel.

I suppose the reason that so many love this book is because it contains the most beautiful confession of human love in all literature. It also tells of a beautiful commitment to God by a pagan woman. Happily, in the end, Ruth is welcomed into the heritage of Israel and the lineage of Jesus.

There are a couple of things to glean from the Book of Ruth. We are enlightened to the fact that God has a plan for each of us. On every page we see the providence of God at work. We learn that when we faithfully place ourselves in God's hands, he will bring his plan for us into fulfillment.

Another outcome has to do with the power of human choice. Ruth chooses to follow Naomi and commit herself to Naomi's God. Once her mind was made up she never looked back. What a great tribute to Naomi for her to do so! It was Naomi's life and love for God that had recommended God to Ruth.

As was the case with Ruth, the time of decision comes to every one of us. We know quite well that making the right choice is never easy. Still, by trusting and faithfully committing ourselves to Christ with conviction and devotion, like Ruth did, we too can have a blessed and fulfilled life.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:3; Luke 23:46; Proverbs 21:21; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Hebrews 10:24

Prayer: Dear Lord, into Your hand I commit my spirit; for You have redeemed me, amen.

May Christ always guide you,

Celeste

Video - Beth Moore: Who Told You That?

This week, Bible teacher Beth Moore looks at the roots of our ideas and poses the question God asked Adam in the garden. Yet another good word!  ~Eve

Self-Knowledge: Can You Handle It?

"Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle which fits them all."  -Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Perhaps one of this most difficult, and painful things we can do is an honest, assessment of ourselves. This is a "mirror-test" where we take a good, long inward look at who we are.

No one likes to admit that they may not be quite the person they think they are. Let's face it, faults, or weaknesses are not usually cheered about. We can be extremely subjective when it comes to self-evaluation.

But, as uncomfortable as this might be, it is important to have some self-knowledge, or understanding of  ourselves. This is important as part of our relationship with God. In fact, it's a necessity.

If we're not familiar with our own situation or plight, how can we properly ask God for what we want? It would be just like throwing darts at a map with eyes closed; hoping to hit the right location.

Without self-knowledge we are not cognizant of our temptations and/or besetting sins (those faults to which we are especially prone); our characteristic weaknesses. A difficult but vital area that needs to be addressed.

It's easy to say what we see when in self-denial mode, but in our blindness our sin still remains. And when we pray without self-knowledge, we pray aimlessly or unsurely.

Knowing oneself can be brutal. After all, there's probably nothing more deceitful than the heart (Jeremiah 17:9). In addition, it's all too easy to blame others for our own sinful, disgraceful, and wicked offenses. Not surprisingly, we can pay dearly for it.

We see this in 2 Samuel 12:5-7, when the prophet Nathan confronts David about his relationship with Bathsheba and the concealment of their affair. And the disastrous results that were incurred in the account of Absalom and Hushai in 2 Samuel 15:31–37; 16:20–17:23.

It's not easy to acknowledge our own faults and imperfections. But, no matter how hard we might try to disguise them, or how deeply we may try to bury them, they are made manifest in the eyes of God.

Truthfulness and authenticity, as they pertain to our deficiencies of self, is imperative. Pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to provide the "ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see" your sinful shortcomings clearly, and forthright (Revelation 3:18).

Only by examining ourselves through the unbiased eyes of God will we be able to correct that which hinders our relationship, both, with Him, and those around us.

Scripture: Luke 9:23; Romans 8:7-8; Philippians 4:13; Romans 7:24; Philippians 2:4

Prayer: Dear Lord, I love You with all of my heart, soul, strength, and mind; thank You for Your wisdom, instruction, and loving-kindness, amen.

May God be with you,

Eriana

There's "Extraordinary" in the "Average!"

"Those that God used in the past were just ordinary people with an extraordinary Master."  -Winkie Pratney

According to a quick internet search, nearly 70% of the Earth's population possesses a normal I.Q. or intelligence quotient. 2% of the population are considered highly gifted.

As you can see, there's a lot more of us who have normal, or average intelligence. But not to worry, though we may be "average," we can still live and function within society with minimal discomfort or difficulty. And, there's nothing wrong with that!

But can being "average" be a bad thing? Well, I know that when it comes to things such as: schools, services, products, businesses, and places to live, anything considered "average" or less is usually not at the top of the list.

Companies and industries invest a lot of money in betting this is true. And as for human beings, "average" connotes feelings of failure, unworthiness, trashiness, and might-have-been, for example. It also suggests that there's nothing unique or special about an individual.

Sadly, this can affect the aspirations, hopes, and dreams of many who might think that "it'll never work out for me, so why even try?" But just because someone may be "average" doesn't mean they can't make a difference. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

There are quite a few "average" individuals who went on to accomplish extraordinary things. People such as John D. Rockefeller, Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, and Rita Moreno were "average" human beings who did not let that stop them from pursuing their goals and dreams.

The Bible, too, has examples of the "average" man or woman rising above this label, and doing extraordinary things for God. There is Gideon, who serves as an example that God doesn't measure potential with size or strength. He looks at the heart.

David rose from his humble beginnings as a lowly, shepherd to become Israel's foremost king, next to Christ. And Ruth, the young widow, devoted daughter-in-law, and grandmother of King David is proof that no matter our situation in life, if we live according to God's precepts, with genuine love and kindness, we will be blessed by Him.

Time and time again, we have seen exceptional achievements from regular, ordinary people. But, being "average" doesn't mean you are destined to be "mediocre" or "middling," not by a long shot! The rewards for your love and devotion to God are immeasurable, if you trust Him, obey Him, and let Him guide your life.

Scripture: Colossians 3:17; Philippians 4:13; 1 John 5:20; Titus 2:13; Romans 8:18

Prayer: Dear God, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, amen.  -Psalm 119:105

Have a blessed Monday,

Hailey

We Are the Body of Christ (Part 1)

"For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ."  - 1 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV)

Last week, we concluded that "church" is much more than a physical building or structure. The church is more correctly, the "body of Christ;" with him being the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). The church (the body of Christ) consists of all who trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and have thereby gained eternal life.

We also saw that the collective group of believers, or the universal church, gather together with local bodies of believers, or the local church, to inspire, teach, and strengthen one another in the understanding and grace of Jesus Christ.

This week, we shall take a closer look at the relationship between Jesus Christ and his church. I ask you to pay particular attention to Ephesians 5:25-27. As you read these verses, notice the imagery and comparison to marriage (husband and wife) that is used here.

What better analogy to use for a strong, loving bond than that of a husband and wife! We are given the representation of Christ as the Bridegroom, and the Church his bride. The apostle Paul tells us that Christ loved the church very much. How much? Enough so that he died for it. (Ephesians 5:25).

Let's review, for a moment, the process leading up to the actual marriage where the bridegroom and bride are joined in holy matrimony. First, there is an engagement with the promise of a future marriage. We can apply this to Christ (the Bridegroom) who has, by his own sacrifice and atonement for our sins, selected the church as His bride.

Normally, there is a certain length of time prior to the wedding where the bride and groom are considered betrothed, or promised to marry one another, but are not yet husband and wife. This is where the church is at this time.

We, the church, and bride of Christ are separate from our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ during this church age; the period of time from Pentecost to the rapture. And like the traditional bride, we are to remain faithful to our bridegroom during the time leading up to our wedding ceremony at the rapture (2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:24; Revelation 19:7-9; 21:1-2).

It is noticeably clear that Christ truly loves his church. We know this because He "gave Himself for it" (Ephesians 5:25). Mind you, this wasn't just any other ordinary person whom we are talking about; it was the Son of God.

What Jesus gave was by no means common or regular. He gave Himself; His whole self. He also gave His Deity, humanity, the whole of His Person as God-Man; everything that was sufferable or offensive in man, and all that was worthy in God. All this He gave up willingly.

I think this would be a good place to break. The Bridegroom and Bride relationship between Christ and the Church is really a fascinating topic. And although due to our limited format we could not get deeper into it, I would encourage you to do so if it interests you.

Join me next time as we will be discussing some additional points of Jesus' love and sacrifice for His church. Until then, thank you, and I wish you a glorious week!

Scripture: Acts 20:28; Hebrews 10:25; Acts 5:42; Mark 16:15; Matthew 18:20

Prayer: Dear Lord,  I seek You, Your strength, and Your presence continually. Help me to impart this to others, amen.

May the Lord bless,

Shawna

Why Worry About Worries?

"Worry, by nature, is the product of a lack of faith and trust in God."  - John MacArthur

Christian author, Corrie Ten Boom once said, "Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength." I wholeheartedly agree with her. Think about all of the times that worry has consumed your life. There is no one alive who hasn't worried about something.

Christians are not immune from worry. Even Jesus himself was familiar with worry (i.e., what it felt like) or else he wouldn't have addressed this in his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-34). It's hard not to worry, especially if you have children, a job, an illness, are in an unsteady relationship, or other such things.

Many cope with worry in different ways; some good, some bad. Exercising is good to relieve stress, talking about it is good, so is keeping your mind occupied with an activity, or work. Sadly, some will turn to alcohol or drugs, but this never turns out well. In fact, it usually aggravates the situation.

The answer to worry is not found in any bottle, pill, or syringe. These are only temporary bandages that merely cover the problem, not help you overcome it. So many suffer today because they are grasping for help from a mirage; a false image of deliverance. These temporal remedies are, both, fleeting and destructive.

There is only one way to lasting and secure relief from worry, and that is through God. Scripture tells us not to worry, not because it's the thing to do, but because God is standing by to help (Philippians 4:6). When we are worried, when something is weighing heavily on our mind, how great it would be to pass this off onto someone.

Well, we can. Our Heavenly Father will take care of it, if we let Him (1 Peter 5:7). God doesn't want us to surrender to worry. He cares about us. Life isn't very fun when worry rules our life. God wants us to enjoy life, to live life the way He meant for us to. And unlike with artificial remedies, God promises to give us peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Does this all mean that we will be worry-free? No, because worry and anxiety are simply a part of living here. But, for those of us who have given our lives to Him we are comforted in knowing that we never have to carry the burden of worry alone (Matthew 11:28-30).

Scripture: Psalm 34:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Hebrews 13:6; Romans 8:31; Deuteronomy 31:8

Prayer: Dear Lord, when I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In You, whose word I praise, in You I trust; I shall not be afraid, amen.

Have a blessed day!

Genevieve

Video - Rebekah Gregory: Prepared Through Adversity

Rebekah Gregory, who was nearly killed in the Boston Marathon bombing, talks about a lifetime of adversity and the work God was doing throughout it all. So inspirational!  ~Eve

The Enticement of Sin

"Sin carries in it its own misery."  - John Piper

Throughout out lives, no matter how devout a Christian may claim to be, sin will always be walking right behind, ready to cause us to stumble. There is no escape from it. Sin oozes all around, tempting us, calling out to us. We are under constant assault by it.

The pleasure of sin is difficult, though not impossible, to resist. But even the strongest can give way to it, as we shall see. In 1 Samuel 14, we are presented with an account of the great victory over the Philistines by Jonathan the son of Saul.

Jonathan and his armorbearer slipped out the Israelite camp without his father's knowledge. With the help of the Lord, they, along with the rest of Saul's army, were able to thoroughly defeat the Philistines. But it's after the battle that our attention is turned to.

Following this exhausting battle, the men were not only tired, but hungry, and in need of nourishment in order to refresh themselves. However, Saul, perhaps with the intention of saving time in order to continue the pursuit of the Philistines, gave an order forbidding them to eat until later, or be cursed (1 Samuel 1:24).

Somehow, Jonathan wasn't aware of Saul's command. Soon, they happened upon a wooded area where honey literally dripped from the trees. Although the men were greatly tempted to taste it, they were even more afraid of Saul's curse. That is, everyone but Jonathan who dipped his spear in a honeycomb, put some honey in his hand, and tasted it (1 Samuel 14:27).

Because of this act Jonathan received a death sentence (1 Samuel 14:43-44). Fortunately for Jonathan, he was spared due to the intercession of the people (1 Samuel 14:45). We can apply Jonathan's story to our own struggles with sin. Any why not? He wasn't any different than you or I.

We, too, are engaged in a battle, albeit, an on-going one. Instead of the Philistines our adversary is Satan and all of his legions. And we must pursue Satan; keep him on the run. Victory is ours, but we can't afford to stop in the middle of our fight to sample the pleasures of sin, even for a moment, or we, too, will be given the sentence of death.

As the people pleaded with the king, reminding him that Jonathan was his son, who then pardoned him, there is hope for all of us thanks to God. The people of God, His Church, from every corner of the earth intercede for us in prayer.

They pray that God will pardon the sinner, canceling the sentence of death for the sake of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. By the strength of intercessory prayer, and by the merits of Christ, there is always hope of escape, and chance of life for the sinner.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13; Mark 14:38; Hebrews 2:18; Luke 22:40; Ephesians 4:27  

Prayer: Dear Lord, the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; both are opposed to each other; strengthen me that I may always take Your path, amen.

May God bless you,

Kaye

Your Soul Is the Difference

"Intellect is the soul of man, the only immortal part of him." - Thomas Carlyle

You can't deny that artificial intelligence, or A.I. is definitely one of the most discussed advancements in technology. Clearly, it's the hot topic of all the scientific and business communities, too.

Techopedia explains artificial intelligence as "a branch of computer science that aims to create intelligent machines. It has become an essential part of the technology industry."

The term "artificial intelligence" brings to mind: self-driving vehicles, intelligent personal assistants (i.e., Amazon's Echo, Apple's Siri, and Google's Assistant, Microsoft's Cortana), and robotics.

Technology assisting and/or relieving humans of monotonous, time-consuming, menial, and even hazardous activities is nothing new. The difference is that it is now more affordably available than ever before.

American author and computer scientist Ray Kurzweil says that, “Artificial intelligence will reach human levels by around 2029. Follow that out further to, say, 2045, we will have multiplied the intelligence, the human biological machine intelligence of our civilization a billion-fold.”

That's both impressive and, frankly, just a little scary. Even so, unless artificial intelligence can develop, or come included with a true, God-given, soul it can never really be in the same league as humans in that critical sense (Psalm 16:9-10; Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 2:41; Revelation 18:13).

The human soul is the crown jewel to the state, or fact of being an individual. It's what really sets us apart from something that is man-made. According to what we can ascertain from Scripture, the human soul is the part of us that isn't physical. A soul is eternal, that is, it continues on after we die.

No doubt that artificial intelligence will continue to progress over time. But no matter how quickly and completely it can learn, it will never acquire personhood. Being a "real" person is so much more than possessing a body, or physical frame. A soul is the secret sauce that makes us who we are, and only God has the recipe (Jeremiah 38:16).

You and I are eternal souls. Some say that only the Word of God and the human soul have no end (Mark 13:31). Perhaps this is due to the fact that both are eternal evidences of our interrelationship with Him (Genesis 1:2; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 1:15; Deuteronomy 4:32).

Unlike any created artificial intelligence, we have the promise of joining God in eternal splendor; but only if we acknowledge that we are sinners and accept His gracious gift of forgiveness. Unquestionably, no creation of man will ever be extended this invitation.

Scripture: Genesis 2:7; Matthew 10:28; Ecclesiastes 12:7; Psalm 23:3; Luke 10:27

Prayer: Dear God, fill me with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit I may abound in hope, amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

We Are the Body of Christ (Introduction)

"There wouldn't be so many non-church goers if there were not so many non-going churches."  - Billy Sunday

May I ask you a question? What comes to mind when you think of the word "church?" Perhaps this brings images of an simple, quaint, white-painted, clapboard building with a plain cross mounted atop a tall steeple; this may even be a bell tower.

Or, a large, capacity worship center inside a cavernous structure, complete with a sizable stage, giant video screens and a top-notch sound system. These are but a few examples of what many may associate with the word "church."

For the next several weeks we shall delve into this question. As we will discover, there is so much more to "church" than what most of us think of. Now, in order to have a good start we should have some basic knowledge in order to better equip ourselves for our study.

"Church," as it is commonly used in the New Testament, is derived from the Greek word ekklesia, which by definition means “a called-out assembly or congregation.” As you can see, "church" refers not so much to a building, but rather to people.

As we saw above, the word "church" generally conjures up visions of structures of varying designs with four walls, windows, doors, and a roof. The apostle Paul in Romans 16:5 refers to the church as a body of believers, instead of a designated building.

We should think of the church as the "body" of Christ, with him being the head (Ephesians 1:22-23). In this respect, all of the believers in Jesus Christ make up the body of Christ, or the church. In addition, the body of Christ consists of two important features.

The first is the universal church. This is made up of all who possess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). According to this verse, anyone who believes (in Jesus Christ) is a part of the body of Christ; obtaining the Spirit of Christ as proof of this. Plus, they have all received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as members of the universal church of God.

Second, is the local church (Galatians 1:1-2). This is not in the denominational sense as in the universal church, but rather a local body of believers, hence, a "local church." Consider the universal church as formed of those believers in Christ who trust in their salvation through him. The fellowship and instruction sought by these members can be found in a local church.

To summarize, we have learned that the church is not a building in the physical sense, as many think. It is the "body of Christ," or all who believe in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). We find members of the universal church gathered with local churches (local bodies of believers).

Here, they can fully practice the principles imparted in 1 Corinthians 12, which are: inspiring, teaching, and strengthening each other in the understanding and grace of Jesus Christ. We now have a good footing on which to build on. Next time, we will embark on our study of the glorious church of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I hope to see you then!

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:5; Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28;1 Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 4:12 

Prayer: Lord, Lord, be the foundation on which I build my life always, amen.

May the Lord bless,

Shawna

Necessity of Faith and Forgiveness

"Secret sins commonly lie nearest the heart."  - Thomas Brooks

There are three basic topics which Jesus taught. We can categorize these as: the nature of man, how he relates to others (relationships), and aspects regarding the faith life. Luke 17:1-12 offers us wonderful insight on these.

Reasons to sin, or stumble as some Bible versions use, are difficult to avoid. Think about this in your own life. The opportunity is always there. As Jesus declares to his disciples in Luke 17:1, "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come."

Perhaps nowhere is this more significant than when you present this with man's (our) power to choose. This sets us considerately apart from other life forms here on earth; essentially making us moral, or ethical beings. Nothing else here on God's creation is as directly affected by sin as we are.

Of course, having the ability to choose assumes that there must be choices. And it is this ability, power, or right to choose that carries with it the risk of sin. Therefore, we must be aware that the possibility of sin lies in anything of God's creation. We must be on guard against any stumbling blocks that may appear.

If we take the above to heart, then we must also consider how this affects our relationships with one another. Given that opportunities to sin surround us, we must call our attention to a few things. First, each Christian must be ever vigilant to forgive, or ask for forgiveness when sin occurs. Secondly, citing Matthew 7:12, "in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you."

Also, as Christians we must always set a good example for others; steering them in the right direction; allowing faith to lead the way, in effect, minimizing the possibility to sin. We do this not only because of the threat of punishment (Luke 17:2), but because we all know the fate of anyone who dies in a corrupt relationship with God.

Luke 17:3-4 highlights the responsibility of forgiveness. We must pay attention not only to ourselves, but to others, as well. Jesus strongly warned the disciples on this point. If we see sin happening in another's life, we should bring it to their attention, maybe even more than once. However, we must be careful as to whether we are looking at sin subjectively, or truly as God defined it.

How is your faith as of today? Are you entertaining any thoughts of giving it up? Throwing in the towel? Maybe you've been thinking along the lines of the apostles: I need more faith (an extra dose) Luke 17:5! If so, don't expect an extra supply coming coming anytime soon.

Notice in Luke 17:6, that Jesus immediately instructed them that even the smallest amount of faith could perform the impossible. Pressing this further, he reminded them that even if they comply with everything they were told, they were merely doing what was expected of them (Luke 17:7-10). There was no basis to ask for any special favor. Thus, has the character of the faith life always been.

Scripture: 1 John 3:4; Ezekiel 18:4; Hebrews 10:26-27; Matthew 24:13; 2 Peter 3:18

Prayer: Dear Lord, if we say that we have no sin, we only deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Help me to always be honest and open about sin; and to pray for forgiveness whether committed by myself or another, amen.

Have a blessed day,

Lori

Video - Beth Moore: Why, Lord, Why?

Bible teacher Beth Moore shows how God often takes our "why" and points it in a better direction. Worth a watch for sure!  ~Eve

A Trustful Heart and Submissive Will for God

"It is an undoubted truth that every doctrine that comes from God, leads to God; and that which doth not tend to promote holiness is not of God."  - George Whitefield

It is no surprise that Scripture teaches the greatest possession we can acquire is not obtained through advanced degrees displayed on the wall, or by our actions and effort. Actually, it really isn't complicated, at all. We secure it by the trustful heart and a faithful and submissive will.

We see this clearly in John 7:17 (NLT). Not anywhere is this powerful spiritual lesson more clearly and effectively communicated than in this passage. Jesus was an enigma to the Jews. They had great doubts about him. He said that He came from heaven and was the Son of God (John 3:17).

However, they were familiar with his background (i.e., where he was born, his family background, his occupation, and lack of education). Still, he spoke with authority, wisdom, refinement, and performed many wonderful works.

Yet, Jesus didn't match up with the Messiah whom the Jews expected. This was what confronted Jesus and confounded the Jews. Let's review the passage before moving along. The verse reads: "Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own" (NLT).

The big, stumbling block for the Jews was Christ's doctrine; specifically the source. They knew about his circumstances, which made it hard for them to digest what he was talking about. The doctrine of which he spoke wasn't his; he even told them so. They just couldn't understand it.

We are not immune to this kind of thinking today. Many are confused by religion, especially those who lack the experience and learning;  this not only being restricted to one subject. Such was the case with the Jews. There were various points which they had difficulty in understanding.

We know how this is. Some say one thing, and some another. Who's to say what is true or not? There are individuals who, turning to the Bible, take the same exact words. and one says they mean this, and another that. How is the average person supposed to know what is correct, or not?

The answer lies in Our Lord's own words as stated in John 7:17 (NLT). If anyone, no matter how ordinary and uneducated, has his heart set upon God and truly aspires to serve Him, that person will not be left to wallow in darkness.

The things that seem murky will gradually manifest themselves, doubts and difficulties will clear up. More importantly the Gospel will be perceived to have come from God, Jesus Christ in His person and works will be more obvious, and the mind more comfortable with the truth.

Yes, there will still be some difficulties and points of debate, but the main points will be evident, the way of salvation exposed, and he who sincerely seeks after the truth will not be left clueless as to how he is to follow and please God.

Scripture: Matthew 16:24; John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; Micah 6:8

Prayer: I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps; I pray that You will always direct mine, amen.

May God richly bless you,

Claudette

Blessed With God's Wealth

"Material wealth is either a window through which we see God or a mirror in which we see ourselves."  - Warren Wiersbe

Who among us, while toiling away at work, hasn't on occasion entertained the thought of being wealthy? Visions of an early retirement, vacations, houses, cars, and other similar fantasies may fill our minds. We take a deep sigh (Sigh...) then get back to work.

It's no secret that those of us who are trying to make ends meet place a much higher personal priority on this than those who are affluent. But can having abundant possessions, especially material wealth, be a bad thing as some might think?

I suppose it is if this is our only concept of being well-off. However, there are other components we should factor into one's perception of true wealth. Naturally, material wealth, or money, is on the list.

Our reputation, or how others see us, is important, too. Then there is power, such as being in a position to decide and direct. And, possessing solid judgment or discernment which enables us to lead or command.

Any of the above may be considered a "good thing" if they are acquired by our own hard work and efforts. God recognizes this and blesses us accordingly. What's more, His blessings on us are greatly enhanced as a result of our faith and labor. After all, He is in control of all material wealth.

Okay, how does this all work out in the grand scheme of things? Some become rich without God's blessing. Sometimes the wicked one bestows riches to his subjects, when neither the giver nor the recipient acknowledge the sovereignty of God.

Conversely, God Himself can entrust riches to some who belong to Him. There is a crucial difference between the godly and the godless recipients of wealth that we must be aware of. It is God's blessing, or the absence of it. Those acquired with it are able to sleep at night.

While riches or wealth gained without God's blessing always have a price attached to it, such as: guilt, remorse, regret, grief, and troubles. God's blessing enables us to fully enjoy it without cost.

But far and away, the most important treasure we can obtain are His spiritual blessings, which make us abundantly wealthy in faith, grace, and glory. And that, as they say, you can take to the bank!

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21; Hebrews 13:5; Proverbs 11:28; Luke 12:15; 1 John 2:16

Prayer: Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name, amen. - Psalm 86:11

Have a blessed Monday!

Hailey

Then Ye Shall Know... (Part 2: Conclusion)

"We tend to be a generation of Christians who major on minor matters but do not seem to possess the true measure of the gospel in the knowledge of God. We do not really know God. At best we know about Him."  - Sinclair B. Ferguson

When we last met, we noted some basic knowledge about God that believers should be familar with. But as we were reminded, what good are these principles if it doesn't include purposeful and continual growth on our part. This will be our subject of discussion this time.

Obviously, in order to grow there must be action in some form. It is simply not good enough for the believer to merely possess knowledge about God; it must evolve or wither on the vine. We must continue seeking this knowledge along with diligent effort to improve on it.

Now, how can we put this into action? Let's compile a list of some things that we can do:

- give careful attention to the means provided. These are varied. One is contemplation of the divine works; another is earnest reading of the Scriptures; there is also regular church attendance where we can hear the Word; and finally, meditation followed by prayer.

- practical application of what we already know. This leads to an increased knowledge that is feasible and sensible. There is no more effective way than this. As the old saying applies, "Use it or lose it!"

- fostering a deep, internal desire for more of this knowledge. We must embrace its importance, know its value; appreciate and pursue it.

- consistently add to our knowledge. There may be a tendency to lose our enthusiasm and motivation to do so. In order to keep ourselves on track we should periodically self-evaluate to see whether our divine knowledge and understanding is increasing, or stagnating (2 Corinthians 13:5).

As we have seen, the knowledge of God is not a given, nor is it a one-time offering. We must seriously and persistently pursue it. It must grow with us; become a part of us. Certainly God could, if he wanted to, just wave His Almighty hand and furnish us with all we need to know.

But, He knows us too well to do that. So that we can gain and grow in knowledge about Him we must work at it. This is the only meaningful way in which it will be instilled within us, as believers. To grow and function in our knowledge of Him is both a privilege, and a gift. Remember that always.

Scripture: Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17;  Romans 10:17; Romans 10:8; John 6:63

Prayer: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long, amen.  - Psalm 25:4-5 

May the Lord bless,

Shawna

A Fuller, More Abundant Life

"Daily living by faith on Christ is what makes the difference between the sickly and the healthy Christian, between the defeated and the victorious saint."   -A.W. Pink

Who among us doesn't want to live a full, abundant life? If you watch any television at all you've probably seen many commercials promoting different items and ideas to help us live abundantly. But there has to be more to it than that, right?

Our lives here on earth were meant for more than what a commercial or ad is selling. However, an earthly, abundant life is based on worldly or temporal things. These things are not made to last. They must be upgraded constantly in order to stay relevant.

Where does that leave you and I? John 10:10 tells us that the Lord means for us to have happy, useful, fruitful lives. It sounds simple and attainable for us all. There is no fancy formula or secret to it. This is truly living abundantly as Jesus intended for us.

Here are three basic components, which if followed, can help you lead an abundant life, too. First, the abundant life is a life of healthy thought processes. We can learn alot about this from observation. People who have a good, positive outlook generally get much more out of life than those who don't. Negative people are usually miserable (Proverbs 23:7).

Secondly, the abundant life is a life that has spiritual insight and wisdom. We are made to have fellowship with God. When we deny this we destroy the possibility of having a happy life. There's no way we can ignore God and have ultimate happiness. To run from God is to run toward misery.

Lastly, the abundant life is a life that has social richness. Those we associate with can make or break us, therefore, we must choose wisely. Also, we must be kind and courteous to all, not just to a select few. We should always have the mind of Christ in our dealings with others.

God has planned a happy, victorious life for us. He has also given us the means whereby we can obtain this life. God wants us to live our lives to the fullest, or abundantly. And an abundant life is one where we are comitted to Him and walk in His Spirit.

Scripture: Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 2:9; John 1:12; 1 Peter 3:18; Romans 5:1

Prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes! With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth. In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches. I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word, amen.  - Psalm 119:12-16

May God bless you,

Eriana