Even If i Walk Alone

Instructing and encouraging you to live your life as a disciple of Jesus

Discipleship

The Light of the World

by

Radiant Light

Jesus told His followers that they were to be the light of the world. We often ascribe that title to Jesus Himself, since He is the only one who can lead us out of the darkness of our lives. Perhaps it’s easier to only think about Jesus being the light because that absolves us of some responsibility. We’ll tell others about Christ and point them to His light, but if we are to shine ourselves that means we must make radical changes in the way we live. Jesus didn’t qualify His statement in Matthew 5:14. He didn’t say we could be the light of the world or that we should be the light of the world; He clearly said that we are the light of the world.

[Read more…] about The Light of the World

What Are You Learning in Church?

by

A Church Service

There are several reasons that we as followers of Christ attend church. The Bible tells us that we should get together with fellow believers so we can encourage each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). Associating with others who follow Christ also helps keep us accountable in both our actions and words. Worshipping as a group of like minded people brings a dynamic that is different from when we worship alone. All of these reasons are good, scriptural and necessarily refreshing as we seek to walk the path Christ has set before us. However, I don’t think it’s enough to simply fellowship with other believers and enjoy a time of worship. I believe we need to be learning more about God during the time we spend together. Yet today there seems to be an emphasis on shallow teaching and a focus on those gathered rather than those on the outside who desperately need the gospel of Jesus.

[Read more…] about What Are You Learning in Church?

Gaining Momentum

by

For too long the Western church has rested on its laurels and has become fat and lazy. I am not speaking to those too few exceptions to the rule. I am speaking to the vast majority of American Christians who are content to go to church on Sunday and live the rest of their lives in pursuit of the American dream. We have bought into the lie that material success is proof of God’s blessing on our lives.

Bicycling down hill

God never promised wealth to those who loved Him. This teaching goes beyond the so-called “health and wealth” theology, and has in fact become embedded in the church at large.

[Read more…] about Gaining Momentum

A House Divided

by

As we embark on the journey of following Jesus, it is important to understand that this is an all or nothing commitment. True followers of Christ did not ask Him to be Lord of their life with their fingers crossed or thinking that they would maintain some areas of control for themselves. No, when we committed our lives to Jesus, if we were sincere, we signed over everything to Him.

A Divided House

From that point forward we promise to do whatever He asks of us, regardless of the consequence. Attempting to serve God while keeping anything from Him is an exercise in futility and frustration. [Read more…] about A House Divided

Working From the Inside Out

by

As I progress through studying the Old Testament, I continue to be transfixed by the succession of Kings of Israel who did evil in the sight of the Lord, contrasted with those who did what was right. Time after time a ruler is appointed who does not follow God, only to be saved by the occasional rise to power of one who fears the Lord and does everything He commands; they did not turn to the left or to the right but followed the Lord with all their heart.

Working from the Inside Out

Photo courtesy of Sarah Vaughan

Despite years of recent history where they could see disastrous results when they turned from the Lord and favorable blessings when they followed Him, still the people continually returned to doing evil. The good kings would come to power and destroy the temples created for foreign gods, the high places that had been built up for worship, and they would put to death those who were leading others to live in a manner contrary to God’s commands. In a word, they were zealous for the Lord. [Read more…] about Working From the Inside Out