I am now writing at the new Hammer Swings (http://hammerswings.net/)
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To God be the glory!
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sermon Outline and Audio - 1 Timothy 4:1-5
1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
1Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
When we believe and know the truth, Jesus sets us free!
1. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must watch out for bad religion.
2. Since we are set free by Jesus, we must enjoy God's good world.
Click below for sermon audio:
1 Timothy 4:1-5
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Weekly Words- Vol. 4, Issue 23
Dear friend,
Three years ago, I wrote about the financial crisis we were facing in 2008. This week, I realized nothing has changed. On the one hand, we are still facing a worldwide financial crisis. On the other hand, however, God's precious promise to care for us is also unchanged! Praise His Name!
Here is what I wrote in 2008:
God's promises were true when the New Testament was written 2,000 years ago, they were true in 2008, and they are still true today! He will take care of His people!
Your friend,
Stephen
Three years ago, I wrote about the financial crisis we were facing in 2008. This week, I realized nothing has changed. On the one hand, we are still facing a worldwide financial crisis. On the other hand, however, God's precious promise to care for us is also unchanged! Praise His Name!
Here is what I wrote in 2008:
I have a widget on my computer desktop that regularly updates the rise and fall of the dollar. Sometimes it seems the future is rising and falling along with it. The scripture, however, reminds us not to be worried about our future. It is sad when Christian people chase after and worry over all the same things that non-Christian people do including money and possessions. Jesus says, "Do not be anxious saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the unbelievers seek after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you." (Mt. 6:31-33).
Jesus makes at least three things crystal clear. First, he commands us not to worry. It is not necessary to lay awake wondering how to pay those bills or what might happen when we grow older. God takes care of his creation. He can take care of us. Second, he tells us to seek God's kingdom and his righteousness. By this he means to believe in the Lord and be full of zeal for his glory above all other things! Third, he promises that when we have done these things - when we put him first - he will meet all our needs. Now, that's a bold promise, but it is right here in the perfect word of God!
Friends, being responsible and planning for your future is a good idea, but let the Lord's words sink deep into your heart as well. Put him first above all things and ultimately, he will take care of you and those you love! "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19).
God's promises were true when the New Testament was written 2,000 years ago, they were true in 2008, and they are still true today! He will take care of His people!
Your friend,
Stephen
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Weekly Words - Vol. 4, Issue 22
Dear friends,
"Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" - Jer. 23:29
I once worked with a group of men breaking apart a huge concrete patio. It was an ugly patio and it was in the way of progress. The owner of this particular property wanted to make some improvements that included the construction of a new deck. Since the concrete was thick and strong, we built charcoal fires on the surface to weaken the structure. Then, we smashed it apart with hammers and hauled it away.
Recently, I remembered this when I read the verse above. God says that His word is like "fire" and "a hammer that breaks rock." I imagine the sin, ignorance, and bad habits of my life are like that old concrete patio. When I read or meditate on God's word, it is like lighting a fire on and swinging a sledgehammer at my problems. God breaks them up and makes way for the good things He wants to build in my life.
God uses the powerful message of scripture to do renovations in the life of the Christian. It is good to be in the Word! Have you opened your Bible today?
Your friend,
Stephen
"Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" - Jer. 23:29
I once worked with a group of men breaking apart a huge concrete patio. It was an ugly patio and it was in the way of progress. The owner of this particular property wanted to make some improvements that included the construction of a new deck. Since the concrete was thick and strong, we built charcoal fires on the surface to weaken the structure. Then, we smashed it apart with hammers and hauled it away.
Recently, I remembered this when I read the verse above. God says that His word is like "fire" and "a hammer that breaks rock." I imagine the sin, ignorance, and bad habits of my life are like that old concrete patio. When I read or meditate on God's word, it is like lighting a fire on and swinging a sledgehammer at my problems. God breaks them up and makes way for the good things He wants to build in my life.
God uses the powerful message of scripture to do renovations in the life of the Christian. It is good to be in the Word! Have you opened your Bible today?
Your friend,
Stephen
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