Today we explore how the second guideline for abundant living is reflected in the gospel of Mark. This guideline is a warning against idolatry. An idol is when something or someone becomes more important to us than God. By that definition even good things can become idols when we make them the ultimate things in our lives. Anything, or anyone, can become an idol if we place the value for that thing/person above our value for God.
Scriptures referenced include Exodus 20:4-6; Mark 7:5-6; and Mark 4:18-19.
While Pauline teachings concentrate on our justification with God, James’ teachings concentrate on the works that exemplify that justification. James was writing to Jews to encourage them to continue growing in this new Christian faith. James emphasizes that good actions will naturally flow from those who are filled with the Spirit and questions whether someone may or may not have a saving faith if the fruits of the Spirit cannot be seen. In Today’s Top Ten List, we explore Ten Guidelines for Getting Close to God. Scriptures referenced include James 4:1-10; Ephesians 6:11; and Psalm 51:1-2. ...
You are secure forever in Christ. All things were created by Christ and through him and for him. Even your worst supernatural enemies. In the end, it was they — not Christ — who were shamed at the cross (Colossians 2:15). In the end, everything and everyone serves to magnify the glory of our Savior and increase the gladness of his people in him. Scriptures referenced include Colossians 1:9-16; John 1:1-3; Jude 1:6; Ephesians 6:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:10; Colossians 2:8; Job 1:12; Luke 22:31; and Colossians 3:3-4. ...
We wrap up our four-week series examining the four different kinds of love in the Bible. This week we focused on agape: the love most closely associated with God. In today’s episode we consider agape through excerpts from six different worship songs. Some key takeaways include the following: The world will know that we are Christians by our love. God’s love is manifested in this way: He gave His son to save us from the sin that began with Adam and Eve. There are not enough words to express the magnitude of God’s love. It is hard to be truly selfless in a culture that so encourages narcissism, self-promotion, self-indulgence, and self-satisfaction. God’s love never fails and never runs out and never gives up on us. That’s the kind of love we are called to show to our neighbor. But it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can love that way. We need to pray that God will give us the gift of such love. And besides loving our neighbor as ourselves, we are called to love God with an all-encompassing love. Scriptures referenced include 1 Corinthians 13; Matthew 19:19; and Matthew 22:37. ...
