http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32540&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
This subject is often called, "The Problem of Evil!"
"Evil!" When this word is proclaimed, images come to mind of Hitler, Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, a sadistic serial killer, or the mother who murders her own children. Perhaps Rwanda, Bosnia, the Killing Fields, concentration camps, gang violence, rape, heinous abuse, and murder are all images of evil. There is little dispute that such actions are evil; but, have you considered that evil can also be anything that goes against God? We may not think of ourselves as evil; perhaps sinners, moreover...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=62407&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Of Faith and Doubt: Part II
How one can overcome the fears, worries, hurts, and doubts of life and have more faith! We have three passages that deal with storms, being tossed in the sea of life, and confusion, dealing with issues of faith and doubt before a loving God who rescues us
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32522&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Remember we do not deserve His love and grace, yet it is given to us anyway!
Hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes cause some of the biggest problems in the Church, and spill over to others outside her walls whose concept of a Church is what they observe. These attitudes also cause severe danger to the growth and comfort of the Church. Comfort is in a place to call home, to feel safe, and be willing to be taught and led, and to serve. This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, that keeps people away! Effective spiritual growth, maturity, and outreach cannot happen when the Church is pierced with bad attitudes, all stemming from a poor spiritual condition and...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32521&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Here is a roadmap to help yourself and your church, though the Biblical process of solving problems!
As a pastor, I sometimes get involved with every kind of conflict imaginable, from business disputes, personality clashes, monetary discord, land rights, probate, parent teacher issues, and of course, the most common, marital. I leaned over the years, not so much from my degrees in psychology but, rather, my pastoral experience, how to talk my way out of problems.
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32502&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Many Christians today are proclaiming that theology is not important or needed; all we need to do is to love Jesus. We have a big problem in the church today as doctrine disappears from the pulpit and the airways, and is replaced by what "feels good" or what we feel is needed. When theology disappears from the church and its leaders, we will have a "free for all" of what we think is truth. All that will accomplish is...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=58253&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Leading your heart-not letting your heart lead you!
The world tells us that to be in love and have that perfect marriage; we have to follow our heart. Is this true? Does this work? Is it biblical? Are we to really follow our heart? Does what the heart wants really what is best? Is there something we can do...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=32332&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
A more proper Biblical understanding on what Dispensationalism is trying to communicate can be found in Covenant Theology.
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31717&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
God is our refuge and strength!
As a pastor I hear this lament all of the time, sometimes it even comes from my own lips, "Why doesn't God help me in my troubles?" This is a legitimate question to ask. A lot of Christians tend to be afraid of asking God why, or earnestly seek to resolve their crisis. Thinking I do not have enough faith or I would not go through this. Or I do not want others to know, for they would think bad of me or that I caused it. Or we use the crisis to grab the attention ourselves. If we are going through tough times, we need to know why, and what we should do when we are in them. If not we...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31701&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Apathy, in my opinion as a pastor and researcher, is becoming more and more rampant in the American church. At the same time, fewer and fewer people are discussing or admitting that this is a real problem. So, is apathy really a problem? Consider that Christians, as a whole, do not participate in regular Bible studies or small groups. They do not have mentors or people in their lives to encourage and spur them on. Fewer and fewer Christians are...
http://70030.stablerack.com/apps/articles/default.asp?blogid=3844&view=post&articleid=31695&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=&fldTopic=0
Remember we do not deserve His love and grace, yet it is given to us anyway.
Hypocrisy and judgmental attitudes cause some of the biggest problems in the Church, and spill over to others outside her walls whose concept of a Church is what they observe. These attitudes also cause severe danger to the growth and comfort of the Church. Comfort is in a place to call home, to feel safe, and be willing to be taught and led, and to serve. This is one of the main reasons, if not the main reason, that keeps people away! Effective spiritual growth, maturity, and outreach cannot happen when...