Some weeks seem to be filled with more excitement while others are routine. This season is a balance of excitement for Fall and Christmas cheer, and trying to survive Thanksgiving pie orders.
Most of this week can be described with one word……..RAIN. A very welcomed many days of soaking rain. The much-needed rain has revived our dehydrated forest animals, though it's turned our attention at the barn from leaving them plenty of water to keeping everyone's feet dry. Outside of our master bedroom, Kevin built me a private porch to enjoy quiet time away from the hustle of a busy home, but quickly it turned into one of favorite places to leave a little extra cat food and water. After the sun goes down our forest friends eagerly await these treats and most nights I have at least one opossum and one raccoon (affectionately known as trash panda) that come to visit.
The barn has transformed from figuring out water distribution to managing the challenge of keeping mud to a minimum. Our ducks and geese are enjoying the puddles, the chickens are not thrilled, and Miss Fancy, our turkey, continues her curious strut.
Dreary weeks seem to slow down everyone in the house, except for our 16-month-old toddler, John Matthew. Despite feeling unmotivated, I am grateful for my discipline in planning supper in advance, sparing me the need to decide what to cook. Who knew that the most challenging part of marriage would be answering, "What do you want for dinner?" This week’s menu is:
Grilled shrimp, baked potatoes, pineapple
Pizza that a friend blessed us with.
Taco Salad
Chicken wings and veggie tray
Hamburgers
Steak
Breakfast for dinner
I enjoy making elaborate meals but in this season I also welcome simple and quick. Speaking of busy seasons, let me dive into this weeks topic which Is one that is personal as a wife and mother.
Help In The Home
By Jennifer Lanham
Mondays start in our home with early morning alarm clocks, strong coffee, and an enthusiastic rooster declaring the start of a new day. While people often inquire about my ability to accomplish a lot, the reality is that no one can “do it all” without strain. So, my sincere advice to those striving for the impossible is simply, “just don’t.”
Many years ago, my family visited North Side Baptist Church in Weatherford, Texas. Van Houser was the pastor at the time, and he is still one of my most admired pastors today. While the knowledge I gained from his guidance has greatly impacted in my life, one comment changed the way I would parent forever.
“Once a child shows you they are capable of doing something, it now becomes their responsibility.” -Van Houser.
Can you hear the angels singing? This statement liberated me from the burden of shouldering all household responsibilities alone. There were not enough chore sticker charts, or reward systems to make doing chores flow consistently in my house. I wanted true participation and joy from my children when making this house a home as a family. This is a process that will always be changing depending on the needs of the home and the age of the children. Here are three practical tips and one important principle that have helped me in getting my children involved in home responsibilities:
#1) What chores can be delegated that genuinely make a difference in your day?
Let’s be honest with ourselves for a moment. If we don’t feel like what we are doing is making a difference or for a purpose, we are much more likely to not do to it on a regular basis. Chores do teach children responsibility, but in a day and age where responsibility is shrugged of as unimportant, placing more effort into making our children’s contributions to the home feel valuable will make them appreciate the responsibility placed on them greater. Our children are far more capable than what we give them credit for when it comes to making a true difference. Will it be perfect? Most likely not. Will it be one less thing you have to do? Absolutely.
#2. What chores do your children enjoy doing?
One day in all my glory of chore list frustration, I asked my children, “What do you actually enjoy doing around this house?”. While each person may not have gotten the assigned duties they had hoped for, it did take me by surprise. In our home we take the obedience of children very seriously. So, if they are told to do something 99% of the time my children will respond quickly and with zero complaint. They are not perfect, and due to my often slow neglect, chore list would turn into distant memories, and left us with a mom issuing orders without any good organization as to what was happening. My children are much more likely to complete their daily tasks when they were given responsibilities they enjoy doing to begin with.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
Colossians 3:20;23
#3) Teach your children to love serving others.
Maybe it is because my love language is acts of service, however, I think teaching children to enjoy serving others will benefit them in every area of life whether that be in the workforce, in the church, or in a home with a spouse and children of their own. When your children learn to serve, you will find them doing things without being told. They will see something that needs to be done, and naturally want to do it in order show love and honor to mom, dad, brother, sister and any other family member in the home. This is a skill set I expect in my teenagers and while it is a relief in our home to have natural helpers, it is a joy to my heart when I see them serving others joyfully and without direction.
Just this week I received a new baby gate for my upstairs office door. When I went upstairs the next day, not only did I find the box had been brought up, but my 14 year-old son, Lane, had already installed it as well. To say I had a proud mama moment is an understatement.
How do you teach a child find joy in serving one might ask? By acknowledging their efforts, covering them in gratitude, and show them by example as you and your spouse serve each other joyfully with out grumble or frustration.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Galatians 5:3
Which leads me into my mama rule:
Do not allow your children see you complain about the responsibilities The Lord has trusted to you. If nothing else in your day is completed, but you served your husband, children, and home with a joyful heart, then, your greatest work has been finished and you can rest easy that night knowing God gave you the strength and ability to make it through another day as a successful godly woman. You see my dear friends, when we quit viewing our husbands and children as the burdens interfering with our check list and personal desires, our joy for them will increase, and the stress to do more will decrease. At the end of it all, what truly matters?
Lord, Thank you for trusting me with souls you created this side of Heaven. Help me show them what it means to love you and serve others. Amen
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Legalism, a subtle yet pervasive issue within Christian communities, has historically hindered spiritual growth and caused division. While often not recognized as sin, its impact on faith is undeniable. As someone on the journey to becoming a pastor, I've witnessed firsthand the harmful effects of legalism. It has prompted me to delve deeper into this distraction from Christ. Legalism, rooted in a strict adherence to religious laws, can overshadow the core principles of faith. It manifests in various ways, from rigid traditions and personal convictions to regulating "gray" areas of life. Such practices can inadvertently become a litmus test for salvation, alienating those who differ in interpretation. Legalism's extreme forms may even impede evangelism, obstructing the command to be a light in the world. Jesus' teachings emphasize genuine worship, heartfelt devotion, and the danger of external displays of righteousness without inner transformation. Legalism, by contrast, hinders the transformative power of God's grace. To counter its dangers, a balanced approach is needed—one that prioritizes authentic faith, heartfelt obedience, and a personal connection with God. In this complex journey of faith, let us remain steadfast in upholding the true essence of Christianity—God's boundless grace and love.
Legalism is a concept that has plagued religious communities since ancient times, often leading to division and hindering spiritual growth. While the term may not be explicitly found in the Bible, its destructive influence on one's faith has been a recurring theme throughout history. As a pastor in training, I have witnessed the detrimental effects of legalism firsthand, prompting a deeper examination of this phenomenon and its impact on contemporary Christianity.
Legalism, often unrecognized as sin, is a prevalent issue within the Christian community. While typically associated with an excessive emphasis on strict adherence to religious laws, legalism is not commonly viewed in the same light as more obvious sins like adultery or theft. Perceived internally as a pursuit of holiness, legalism is most often outwardly seen as little more than pride, self-righteousness, and judgement.
The purpose of Paul’s letter to the Galatians was to counter the heretical teachings of the Judaizers, who insisted on following the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, for salvation. Paul emphasizes the importance of justification by faith in Christ and the freedom it brings, rejecting any form of legalism. He highlights that while good works are a product of faith, they do not serve as the basis for salvation. The epistle focuses on living by the power of the Spirit rather than the flesh and highlights the significance of the new birth through the gospel. It warns against compromising with legalistic teachings and stresses the importance of exhibiting one's faith through their own opinion of righteous living.
To comprehend the insidious nature of legalism, it is essential to define it accurately. Legalism, as described by Thomas R. Schreiner, is when individuals attempt to attain righteousness in the eyes of God (or even in the eyes of others) through strict adherence to religious laws and regulations. It is a mindset that places an emphasis on outward compliance rather than fostering a genuine relationship with God. This excessive focus on rules and rituals often eclipses the fundamental aspects of faith, leading to an absence of true spiritual growth and understanding.
In contemporary Christian circles, legalism manifests in various forms, each with its distinct set of challenges and implications. Traditions, for instance, can serve as a conduit for legalistic practices within a church. While traditions can be a source of spiritual connection and reverence, they can also become a barrier to authentic worship when their significance overrides the true essence of faith.
On a more personal level, legalism can manifest in the form of personal convictions. While there is nothing wrong with personal convictions, they are yours and yours alone and should never affect those around you or lead to your own judgement of those who do not share your convictions. As an example from our own family, Jennifer and Cheyenne both practice head covering. As there is no clear, undebatable Biblical commandment that a woman is to keep her head covered, this practice is a personal conviction. Therefore, it would be wrong (sinful judgement) for either of them to condemn someone else who does not follow the same practice.
As I've observed in certain congregations or families of believers, personal preferences such as exclusive use of the King James Version of the Bible or strict limitations on various aspects of life can inadvertently become a litmus test for salvation. When individuals impose their personal convictions as a benchmark for spiritual growth, it can alienate those who may not share the same interpretations, leading to a rigid and exclusionary environment within the church.
Furthermore, there exists a tendency among some believers to enforce their personal views on what they perceive as morally ambiguous areas of life. These practices often stem from a desire to regulate every aspect of one's life in accordance with a particular interpretation of religious principles. This can manifest in the form of prescribed prayer times, strict limitations on certain activities, or even restrictions on mundane daily practices, such as shopping or vacation preferences. While these convictions may stem from genuine religious fervor, they can inadvertently limit the individual's spiritual growth and greatly inhibit their ability to engage with the complexities of the modern world.
Legalism in its most extreme forms can even prohibit one’s ability to evangelize. In some extreme families or congregations, there are those who take personal convictions to such an extreme level that they cannot even be in the presence of those who do not share their own convictions. For example, there are those who have who have such strong convictions against alcohol that that will not enter a restaurant or even a grocery store where alcohol is served or sold. There are those who are so convicted about modest dressing that cannot go anywhere that someone is likely to be dressed immodestly. We’re not talking about avoiding the red-light district or adult clubs, but avoiding going to any lake or river because someone may be in a bathing suit, or refusing to enter a museum because Venus de Milo or Lady Godiva may be on display.
In Matthew Chapter 5, Jesus tells us: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. If you purport yourself and your family to be followers of Christ, yet shelter yourself from the world, you’re hiding your lamp under a basket.
Contrary to legalistic practices, the teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of genuine, heartfelt worship and spiritual sincerity. In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their outward displays of righteousness, highlighting the significance of inward purity and authentic devotion to God. He stresses the futility of adhering to strict external rituals while neglecting the matters of the heart, signaling the inherent danger of legalism and its potential to deviate from the true essence of faith.
Moreover, legalism undermines the very purpose of genuine faith, often leading to an empty display of outward obedience rather than a true transformation of the heart. As Tullian Tchividjian rightly points out, legalism promotes the erroneous belief that God's love is contingent upon human efforts, disregarding the fundamental truth that it is God's love that initiates true change within individuals. Consequently, a legalistic mindset hinders individuals from experiencing the transformative power of God's grace and love, leading to a shallow and superficial understanding of faith.
To combat the dangers of legalism, it is crucial to embrace a balanced approach that prioritizes genuine faith and heartfelt obedience. Striking a balance between adhering to spiritual practices, personal convictions, and fostering a personal relationship with God is essential to avoid falling into the trap of legalistic thinking. As highlighted in 1 Samuel 16:7, God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a genuine, heartfelt connection with Him.
In conclusion, legalism poses a significant threat to the integrity and vitality of contemporary Christian communities. Its divisive nature and detrimental impact on personal faith highlight the importance of fostering a genuine, heartfelt relationship with God that transcends mere adherence to religious laws and regulations. By embracing a balanced approach that prioritizes authentic spiritual growth and genuine love for God, we can navigate the complexities of faith without succumbing to the dangers of legalistic thinking. As we continue to walk on our individual paths of faith, may we remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the true essence of Christianity, which lies in the boundless grace and love of our Creator.
Kevin Lanham - Veal Station Ministries
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He explained how his wife is financially irresponsible, her bank account is usually empty near the end of the month as she shops frivolously, and has large payments a fancy newer-model car she can’t afford. He, on the other hand, has a higher income, but drives and older vehicle, does not spend much money, and has built a large enough savings account to make the down payment on the new home by himself.
While I was saddened enough by the situation, I lost even more faith in humanity by reading the comments section… “Divorce her” was the most popular comment, while many others offered opinions as to how he should protect his financial assets from her.
In our modern world, the sacred institution of marriage has undergone a significant transformation. Rather than the profound and solemn covenant that God intended, it has been reduced to a contractual arrangement, often defined by convenience and temporal considerations. The story of the young married man seeking advice about his financially irresponsible wife is but one example of the erosion of the sacred nature of marriage.
God's plan for marriage, as outlined in the Bible, is that it should be a covenant. In the ancient Hebrew tradition, a covenant, known as "ברית" or "berit" in Hebrew, was an agreement of paramount importance. It was a binding contract, established with religious and legal implications, that symbolized the closest, most enduring, most solemn, and most sacred of all contracts.
In this ancient tradition, the terms of a covenant were not just about financial agreements; they encompassed a deep sense of mutual responsibility and protection. If one party or their family was under attack, both parties were considered to be under attack, and they vowed to defend or avenge each other. Financial difficulties were not solved by one partner alone; rather, they sought the financial well-being of the entire covenant partnership.
Covenants were never taken lightly. They were established in the presence of witnesses and accompanied by formal ceremonies, often involving the offering of sacrifices. These rituals underscored the gravity of the agreement and the unwavering commitment of the parties involved. Specific terms, conditions, and promises were meticulously outlined, and both parties were bound to fulfill their obligations. Failure to uphold their part of the covenant had consequences, sometimes involving divine judgment.
Moreover, Hebrew covenants emphasized the concept of reciprocal responsibility. Both parties had duties to fulfill, and there were penalties for failing to meet these responsibilities. Symbolism also played a significant role in these covenants, as they often involved the exchange of gifts, the creation of memorials, or the establishment of physical symbols to serve as reminders of the covenant's sacred nature.
The significance of these covenants in Hebrew tradition cannot be overstated. They were deeply woven into the religious and cultural fabric of the ancient Hebrews, shaping their identity and guiding their moral and religious life. These covenants were instrumental in the relationship between God and the Hebrew people.
All of this is undeniably familiar because it mirrors God's intended design for marriage. As Malachi 2:14 states, marriage is meant to be a blood covenant. In a Biblical marriage, a man and a woman become one person, not merely two individuals sharing a household. The concept of separate possessions does not apply, just as one arm does not harm the other, nor does one leg detach itself from the other.
Marriage, as God designed it, is not something disposable or conditional. It is a lifelong commitment between two people that no circumstance should be allowed to overturn. This deep and abiding bond is beautifully exemplified in the relationship between David and Jonathan in 1 Samuel 20. David remained in the Lord's favor because he honored the covenant promise he had made to Jonathan, demonstrating the enduring nature of a true, God-ordained marriage covenant.
In this era of shifting values and attitudes towards marriage, it is crucial to reawaken the sacred understanding of this institution. A marriage built on the foundation of a covenant, where both partners embrace mutual responsibility, unwavering commitment, and the sacred bond of becoming one, is a testament to God's divine plan for this holy union.
My challenge to you is that you reflect upon the covenants outlined in the Bible and reevaluate your marriage in comparison to God’s covenant plan. Here are a few examples to get you started:
Noahic Covenant (Genesis 9:8-17): God's Promise: After the flood, God made a covenant with Noah, promising never to destroy the earth again with a flood. The sign of this covenant is the rainbow, which serves as a reminder of God's promise.
Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3, 15:18-21, 17:1-14): God's Promise: God made a series of covenants with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation, bless his descendants, and give them the land of Canaan as an inheritance. The sign of this covenant is circumcision.
Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24): God's Promise: God made a covenant with the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. This covenant included the Ten Commandments and the entire system of laws and regulations for the Israelites. It outlined their responsibilities and God's promise to protect and bless them if they obeyed.
Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16): God's Promise: God made a covenant with King David, promising that one of his descendants would establish an eternal kingdom. This covenant ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the Messiah.
New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34): God's Promise: God prophesied a new covenant that would be made in the future, one that would not be written on stone tablets but on the hearts of His people. This covenant is realized in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who inaugurated it with His sacrifice, offering forgiveness and a personal relationship with God to all who believe.
Covenant with the Patriarchs (Genesis 35:9-15): God's Promise: This covenant reaffirms God's promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the patriarchs of Israel), and their descendants to give them the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.
The Covenant of Salt (Numbers 18:19, 2 Chronicles 13:5): The term "covenant of salt" is mentioned in reference to God's enduring commitment and faithfulness. Salt was seen as a symbol of preservation and permanence.
Covenant with the Levites (Malachi 2:4-5): God's Promise: God made a covenant with the tribe of Levi, designating them as priests to serve in the temple and maintain the teachings of God's law. This covenant was an extension of the Mosaic Covenant.
Each Biblical covenant has its own distinct purpose and significance in God's relationship with His people. These covenants not only serve as a framework for understanding God's faithfulness but also provide valuable lessons about the nature of covenants and the responsibilities that come with them. How can you apply them to your personal relationships?
]]>We asked what Bible topics you wanted us to discuss, and your questions and suggestions did not disappoint. Here on our blog, Kevin and I (Jennifer) will try our best to tackle these and any more that come our way in the future.
From our friend Lei Holder:
“False prophets/teacher. Sadly, so many popular preachers, ministers, evangelists, etc. are teaching a false doctrine. Right now, more than ever, we need truth.”
Well said Lei! We need to seriously consider the dangers of false prophets and doctrine in today’s culture. People are hungry for truth, but also the flesh is attracted to what “feels good”. Navigating through our flesh and focusing on the right road is often a journey that is bumpy and difficult. It takes careful consideration of scripture, time in prayer, and a sensitivity to the nudges of the Holy Spirit.
When there is something in the house I don’t like I will playfully refer to It as “the Devil” or that’s from “the Devil”. The most recent example of this is when Cheyenne insisted I try brussels sprouts. I like vegetables and it seemed reasonable that I would enjoy them. My friends, brussels sprouts are from the Devil and I do not advise trying them. Just don’t. In all seriousness, False prophets, doctrine, and many occult practices that “feel good” are straight from the Devil himself. Think about the bumper guards when bowling. They keep you straight, down a narrow path, and to a victory at the end. The Devil’s job is to tear down the safety guards and create a broad path to everlasting destruction in your life.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV
In scripture you can find the Devil described as a wolf, a serpent, and a roaring lion seeking who he may devour. If you stop to think about what these predators have in common, you might come to the same conclusion I did.
The Devil has no moral compass preventing him from attacking you. A common method he uses are people that look and sound like the real deal. Do not be deceived into thinking the Devil cannot imitate God. Just spend time reading Exodus 7:8-13 and you will see just how clever the enemy is:
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourselves,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and let it become a serpent.’ ” So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, just as the Lord commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For every man threw down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said.”
We live in a time where any minute of the day we can turn on a tv, radio, or pick up our phones to watch or listen to a sermon. What a blessing to have a continual supply of God’s word! For most people, this is a lot easier than reading or studying your Bible by yourself. When your Bible is open in front of you, all contexts can be considered where you can discern what’s right and what’s wrong. Instead, we judge a sermon by what feels good or sounds right. The real danger lies in that ability to choose what we accept as truth and what we cast off. Where do we stop? This is how we arrived as a culture to “all roads lead to Heaven”. The ill-conceived notion that it is all the same god leading to the same place. We have the ability to test anything we read or hear against the scriptures, and when we ask for the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit, we can decipher truth from lies. The challenge we then face is to stand up against something that looked really good, that felt really good, and say, “This is not truth taught to us by scripture.”. The challenge is even harder when the person spreading this message is someone you admire, a family member, a friend, or even your Pastor. It is important that we clarify that not everyone we disagree with doctrinally is a false prophet or is spreading a false doctrine. Rather, use those times of disagreement to edify your own testimony and beliefs. Particularly since the reformation movement, we have many brothers and sisters in Christ who carry different doctrinal beliefs. Jesus does not desire that these differences divide us, but rather we continually seek unity as one body of Christ.
In 1 Timothy chapter 1, Paul is encouraging Timothy on how to spot bad teaching and how to stand up for what is right. Paul is advising caution from false teachers to controversy in modest dress with a lot to break down in between. Overall, the book is about a church in crisis and correcting those who caused it. When a person sounds like they know what they are talking about and we follow along, we allow for their own brand of Christianity to take place, and this is how false doctrine is born. 1 Timothy chapter 1:
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
Galatians 1:6-10 does not come with an option out discloser, but rather a heated warning of those bringing a false doctrine:
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
Here are just six of the many false doctrines being taught in churches today. I’m sure with careful thought, you can expand upon this list greatly:
There are only two options given in scripture- belief and unbelief. When it comes to Jesus, you cannot be lukewarm. There is not a neutral gear option that allows you to bow out of defense for what is truth.
How do we recognize false doctrine? Here are some basic things to consider:
Be encouraged to carefully reflect upon your beliefs and why you believe them. If we are honest, at one point or another in our lives there have been things that sounded good and may have caused us to drift in a dangerous direction. This is where we rejoice, my friends, in the grace of God that cleanses us from all sin. We can rejoice in the Holy Spirit who guides us on the narrow path, and we can grow in the teaching and direction of our savior, Jesus Christ.
You may find yourself disappointed that this blog didn’t provide a list of televangelist, mega church Pastors, and faith healers that I believe to be false prophets spreading a false doctrine. Rather, our desire is to equip you with the tools, and motivate you to seek those dangers out and extinguish them out of your life. Run the good race down the narrow path, my friends, and have joy in the struggles knowing you are laying up your treasures in Heaven.
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If you’re interested in joining us on Saturdays as a vendor, please inquire with Jennifer or contact me at: Kevin@byfaith.info
Once the Farmer’s Market is up an running, we’ll turn our attention towards a community playground and a large, indoor community center where the possibilities are endless. No one should have to pay thousands of dollars for a one-day wedding venue. Local businesses shouldn’t have to book a ballroom in a metroplex hotel for a company gathering. We plan to make our new community center available to the community at little to no cost whenever possible.
We also plan to expand our current animal shelter (which is currently in a private setting) into a new, larger shelter where community members can get more involved in the care and adoption of our animals.
In order to keep things affordable, we work on a zero-debt policy; therefore, we rely on the income of the market as well as donations from the community to make things happen. If you would like to hemp us in some way, please contact Jennifer (Jennifer@byfaith.info) to see how you can become of our mission.
We look forward to a bright future at Veal Station and Hope you’ll be joining us along the way!
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