When we think of Absalom, David’s son, we often think of him as a man consumed with pride. While pride was certainly at the root of his behaviour, as it is for most of us, it would be wise to consider that Absalom might have been addicted to something else plaguing many men, women, boys, and girls in society today—attention-seeking. As is the custom of the day, a fancy title has been assigned to this behaviour by those who study mental health—Histrionic Personality Disorder.
Some perceive Paul’s teaching about the law’s insufficiency and the fact that we are not under the law to mean that God’s desire is for the New Testament believer to view the law negatively. However, Paul also taught that the law is NOT sin, and that it IS holy, spiritual, and good. Interestingly, Jesus said that His mission was to come to FULFIL the law and Paul taught that we could and should do the same.
The most controversial and debated topics of a generation expose its firmest held beliefs. The subject of abortion is a case in point. For one side, religion proves the murderous and godless nature of abortion. For others, abortion rights are pursued and defended with great religious fervor. The sad truth is that the religious nature of abortion is not new. In fact, the scripture says, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the son” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). To understand this ancient controversy, consider its origins and opposition.
Many simply define nakedness as the absence of clothing. Yet, the Bible defines it as the absence of sufficient/appropriate clothing. This truth is borne out in the word’s historical use in the English language—nude, bare, empty, but also not fully clothed. Anything less than sufficient clothing was considered nakedness.
From a holy heart comes holy actions and as a result of holy doings come holy feelings. Anything else is a counterfeit holiness.
The Bible does not condemn interracial marriages or multiracial churches. In fact, the concept of a white church, a black church, or an oriental church to the exclusion of others is unbiblical at its core. Rather, the scripture, Old and New Testaments, warn us not to mingle with those who worship other gods or no God at all. Therefore, segregation is only biblical if it is based upon creed and not color of skin.
Have you been hurt? Stop the cycle! Do you crave attention that comes with being a “victim”? Find it through a personal walk with the Lord. Are you currently allowing your hurt to hurt others? Stop! Are you bitter from things in your past and transferring your vengeance upon someone who you deem has done you unjustly? Forgive those who hurt you in the past and stop letting them continue to hold power over your life. Be sure, the judgment seat of Christ will make all wrongs right for the believer.
The loss of a child is devastating! It goes against all of our expectations as parents. A child should be allowed the opportunities of life that we have enjoyed. Parents should never outlive their child! Yet, even in this time of tragic loss, the grace of God is evident and offers comfort to those willing to receive it.
You know how preachers are always telling you to be enthusiastic? Well, it's also important to be heading in the right direction.
What kind of meat are you working for? The multitude followed Jesus across the Sea of Galilee when they saw that He could feed them. They wanted to know what they needed to do in order to keep getting bread. What is your bread? Or meat? Is it to know God and to do His will?
