The world is full of people who are caught in patterns of sin, who are without hope, who have been hurt or disappointed by others, or who are spiritually deluded. Many of them are our co-workers, our friends and neighbors, and others God has placed in our lives. How can we make a difference in their lives? Our New Testament passage shows us four ways.
We’ll also look at how so many today call evil good and good evil. Many things that are advocated would have seemed impossible 10 years ago. It makes us wonder how people can be so blinded to the truth. But it’s not just unbelievers who can become deluded. How can we avoid spiritual delusion in our own lives?
And finally, read about overcoming evil and the only One who is “hope-worthy.”
Would you be willing to admonish, rebuke or warn a friend who is caught up in a sinful lifestyle even though speaking up when God’s standards are at stake is more costly than ever? When is it right, even necessary, for a believer in Christ to do so?
Also, when it comes to our politics, how should a clear understanding of God’s sovereignty and His commands concerning authority, affect how we speak and respond to events in today’s political climate?
Responding to criticism well can be one of the greatest challenges there is. But how we respond reveals things about us that God wants us to see. So, how can we respond in ways that allow us to benefit from even the most unfair criticism? And are there ways of responding that can result in God’s discipline?
How do you respond to instruction, criticism, or rebuke? Do you have a teachable spirit (attitude)? Do you accept wisdom and instruction as God’s sovereign work in your life or do you get defensive and reject it? I know I find it hard at times to take correction. But what do our answers say about us and why is it so important to understand and deal with these things?
When our kids were growing up, we would correct them when they called one another stupid. You probably do the same thing. So, I was surprised to find out that God calls us stupid when we act a certain way. That’s a pretty harsh criticism when you realize the word translated stupid comes from a word meaning “to graze.” One who acts this way is like an ignorant animal, as the old saying goes, “dumb as an ox.” So, what is it we do that would cause God to call us “stupid”? And what does it have to do with what the cross says about us? Check out today’s post to find out.
