Jesus Makes the Difference
For 38 years he was unable to walk. As a last resort, desperate for a miracle, he arranged to be taken to the Pool of Bethesda, where it was believed that angels occasionally stirred the waters, bring healing to the infirmed. But it never happened for him. Waiting can be wearisome. Our high hopes can be eroded by daily disappointments. But then the man came face to face with Jesus, who looked at the man with compassion and said, “Get up.” Inherent in the command was the capacity. His miracle had come,… Read More
Why the Kingdom of God is Not a No-Judgment Zone
The no-judgment zone has gone too far. Differences of opinion can be handled by those who are mature, but there are many who demand tolerance from others while refusing to extend the same toward those who see things from another perspective. Consequently, there are countless numbers of people who get offended at the thought of any form of absolute truth. If it doesn’t support their own thoughts, actions and beliefs, it is deemed judgmental and intolerant. They see it as condemnation. That mindset has also crept into the way people view God… Read More
Turning Up the Radio Won’t Fix the Engine
Remembering my own sin keeps me from judging other people bound by sin. Sin is a touchy subject because it is attached to the deepest parts of our lives. I recently heard a minister point out that the middle letter of the English word “sin” is what best defines it – “I”. Sin is always about me, my wants, my selfishness, my way, me over anyone else, including God. With sin comes guilt and shame – these things are built in. However, we often create workarounds. We find someone who will justify… Read More
Why Does Jesus Confront Me With Sin and Make Me Feel Guilty?
The persecutor had become the persecuted. Saul, a vehement enemy of the “Way” (as early believers in Christ were called), was defending the very cause he once opposed. Saul had changed – his life, his words, even his name! What prompted such a turnaround? Paul’s conversion story is told more than once in Luke’s detailed, historical account of the early church (the book of Acts). Back then, he was known as Saul. He was a respected, educated, and cultured man, whose zealous desire to defend the Law of God compelled him to… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 