Why Are People So Judgy?
I’m convinced that we not only need to be set free from sin, we also need to be set free from self-righteousness. When righteousness is defined as “being good” or “doing good,” the result is legalism. We commend ourselves for our efforts, while condemning others for their faults. We grew ourselves according to our intentions, while we judge others by their actions. Self-righteousness always results in judgmentalism toward others. Legalism and self-righteousness are two of our greatest enemies. While we stand on the ramparts and watch for enemy intrusions from the outside,… Read More
God Does Not Forsake Us When We Fail
David was a hard-working shepherd. David was a passionate worshipper. David was a respected leader. However, David also committed adultery, had Uriah killed, and displeased the Lord on several occasions. You would think that these sinful actions would have forfeited any promise for a significant role in God’s kingdom. If your reputation is ruined, is your legacy doomed? David’s road was certainly not an easy one. Sin indeed demands payment and comes with consequences. David faced heartache in both his family and his kingdom. However, God brought him through, eventually redeeming David’s… 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
How to Handle Accusations
It’s one thing to be falsely accused; but what about when the accusations are accurate? The Apostle John describes satan as both a liar (John 8:44) and the “accuser” (Rev. 12:10). There are times when satan will accuse you falsely, and even attempt to get you to believe his lies. But there are also times when his accusations are indeed accurate, and his goal is to ensnare you in shame, fear, and hopelessness. John’s revelation shows that Jesus is the One who was, who is, and who is to come. In other… Read More
God Usually Makes Us Face Our Consequences
But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:7, 11, 13 ESV) There is a simple, yet vital principle that must be considered in order for… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 