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
Songs of Hope in the Midst of Injustice
Years ago Carrie and I walked into a old, family-owned BBQ restaurant in a small town in North Carolina. As we entered the door every person inside turned their heads ever so slightly toward us. That split-second encounter seemed to last for three minutes. It felt like an old western movie when the city slicker walks through the swinging saloon doors, the piano player stops playing, everybody stops talking, and then one person says, “You ain’t from around here, are ya? Even though I live right near that restaurant, I still felt… 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
Faith’s Victory Over My Past, Present, and Future
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4 ESV One of the keys to understanding the kingdom of God is an awareness that the kingdom of God has past, present, and future implications. For example: I have been saved. (Past) I am being saved. (Present) I will be saved. (Future) Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection is a finished work of God’s grace and mercy. Once my faith meets His grace, salvation is accomplished. My spirit… Read More
The Power of One
Carrie and I had just gotten married and were both working at the Cracker Barrel. The summer before my senior year of college we were asked to go to another state and help salvage a struggling store. It didn’t take long for Carrie and I to realize why this particular location was doing so poorly. One of the managers was unprofessional, apathetic, and the chief cause of the high turnover rate among the employees there. Have you ever heard the term, “one apple can spoil the whole bunch?” I’m always amazed at… Read More
Pastor Dale Jenkins 