No Middle Ground (Isaiah 1:24-31)

“Zion shall be redeemed by justice, and those in her who repent, by righteousness. But rebels and sinners shall be broken together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed.” (Isaiah 1:27–28, ESV) I was a member of a church once that relocated to the corner of Middle Ground Road and Montgomery Cross Road.Continue reading “No Middle Ground (Isaiah 1:24-31)”

The Devout Few

“If the Lord of hosts had not left us a few survivors, we should have been like Sodom, and become like Gomorrah.” (Isaiah 1:9, ESV) When the Lord brought this message to the nation, it had just experienced a time of great prosperity. Judah, the Southern Kingdom, had experienced a time peace and prosperity andContinue reading “The Devout Few”

Peace and Mercy

“And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16, ASV) In 1983, I was sitting in a Minneapolis hotel room, reading a Gideon placed Bible. I was really trying to sort out life. My wife had previously decided to get activeContinue reading “Peace and Mercy”

What Really Matters

“For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15, ASV) I heard a story about a man that took a muscle-car. You know the older cars from the 50’s and 60’s that had the big V-8 engines. Well, the car had a bad engine. So, he removed the engine and didContinue reading “What Really Matters”

Having Been Crucified

“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ASV) It is a repeated theme for movies and television shows where a person is in an abusive relationship. The scenario goesContinue reading “Having Been Crucified”

Proper Boasting

“But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” (Galatians 6:14, ASV) Years ago, I was teaching an adult Sunday school class on humility. So, I began the class by giving a briefContinue reading “Proper Boasting”

Contrasting Motives

“As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in yourContinue reading “Contrasting Motives”

God Is Not Mocked

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, ESV) A missionary from Indonesia onceContinue reading “God Is Not Mocked”