Over one hundred fifty thousand people are here at Churchill Downs for The Kentucky Derby to watch one of the greatest races in sports. Yes, people come here to watch the horses run, but they also come here to get drunk, lust, covet and gamble. For those who don’t know any better, all of these things are a sin. Not merely watching a horse race, but the getting drunk, lusting, coveting and gambling are all sins. [Read more…]
My ransom was paid. Not by my wife, nor my boss and not by my friends. But my ransom was paid. I’m free! I’m free, I’m really free. My ransom has been paid in full. I have been set free. It’s a wonderful feeling, like no other. Are you feeling hopeless tonight? Do you believe that there’s no way out? Are you heavy burdened tonight? Does it seem like there is no way of escape? Don’t despair. You too can be set free. [Read more…]
It’s only natural that people talk about the birth of Jesus around Christmas time. People all around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is an exciting time. But why was Jesus born in the first place? Why did He leave Heaven to come to the very earth He created and be born of the virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit? Why did Jesus do this? He was born to die. Jesus came to save His people from their sins. So in addition to everyone celebrating the birth of Christ, it makes sense that we should also talk about the death of Jesus. [Read more…]
I have to admit that there is a real excitement about the Super Bowl. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing at several other ones before and it really gets people hopped up. It is one of the largest spectacles in sports. It’s great to be here amid this large, enthusiastic crowd. But did you know that the Super Bowl has a dark side? [Read more…]
Jesus said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart (Matthew 5:27-28). I think of these verses when I hear the word lust, but the Bible also says do not lust after evil things. [Read more…]
How do you witness to an atheist? The same way you witness to anyone following a cult and the same way you witness to a false convert. You take the person through some of the 10 Commandments. God gave us the commandments for a reason. God is righteous and Holy and His standard is perfection. Jesus summed up the 10 Commandments this way: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). [Read more…]
As Christians, we are not perfect in this world. We still sin every day. What sin(s) do you struggle with? The demons I fight are pride, lust, gluttony and anger. We can overcome our willful sins of the flesh. If we confess our sins to God and forsake them, He will forgive us. Only through the power of Jesus Christ can we defeat these ongoing sins.
Satan knows our weaknesses very well (probably better than we know them ourselves). So that’s why it is so important to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Flee from your sins. If you struggle with lust, turn off the computer and the t.v. Avoid temptations as much as possible to begin with. But if you find yourself facing temptations, remember that God always gives believers a way out – a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)! Take the escape pod. We can be victorious through Jesus Christ our Lord because He is victorious and He has overcome the world (1 Corinthians 15:55-58).
You are out driving on a country road and you come upon a bad accident. I’m alone in my car and I’ve run off the road where I hit a tree and a branch has impaled me. You are the first one to come upon the accident. You realize that an ambulance will never get to me in time. I’m bleeding badly and you estimate from my wound that I have three minutes to live. What do you say to me? [Read more…]