1 Peter 1:10-12 "Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that would come to you searched and carefully investigated. They inquired into what time or what circumstances the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating when He testified in advance to the messianic sufferings and the glories that would follow. It was … Continue reading Long-Term Thinking
Tag: faith
Sanity
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all Godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone … Continue reading Sanity
Identity Drift
I have been thinking, lately, about spiritual identity. This was inspired by looking at the attitudes Jesus confronted in His lifetime, as well as the multitude of denominations, sects and movements in existence today, each defending their viewpoints passionately. In my opinion, many are searching for a purer, truer expression of the faith, and many … Continue reading Identity Drift
Worldliness
"And do not be conformed to this world..." -from Romans 12:2 (NASB) "redeeming the time, because the days are evil." -Ephesians 5:16 (KJV) A brother in Christ that I know once received a word about legalism and licentiousness being ditches on either side of the road. I hope I am recalling the details correctly, but … Continue reading Worldliness
2 Corinthians 1:6
"And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring in the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation." 2 Corinthians 1:6 (KJV) Whether we are afflicted or comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. … Continue reading 2 Corinthians 1:6
Why Do People Walk Away?
Why do people walk away from church, or the Christian faith, or from belief in God more generally? I believe the answers to that question are as varied as the people who could give them. Sometimes there is abuse perpetrated by someone who is supposed to represent the church. Sometimes a person goes through painful … Continue reading Why Do People Walk Away?
Father
"No one who denies the Son can have the Father; he who confesses the Son has the Father as well." -1 John 2:23 The latter half of this verse is somewhat of an affirmation for me, because until very recently my prayers were adressed "Christ Jesus". I actually felt a bit self-conscious about that because … Continue reading Father
Rhema
"So, faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." - Romans 10:17 Another translation renders it, "...what is heard comes through the message about Christ." The Greek for "word" is not "logos" here, but "rhema". Personally, what this verse means to me is that I am made able to hear by God … Continue reading Rhema
Unique
"Based on the gift they have recieved, everyone should use it to serve others, as good managers of the varied grace of God." -1 Peter 4:10 Two things I want to emphasize here: "based on the gift they have recieved", and, "the varied grace of God". If you don't fit in, maybe it's because God … Continue reading Unique
Callings and Arguments
In John 12:1-7, Judas chastised Mary for anointing Jesus’ feet with an expensive, fragrant oil, which he argued could’ve been sold and the proceeds given to the poor. Jesus replied, “Leave her alone; she has kept it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you, but you do not … Continue reading Callings and Arguments
Andrew K. Banks 