Articles

What, if any, is the difference between preaching and teaching? Some preachers teach and some teachers preach. Is a lecture more preaching or a speech more teaching? I am a pastor with nearly 20 years of preaching experience. I will attempt to explain the difference. As a pastor, the difference is vital. I do teach. There is no doubt about that. But I am first and foremost a preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth is I do public speaking 5-7 times a week. Half of which is preaching and half of which is teaching. Here is the difference in a nutshell and a more detailed explanation...

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Any Christian knows that there is resistance to walking with God. Sometimes the resistance comes from without, and sometimes the resistance comes from within. Sin is less a resistance to walking with God as it is a breaking of fellowship. But what resists our spiritual walk with God? There are several things the Bible speaks of that cause resistance. THE ILLUSTRATION First, let me paint an illustration. If you know anything about electricity, you know that there are several factors that create resistance to the ability of electrons to flow across a wire. These factors reduce the amount...

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Imagine what it would be like with no problems, no difficulties, and no troubles. You're probably thinking of how peaceful and easy your life would be, but others, the rest of us, would see a weak person with nothing to offer, nothing of substance, and nothing of interest. The things we hold most valuable in people are born out of adversity, not ease. Imagine watching a movie that only detailed how easy everyone had it, with nothing to overcome, nothing to triumph over, and nothing to strive for. You would be bored stiff. If nothing every bad happened to the good guys, if they didn't have to struggle,...

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I believe there are 4 basic reasons why bad things happen to people-good or bad. Here they are: 1. God tests people 2. Satan attacks people 3. Murphy's Law - That which can go wrong, will go wrong 4. Consequences of our own actions The World View that says, "Bad things only happen to bad people," will be a very disappointing one for you, because bad things can happen to anyone, and for all sorts of different reasons. IMPORTANT: I don't think it is possible to judge why another person has experienced something negative in their life. Since any one person can fall victim to any of the four...

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Giving is an important aspect of the Christian life. Money represents both your life and where your heart is. If you earn 10 dollars an hour then a 10 dollar bill represents one hour of your life. When you give that same 10 dollars to God, you have, in fact, given God 1 hour of your life. This is why giving for the Christian is so important. In addition, where you put your money, your heart follows. So if you invest in the things of God, your heart will be in the things of God. God knows this. Luke 12:34 - For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Because of this, there...

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What are the evidences of a Christian who is Spirit filled? Is it super natural powers? Is it a magnetic personality? No, not really. Being a Spirit filled Christian is not spooky or even supernatural. A person does not have to break down and start foaming at the mouth, start spouting in some unknown tongue or language, or even suddenly have the ability to heal the ailing. It is actually much more practical than that. Walking in the Spirit, to be Spirit filled, is a mental exercise that puts your thinking, hopes, and desires in God's hands. Notice the following passage of Scripture: Romans...

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In the Biblical book of Hebrews chapter 12, we learn of a very interesting progression and warning. It begins this way: Hebrews 12:1 - Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Sin, particularly in the life of the Christian, can keep us from accomplishing what God intended us to accomplish. It prevents us from doing the will of God and finding purpose and meaning in our lives. The Bible continues further on down...

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I am not about to attempt to give an entire discourse on prayer. There are oodles of books written on the subject. What I will do, however, is give you a very practical exercise to break past your mental blocks when you attempt to pray. I've recommended this to many people that have found it highly successful in developing a close and personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ. The main problem for most people is attempting to talk to someone that isn't in the room with them. Of course we know that God is there and that God can hear you, but you may find it difficult to emotionally accept...

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As Christians we do have certain obligations and requirements. Like anything else of privilege, it comes with responsibility. Here are the top 3 priorities for any Christian. There are more priorities than the ones listed here. But these three are the number one priority in each of the three areas listed below. Forgive the bluntness of the following statement, but it would be unchristian to do anything less than these three duties. How can we, as Christians, claim that title (of being Christ like) if we are not doing the very things that make us Christ like? How can we claim we love God if we are unwilling...

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Most people see obedience as a duty, an act of fulfillment because you have to. But obedience is so much more than that. Ultimately, it can convey love like little else can. When we obey because there is no other choice, it is not really obedience. When we obey out of fear, it is not really obedience. Obedience is an act of love--much more so than most of us really understand. Let me see if I can explain. As a father, there is nothing more precious to me than when my children choose to obey me. When it is their choice, of their own will, it shows that they have bought in to my value system,...

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