Inspiration

Jesus and Compassion

Posted on by markwchristy
In today’s hypersensitive, me-centered, feelings-driven culture, the biblical understanding of compassion has been all but lost such that anyone who dares to declare the truth, call sinners to repentance, and demand obedience from those who do repent is almost sure to be judged as one who lacks compassion. After this judgment is rendered, the one who dared to minister the gospel in this manner can be sure to face what is often felt to be a just sentence for their perceived error, that is a comp...
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Fear Induced by the Bully Has No Hold on the Faithful in Christ

Posted on by markwchristy
By Mark W. Christy While the Bible teaches that faith is a gift of God to those who believe (cf. Acts 3:16; Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1;29; 2 Pet 1:1), such faith displays itself within the decisions one makes. Irrespective of emotions and any other influence, whether they arise from within or without, God expects His people to live by faith and thereby make decisions in line with His Word. Unfortunately, this fallen world has many subversive means to attract God’s people away from the righteous path ...
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Is Everything Meaningless?

Posted on by markwchristy
By Mark W. Christy, PhD According to Ecclesiastes 1:2 NIV, “’Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” Based upon this translation, it would seem that supposed truths and even self in this world must be meaningless. From the context, one learns that the writer of Ecclesiastes is specifically addressing the efforts of men under the sun (1:3). With this view, this article will consider how to properly understand this verse and whether or no...
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Learning How to Pray (Luke 11:1-4)

Posted on by markwchristy
“It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” And He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. ‘Give us each day our daily bread. ‘And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (Luke 11:1-4 NASB) In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus teaches the disciple...
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The Inward Battle for Proper Placement of Hope

Posted on by markwchristy
Faced with extreme adversity, Job’s hope begins to faulter: Job 6:11-13 NASB ““What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should endure? Is my strength the strength of stones, Or is my flesh bronze? Is it that my help is not within me, And that deliverance is driven from me?” Job seemingly lost everything and was despairing of life. He looks around himself and sees no hope. He sees an utter lack of strength within himself. He for now is struggling to place his hop...
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