The Plumbline

For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14 NLT) Instruction is given because there is benefit in following it. As I came through High School, they offered several courses that were designed to do more than offer 'academic achievement'. Home Economics taught us to sew simple garments and make appetizing meals. Typing classes prepared us for career choices that utilized the skill, making us more proficient at recording things on those things called typewriters. Driver's Education prepared us for the road, makin...

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” (Romans 10:9-11) If you openly declare - that pretty much leaves out that we can be a Christian and nobody knows we are, doesn't it? Those who serve Christ, who have welcomed them into their lives, and given him control of their hearts will reveal evidence of that faith. Belief doesn't just end with a personal experience with Jesus. It continues into our everyday living - touching lives around us with that 'experience' and with the testimony of what Jesus has done in our lives. For it is by believing in your heart (mind, will, and emotions all in agreement) that you are made right with God. Salvation is more than 'fire insurance' agai...

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased.  (John Steinbeck) Time as we know it will come to an end at some point for each of us. My pastor used to say one thing was pretty much assured to each of us - death. At some point, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, or even gender - death comes to all. The conclusion to that acknowledgement was that we need to make the most of each day until that moment catches up with each of us! In the point between our birth and our death, we have a whole lot of opportunities to choose to live for ourselves or for God - how we choose to live oftentimes determines how well we will embrace our death! Why? When we choose to live for God, according to his will for our lives, eternity is assured - we aren't afraid of death. Choose to live for yourself and your death may just be a thing you aren't really looking forward to! Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for...