Tag: Bible

Christian Living

Blood Moon Disappointment: What happens when hope for Christ’s return gets misdirected

Chris

Millions of Christians woke up this morning and turned on their favorite news outlets. Televisions, computers, smartphones and tablets tuned their signals to see if any news came out of Israel overnight.

The spark that created this firestorm was a heavenly event. In the sky early this morning was a rare occurrence, a full moon eclipse. What makes this lunar eclipse extra special is that it comes on the Jewish holy day of Passover, the celebration of God’s deliverance from centuries of slavery in Egypt.

Source: http://www.express.co.uk

But the reason that all of this spurred so many to check their news this morning was the startling appearance that such an eclipse makes in the sky. From a bright, white, full moon the Earth’s only natural satellite gradually turns red as the Earth’s shadow passes over it. Some call it a “blood moon”. And there are many who hoped that this happening would spark an event that would signal the closeness of the return of Jesus Christ.

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Ministry

Tests of Leadership (2): When the People Push

Chris

Leadership isn’t easy. Somehow our minds have latched on to the idea that to be the leader is to oversee, kick back, and watch as everything falls into place. When the Word of God is clear, people will follow. If troubles arise, people will trust. And the leader gets to enjoy what is accomplished.

This is nothing like real leadership. Real leadership understands that difficulties will come. Enemies will need to be fought off. Obstacles will have to be crossed. Struggles will affect the lives of individuals and of the whole. The leader has to remain steadfast through the difficulties as he/she points to the unchangeable Word.

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It is important for the leader to keep his/her eye on that Word at all times, because there will be days when that Word will be challenged. When his gaze is focused the leader will be able to stand against those voices. When his gaze wanders, so will his resolve. And doing the right thing will fall to the will of the masses.

One of the most difficult situations a leader will face does not come from a competitor or oversight committee. It isn’t overt until it builds enough steam to try and roll you over. It is the push from the people called to follow the leader. Because of difficulty or unbelief or insubordination, the followers gather together to push the leader in their direction.

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Bible

Moses & Antichrist: An end-times deception?

Chris

End-times prophecy is a powerful “hot button” in the Church. Some people don’t want anything to do with it because it scares them to death. Others surround their entire existence around it. My own approach is mixed. I’m no end-times expert, but I know that it is valuable. Still, I believe that we need to learn to live for Christ according to the Word of God in our current day or we will have little hope in the darker days of mankind.

charlton-heston-as-moses

In those times when I stumble upon something I’ve never heard shared about end-times, I feel like it is a good idea to pass it along. So I wrote a short essay about one of my recent discoveries. When we take the description of the world’s second greatest villain (Satan being the first), and put it next to some verses from the Old Testament, there is the possibility for an incredible deception.

It is best to read the entire article to get a sense of the details as it is longer than what I normally post. You can download it here as an Adobe Acrobat PDF. Please feel free to leave your comments on this page in the “Join the conversation” section.

Ministry

Tests of Leadership (1): Facing the Pressure

Chris

There are no easy days for leaders. While some are easier than others, a leader that truly seeks to understand and undertake his/her role will always find and face pressures. No matter how easy a leader makes his job appear, he knows that to let down his guard could end in disaster.

It could come at any time, from any source. Your right-hand man may be your most proven and trustworthy companion and colleague. The presence of God may be thick around you and His miracles fresh in your memory. A good leader stays on his toes, prepared mentally for what might happen, even if it doesn’t.

ballot box

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating leadership paranoia or strong-arming control of everyone and everything around you. It is a realistic mindset that honestly reminds oneself, “I am not in control, but I will face what comes, as it comes, ready to do the right thing.”

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Bible, Ministry

New Christmas Bible Study: “The Babe is the Lamb”

Chris

BabeIsTheLamb thumb

It’s November, which means that it is time for a new Christmas-themed Bible study. It is written as three sessions, for use leading up to Christmas. This study was originally used for a midweek Bible study. You could also use it as a small group discussion starter or a personal study.

To view the study, you can use the embedded reader below, or download an Adobe PDF file from issuu.com or scribd.com.

About this Study

Why did Jesus have to come? What purpose was there in God taking on flesh? As it is often said, Jesus was born to die. Understanding the coming of Jesus to Earth comes from an understanding of His sacrifice.

Jesus is called “the Lamb of God” at the opening of His ministry and again in the Book of Revelation. Learn why a sacrifice was required and what Jesus accomplished as God’s perfect Lamb.

Book Reviews

Book Review: “Revealing Jesus; A 365-Day Devotional” by Darlene Zschech

Chris

9780764211546 RevealingJesusAs a pastor I often mention that as Christians our lives should point to Jesus. Whatever we say, whatever we do, are our lives pointing to Him? At times life can seem so mundane and unspiritual. Yet we are called to shine the Light in the darkness, and that Light is Jesus.

So how do we do that? What parts of life point to Jesus? What does it look like from season to season, from good days to bad days, from solitude to spiritual community? Pastor and worship leader Darlene Zschech teaches us about these issues and more in her new devotional book, Revealing Jesus (Bethany House).

Continue reading “Book Review: “Revealing Jesus; A 365-Day Devotional” by Darlene Zschech” →