New Film Is Genesis History? Presents a False Dichotomy: I Dissent from My Role in It

http://www.evolutionnews.org/2017/02/new_film_is_gen103510.html

3 Extreme ways to help others

“I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them.”

– Francis Chan

A GENEROUS LOVE

Years ago, I remember hearing a pastor saying, “Never resist a generous impulse.” On one occasion he was standing behind a single mother of 3 and she was in tears while searching for enough change to pay her grocery bill, so the pastor had a generous impulse. He handed the cashier a twenty dollar bill, and the woman looked at him and said, “Thank you” while tears were streaming down her face. God wants us to love others in such an extreme way that we make a difference in the world.

A RADICAL LOVE

What does a radical love look like? How about this; Christ died for the weak and ungodly (us) (Rom 5:6), Christ died for the unrighteous (us) (Rom 5:7), Christ died for sinners (us) Rom 5:8), and Christ died for the enemies of God (us) (Rom 5:10), so helping others should not depend on their goodness, but upon the goodness of God.

 Read the rest: https://www.christianquotes.info/images/3-extreme-ways-to-help-others/#axzz4ZvJ8eszN

Justification by faith

~ KEVIN

What does it mean to be justified by faith?

That is a central question that Paul answers in Romans. The book of Romans begins by declaring all men to be sinners and deserving the wrath of God (1:18-3:20). Paul then begins to describe the good news of Jesus Christ that man can be justified before God by faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25).

The book of Romans begins by declaring all men to be sinners and deserving the wrath of God (1:18-3:20). Paul then begins to describe the good news of Jesus Christ that man can be justified before God by faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25). The next three chapters (5-8) of Romans unpack rich implications of justification by faith. The structure of those chapters is outlined and illustrated below, and serve to give the big picture argument of Romans 5-8:*

http://www.kevinhalloran.net/implications-of-justification-by-faith-from-romans-5-8-in-graphical-form/

Implications of Justification by Faith from Romans 5-8 in Graphical Form

~ KEVIN

What does it mean to be justified by faith?

That is a central question that Paul answers in Romans. The book of Romans begins by declaring all men to be sinners and deserving the wrath of God (1:18-3:20). Paul then begins to describe the good news of Jesus Christ that man can be justified before God by faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25).

The book of Romans begins by declaring all men to be sinners and deserving the wrath of God (1:18-3:20). Paul then begins to describe the good news of Jesus Christ that man can be justified before God by faith in Jesus Christ (3:21-4:25). The next three chapters (5-8) of Romans unpack rich implications of justification by faith. The structure of those chapters is outlined and illustrated below, and serve to give the big picture argument of Romans 5-8:*

Continue:

http://www.kevinhalloran.net/implications-of-justification-by-faith-from-romans-5-8-in-graphical-form/

7 Reasons pastoring a church is harder today

http://chucklawless.com/2017/02/7-reasons-pastoring-a-church-is-harder-today/

What does “the Spirit was not yet” in John 7:39 refer to?

http://holdingtotruth.com/2017/02/25/the-spirit-was-not-yet/

Casting Crowns Reminds Us To Remain Faithful In ‘Praise You in this Storm’

5 Ways to Battle the Never-Ending Worship Wars

By Carey Nieuwhof

So let me guess: Someone recently complained about the music at your church.

It doesn’t matter what style of music your church features or how traditional or edgy your music is; complaining about music is almost a universal phenomenon in the church today.

Some of that is generated by church shoppers (I outlined 5 characteristics of church shoppers here), but the problem is more pervasive than hearing from a few church shoppers.

It’s endemic to human nature and to our consumer-driven culture that basically says everything revolves around me. While I think consumer Christianity will die in the future (here’s why), we’re not there yet.

Before we get started, please know this isn’t a slam against any particular style of music in the church.

In fact, I admire all churches that are innovating to become more effective in their mission.

But here’s the challenge.

Many leaders have almost spilled blood getting their church to change in the area of music (or making sure their church doesn’t change).

And yet, despite the battles fought over music, many churches are still not much further ahead in reaching people because of it.

Why is that?

There are five problems I see church leaders struggle with when navigating the sensitive and emotional issue of worship style in church.

1. You Become So Focused on Pleasing the People You Have That You Lose Sight of the People You’re Trying to Reach

To read the rest: http://churchleaders.com/worship/worship-articles/299638-5-ways-battle-never-ending-worship-wars.html

Discipleship Doesn’t Come Cheaply

Luke 14:25-35

Once again we are on the road with Jesus as He makes His way toward Jerusalem. There is quite a good-sized crowd travelling with Him along the way and at some point in their progress Jesus speaks to them about the cost of being His disciple. His remarks are set up in 14:26-27:

If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Continue at: https://lifereference.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/discipleship-doesnt-come-cheaply/

To Which Generation Does Jesus Refer In The Olivet Discourse? Part 2

http://www.toughquestionsanswered.org/2017/02/24/to-which-generation-does-jesus-refer-in-the-olivet-discourse-part-2/