Serious About Scripture

Mentoring and motivating Christ’s people to live his words

The Body: Important to God

What an alarming statement from God to Adam is found in Genesis 3: “You are dust and to dust you shall return.” That was for Adam, yes, but also you, his progeny, for it is affirmed throughout Scripture, and with ample imperative data. This is a succinct statement, arresting and unambiguous. You are not going to escape this fact. Your body is an arrangement of dust particles that will disassemble into dust again, and further, into whatever components that dust…

Confessionism: The Misuse of 1 John 1:9

Do you believe that you must confess every known sin to God? For many years earlier in my ministry, I made statements such as the following: “In order to be restored to fellowship with God and to be filled with the Spirit you must confess every known sin to God.” What am I to think of such instructions now? Sadly, this teaching adds a layer of requirement for our forgiveness not intended by God. And it may lead to confusion…

Jacob Saw Him

Jacob, on his flight to Paddam-Aram, had a dream of a ladder leading to heaven with the Lord at the top and angels descending and ascending. This took place at what he would call Bethel, or “house of God.” “And behold, the Lord stood above it and said…” is a phrase which indicates that he was actually speaking with the preincaranate Christ. That it was the preincarnate Christ that Jacob saw that night is made clear later when Jesus met…

Instantly Better Meetings for Small (and All) Churches

When my parents were first married, they started looking for a church to attend. They told me about an experience they had at a particular church “in town.” It was a smaller congregation (perhaps 30-40 people). Upon arrival, nobody greeted them. They then sat through the uninspiring service. If I’m remembering correctly, they were mostly alone on a pew. Perhaps there was an older couple way down at the end. People were quiet throughout the meeting. Everyone was then very…