Roger

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.   He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). In our faith tradition we talk a lot about people getting “saved.”   What exactly happens at salvation?   According to the Bible, specifically in Paul’s teachings, “ our spirit man is sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 1:13).   In other words, when we come to faith in Christ, our spirit, or the part of us that connects to the Spirit of God, comes alive.   We are born-again, saved, redeemed, (welcome to this Christian cliché festival)!   The part of us that knows and responds to God comes alive.   We are no “longer dead in our trespasses and sins.”    According to the Bible, two classes of people exist:   “Saints and Aints” – those     who have experienced His grace and those w...

Theologians tell us that God reveals Himself through General and Special Revelation.   In other words, He reveals Himself generally through nature and specifically in the Bible.   As I write, I am looking out the window of my home, marveling at the massive trees and beautiful terrain that surround me.   Ashtabula County really is a nice place to live.    Someone greater than I displays His handiwork! The Designer has done well.   Centuries ago, the psalmist, while gazing upward was moved to write, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 18:1). As a boy, I too witnessed God’s hand in creation.   Two incidents fashioned my belief in God and served as precursors to my conversion to Christ at age 14.   It was a lazy summer day in 1963.   I was playing outdoors when suddenly I experienced a “visit from above.”   While swinging, I gazed high into the sky and was immediately overcome with emotion...

A major credit card company used to advertise, “Membership is a privilege.”   Leadership in the local church is also a privilege! Those who lead in the Word and Worship need to understand that they “play by a different set of rules.”   Children and youth leaders are also held to higher standards.   Churches do well to run background checks on all who work with our “precious ones.”   Actually, most church insurance companies make this a requirement. What should we look for and expect in the lives of those who have “stage” time?   1.      Not perfection, but a consistent lifestyle that speaks well of the Christ they represent. 2.      A teachable spirit that exudes a positive outlook toward life and people in general. 3.      One who understands and possesses a love for spiritual authority. Those who cannot submit to authority must never be allowed a place of leadership. 4     A cooperative...

I don’t think any of us fully realize the devastating toll that sin plays in our lives.   Its   affects are seen in our personal struggles, our relationships, nation, and of course, sin is played out on the world’s stage.   Many years ago a lady said to me, “I don’t believe in sin.”   I was amazed at her comment, as her life had been characterized by broken relationships, and alcohol was taking a destructive toll on her liver.   I believe in sin mostly because the Bible defines it as the catalyst responsible for all of earth’s ills.   Secondly, the Scriptures make it clear that sin is a universal problem. After David’s adulterous affair with Bathsheba, he realized that the deeper issue in his life was sin.   He says, “ In sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). So, what is sin? A lot of people define sin in terms of a “do” and “do not” list.   For example, cursing, smoking, drinking, going to R-Rated movies, dancing, adultery, lusting, etc. ...

The Bible is full of invitations.    And invitations require a response.   When I was 20 years old, I invited my wife to the movies, and that invitation led to us to date and eventually marry.   I’m so glad she accepted my invitation!   Following are two often quoted invitations that God sent to us in His Word: “Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).   “ I stand at the door and knock.   If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me ” (Revelation 3:2). Invitations draw people to parties, graduations, new car purchases, weddings, dinners, and a host of other life experiences.   Invitations carry power! I am a follower of Christ because of an invitation.  A pastor and his wife visited my boyhood home and invited my family and me to their church.  I was captured by their love and sincerity.  Their...