Just like most things in life, giving is a choice. For the believer and for members of the local church, giving is an expectation, however, we still have the choice as to whether or not we fulfill that expectation. We give, not because it is expected of us, rather, because our heart is aligned…
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there…
Giving is not something that we typically enjoy talking about. We are constantly bombarded with requests to give to various non-profit organizations. Therefore, when we go to church the last thing we want to hear from the pastor is a sermon on giving. This feeling of dread that we may have when we think of…
One of the most painful things in life is knowing that you have been betrayed. A parent suffers tremendous pain when a child rebels. A wife is scarred for life when her husband cheats on her. A man is hurt when his friends abandon him in time of need. Jesus suffered the ultimate betrayal on…
Over the years I have counselled with young men who felt the call to serve in ministry particularly as a pastor. My response has always been out of a heart of love and concern that those men follow whatever God calls them to do. In answering the question ‘do you want to be a pastor’.…
Johnny received Jesus as His Savior during Vacation Bible School. After his commitment to Christ there was a noticeable difference in His life. He became excited about reading his Bible and going to church. He even started memorizing Bible verses every week. However, as school started in the fall things began to change. He…
Thanksgiving is a time of remembrance and worship. It is a time to reflect on the blessings of life. Psalm 92:1 says, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High.” As we given Him thanks, there are some specific things that…
There are many things that are crucial for a pastor to do in order to have an effective ministry. One of those things is to make himself visible. Whether he likes it or not, the pastor is the face of the local church. Depending on how you look at it (rightfully or wrongfully), the local…
Leviticus chapter five describes the procedures that were required for the children of Israel to make a sacrifice for trespasses that they committed. A trespass is essentially sinning against someone. It is not just a personal sin. It is a sin we commit they brings harm or has a negative affect on others. Leviticus chapter…
When it comes to worship, one cannot rightly worship God when there is sin in his life that has not been dealt with. Therefore, in order to come into the presence of God, one must face the reality of his sin and seek forgiveness and cleansing. When it comes to our worship in the church,…
There is a pattern that is seen in the Levitical sacrifices. This pattern reveals a picture of the cross of Christ and our relationship to Him. In the burnt offerings we learn how that all are welcomed to come into the presence of God come and worship Him because of what He did for us…
The Burnt Offering seen in Leviticus chapter one describes the manner in which we should come into the presence of God for worship. The Grain Offering seen in Leviticus chapter two deals with a specific element of worship and that is our giving to the Lord. It parallels what we think of as giving of…
Have you ever wondered what the sacrificial system in the Old Testament was all about? Why did God tell the children of Israel to perform so many sacrifices? Have you ever wondered how such information as given in the book of Leviticus applies to Christians today? In the sacrificial system described in the book…
As we have experienced one of the most unusual times in history, we are faced with many questions. One question that some are asking: “Is all these restrictions really necessary?” Another question may be: “Will things ever get back to normal?” Or perhaps we may ask: “What will be the new normal?” And then we…
Generational differences and frustrations have been a part of life since the beginning of time. Every generation is different. Each generation develops their own culture and their own worldview. In the church, each generation sees things through the lenses of their specific cultural influences. For example, older generations may tend to be more…
