The Importance of Words
The Bible is not something we worship, but the words are important. They’re to be preserved, guarded, accepted, and—most importantly—obeyed.
Church
Church
In Israel's northern city of Caesarea Philippi, among the ruins of a worship centre dedicated to the Greek god Pan, a cave exists that was long believed by those who worshipped there to be the doorway into the netherworld. It was in the vicinity of this grotto, the alleged gateway to hell, that Jesus promised: "Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it" (Matthew 16:18).
From Pentecost in the first century to the present day, Satan has attempted to destroy Christ's Church—yet it endures. From a small group of Jewish outsiders in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, Christ built His Church to reach even the remotest parts of the world. Despite controversies, wars, and denominational splits, the Church continues to be the means through which God announces to a dark and dying world that light and life have come in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ.
For these reasons, and many more, we learn about and appreciate the body of Christ, the Church.
White Gloves, Oreos, and Chicken
Erosion is slow, silent, and subtle. That’s why compromise can so quickly lead to erosion—it isn’t always bad, but when we compromise on God’s Word erosion beings to take place. And that leads to destruction.
When Apathy Rules
It’s one thing to be apathetic towards people. We’re often indifferent to politics and social justice—trusting others to take care and do what’s right. As serious as apathy is, apathy towards God is even more critical. When we open our hearts to God He replaces apathy with passion... and that’s when our lives are changed.
The Pros and Cons of Compromise
Life isn’t black and white—there’s a lot of grey. There are times to compromise, and times to stand firm. Where we go wrong is when we compromise our theology to accommodate our lifestyle.
Oxymoronic Terms
These contradicting terms are often humorous—like “pretty ugly” and “lightweight tank.” However, there is nothing funny about a dead church. Is your faith alive and passionate or is it lifeless and dull?
Being Real, Being Gentle
Our attitude towards one another must be gracious. There’s love when you’re gracious, there’s tenderness when you’re gracious.
Being Involved
Being involved means more than shaking hands with people on your way out of a church service—it’s investing in the lives of others.
Restraint
As long as the church of Jesus Christ is present on this earth, lawlessness remains under great restraint. Second Thessalonians 2:7 puts it well, “For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.”
Taking Problems by the Throat
Discover how Nehemiah handled this failure as you listen to Pastor Chuck Swindoll’s message on Nehemiah 13. The ancient leader’s gracious, prayerful, and firm example remains relevant as a helpful standard for us today.
Happiness Is a Walk on the Wall
When Nehemiah finally completed the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s wall in Nehemiah 12:27–47, the Israelites met the accomplishment with hymns in praise to God. After decades of darkness, the people could see that God truly was moving among His people! Find joy with Pastor Chuck Swindoll as he demonstrates how the secret to happiness is continual trust in God.
