Dedication is self-sacrificing devotion or loyalty. If you want your dedication to Jesus to last, put Him first. Nobody cares? They don’t have to as long as you do. There is a perfect freedom for people who do the work they want to do and live by that work. God often uses small matches to…
Author: Alan Holden
Decision
A man should give a lot of thought to a sudden decision. A reaction follows somebody’s action, or lack of it. Of all creation, only man can say yes or no to God. Every person face this choice—Christ or condemnation. To deny one’s guilt and reject Christ is the worst kind of insanity. Every man…
Death
Death cannot sever what the cross unites. In every abortion, something living is killed; this is a biological fact, not a moral judgment. For the Christian, death is the last shadow before heaven’s dawn. Three things never convenient—death, taxes, and childbirth. Those who are prepared to die are the most prepared to live. Death is…
Criticism
Nothing quiets criticism like involvement. People who try to whittle you down are only trying to reduce you to their size. If you enjoy honey, don’t kick over the beehive. You cannot hold down a man without staying down with him. People always emphasize the negative—no one puts up a sign: Beware—nice dog. Medicine and…
Courtesy
Noah Webster defines courtesy as behavior marked by good manners and respect for others. No one is too big to be courteous, but some are too small. Nothing is as strong to win friends as courtesy. Nothing costs as little and goes as far as courtesy. We may disagree, but let’s not be disagreeable. Some…
Cowardice
Cowardice, according to Noah Webster, is a lack of courage or firmness of purpose. How many would go deer hunting if the deer could shoot back? To see what is right and not to do it is cowardice. A man who gives in when he is wrong is wise; a man who gives in when…
New Covenant | 1 Corinthians 11
Introduction The new covenant is a legal relationship, outlining the terms of benefits and obligations, which the other party accepts or rejects. Thesis: God’s New Testament established new relationships. New Covenant Provides a New Relationship with God, vv. 24-25. A. The Body of Christ revealed our broken relationship with God. B. The Blood of Christ…
New Name | Genesis 32
Introduction When someone is born again, not only does he have a new character, he has a new name. Biblical names indicated a person’s character. Thesis: God changes our character through fervent struggle and prayer. Jacob Wrestled with Fear. A. He cheated his brother: B. He confronts his brother: Jacob Wrestled with Faith. A. God…
New Commandment | John 13:31-35
Introduction The New Commandment Jesus gave us is really a renewal of an old commandment: love one another. The Bible often tells us to be filled with various godly virtues. But what do they mean? In Romans 15:14, we are commanded to be filled with goodness. How do we know if we are “full of…
Courage
The people to worry about are not those who openly disagree with you, but those who disagree with you who are too cowardly to let you know. The real hero is the man who is brave when nobody is looking. Courage is grace under power. Have courage to let go of the things not worth…