Speaking In Tongues Is On the Rise
According to new research from Duke University’s Mark Chaves, speaking in tongues has jumped five percentage points and is on the rise among American churchgoers.
Receiving Your Certification in Christ
James 1:12 (ESV)
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
The word ‘tried’ suggests authentication and approval. Let us address the typical ‘other side of the coin’. Some believers have fallen away when facing trials and tests. This is not new news under the sun. Why did they return to the world? They blamed the negative happening for their scurrying back to old ways. What did they miss? For one, standing against tests and trials affords you an opportunity at certification. You can show God, the world, and your relatives you are the genuine article. You can receive authentication as a real deal twenty first century believer by staring down the mud of difficulties. Get your certification. It builds aggressive confidence to know mud, guts, and the world’s puke can’t pull you down. What if you failed the test? The war is not over just because you spilled your coffee. Opportunities to right the course, for the fallen, exist through God’s mercy. Through repentance and restoration, renewal occurs. The lame can experience healing. The crooked can know a straight path again. With blood washed determination prodigals can still realize the life of a ‘blessed man’ and receive the ‘crown of life’.
For more information on the ‘Crown of Life’ see Enduring Tests and Trials: The Crown of Life; James 1:12
Would You Take Jesus to See This Movie?
Fifty Shades of Grey—What are Christian Leaders Saying? – http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/christian-trends/fifty-shades-of-grey-what-are-christian-leaders-saying.html
One commenter on this article asked the above question. ‘Would you take Jesus to see this movie?’ I thought it was a great question so I pass it along with the article link.
My answer to the question?
If you think you would, something is way wrong with your experience in God.
The Growing Number of Pentecostal Charismatic Christians
According to Relevant Magazine, one out of every four Christians are Charismatic or Pentecostal according to Pew Research Center.
God in the Flesh
Question: “Would it be possible to discuss God’s manifestation into flesh, and the triune God. I’m confused, or misled in my understanding. Essentially, some say God was Jesus all the time; yet, others he is the son and his father.” – Mary Gentry
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I was busy working about the kitchen when I noticed Henry, one of our pet gerbils sitting atop a stool next to the counter. A few moments later I heard a splash and then frantic scrabbling. The sound was mystifying. What was its source? Suddenly I knew. Grabbing from the corner of the counter a large tin which I poured used oil into I witnessed a sodden Henry going down for the last time. Fortunately for him I was able to grab his long tail and haul him out. As he huddled in a pitiful mess upon a kitchen towel I gently soaped him up and rinsed him in warm water. As the grease disengaged from his coat he raised his little head, straightened himself up and shook himself off. Henry was restored.The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. Henry fell into the grease because he was somewhere he shouldn’t have been. He did not fall into the oil on purpose. His fall resulted from not knowing better. Sometimes this happens to us as God’s children. We fall. We fall into situations due to ignorance. Other times we fall into situations due to our own rebellious choices. Whatever the case the LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Today you or I may be in a fallen state we may be bowed down by a situation incurred by our ignorance or perhaps by a rebellious choice. Whichever the case let us remember the LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. The LORD upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Let us lift our hearts and eyes to him who is faithful and allow ourselves to be restored.Prayer: Lord God and Wonderful Father thank you for your loving kindness which endures forever. Restore us this day as we may have need and bless us with a spirit of gratitude toward you, our Father, who loves us so. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Lynne Phipps lynnephipps@hotmail.com 