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by: Gary L. Hutchens Common sense ought to be a rule of thumb in virtually every aspect of life. It also should prevail in formulating the direction taken by any society. For quite some time our society has been steadily moving in a direction that displays a lack of common sense. A recent example demonstrated how speaking out for the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman brought criticism, scorn, castigation and possibly even punishment to the one who dared to so speak publicly. We are now at a point where it is safe to say, to a great extent, common sense no longer prevails!
by: Gary L. Hutchens The scriptures repeatedly encourage those who walk with God in faithfulness. “Blessed is the man who walks not the in the counsel of the ungodly…but his delight is in the law of the Lord.” (Ps. 1:1-2). “Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust…” (Ps. 40:4). “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” (Ps. 128:1). The key on our part is our commitment to faithfully walk with God. Many people want God’s blessings without having to faithfully walk with Him.
by: David Hersey Granby, MO (edited) The Bible defines faith as “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1). Simply stated, this means that faith is the foundation of our hope and a conviction in our hearts of things we cannot see in this physical life. In fact, the words faith and belief are from the same original root word in the Greek New Testament, pistis, a noun that has to do with being convinced of something.
By: Gary L. Hutchens Jesus said, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). True faith is not just believing, it is belief put into action through obedience and continued, consistent dedication (Jn. 14:15; Jas. 2:14-26). Inherent within the New Testament concept of saving faith is repentance (Lk. 13:3; Acts 3:19), open confession of faith in Christ (Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9-10) and baptism into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) in order to be saved (Mk. 16:15-16; 1 Pet. 3:21). True faith is not a part of a faithful Christian’s life- it is his life! (Gal. 2:20).
By: Gary Hutchens Peter portrays the devil as “a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8). Upon reading that verse of scripture we naturally envision the mighty king of the jungle stalking prey, ready to kill with swift and awesome violence and then rip open and hungrily devour its victim. But such an image does not necessarily fit the way the devil works to bring a soul to destruction.
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September 2022
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