Category Archives: Commitment

July 2, 2019 · 5:02 am

Confidence in Christ

Several years ago I heard a story about a little girl who was unaccompanied on a cross country flight.

Soon after takeoff, the pilot’s voice came on and calmly told the passengers, “We will not be serving the beverages at this time as we are expecting a little turbulence. Please be sure your seat belt is fastened.”

Pretty soon the turbulence increased. Lightning was flashing. Thunder was cracking. And the plane was shaking. Many of the passengers were concerned. The man relating the incident, a veteran of many flights, even confessed, he was feeling some discomfort. Continue reading →

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May 16, 2019 · 5:16 am

A Christian: Almost or Altogether?

In my 50 years of preaching, I have studied with people who I thought understood the Truth and would obey the gospel. Yet, something held them back. I’ve heard various excuses.

“I know what you’re saying is true, but if I do that, then I’m condemning my grandma, because she didn’t believe that.”

“Someday I will be baptized.”

“I need more time to think about it.” Continue reading →

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August 9, 2018 · 5:02 am

What’s Missing In Your Life?

Have you ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle and come down to the final piece or two and can’t find it? Frustrating isn’t it?

Maybe you’ve bought some shelves from Ikea that require assembly. You begin to put it together and there’s an important piece missing it. Irritating, isn’t it?

Or you’ve bought the special toy that your child has been wanting. Bring it home. Open it up. Begin following the directions to assemble it. And something needed was not included? Aggravating, isn’t it? Continue reading →

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October 24, 2017 · 5:09 am

Have You Been Totally Immersed?

Ivan the Great was the 15th-century czar of all of Russia. He brought together the warring tribes into one vast empire–the Soviet Union. He was known as a brilliant general and a courageous fighter.

The story is told that Ivan was so busy waging war that he had never married. Soon his advisors were concerned there would be no heir to the throne. The great czar agreed but said he had no time to find a wife. So he commissioned them to find a suitable bride. Continue reading →

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January 5, 2017 · 6:55 am

Are You Dwelling With God?

dwell-with-god

Alan Smith tells a story about a lady who had just moved from an apartment to a house in the same small town. One day at the grocery store, she used the last of her personalized checks bearing her old address. The cashier examined the check and asked if all the information on it was correct. The shopper assured her that it was correct, and the cashier started to put the check in the cash drawer. But then she inquired again if everything was accurate.

“Why do you ask?” the shopper responded. Continue reading →

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November 4, 2016 · 7:14 am

Three Challenges To Commitment

Jesus.Follow

In 1964 there arose a confrontation between Malaysia and Indonesia. A group of Gurkhas from Nepal were asked if they would be willing to jump from transport planes into combat if needed. Since they had never been trained as paratroopers, the Gurkhas had the right to refuse.

While usually very agreeable, they first refused. However, the next day, they reconsidered and told the British officer who had asked them that they would jump under these conditions: The ground was marshy or reasonably soft with no rocky outcrops and they wanted the plane to fly as slowly as possible at no more that 100 feet high. Continue reading →

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July 16, 2015 · 6:51 am

THE CHALLENGE OF COMMITMENT

 Cross.Discipleship

The Scottish minister, David Livingstone was one of the most popular national heroes of 19th century Britain. He was known as an explorer. Scientific investigator. Anti-slavery crusader. And Protestant missionary martyr.

The story is told that Livingstone once received a letter from the London Missionary Society inquiring about his work in Africa. They asked the explorer, “Have you found a good road to where you are? If so, we want to know how to send other men to join you? Continue reading →

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May 12, 2015 · 6:29 am

It’s Time For Christians To Get Radical!

Radical Truth

“Suppose every follower of Jesus of Nazareth were as obedient to His commands as the Jihadists are to Muhammad and Allah?”

This question was raised in a recent transcript by columnist Cal Thomas. It’s a thought-provoking  question. An intriguing question. A challenging question. Continue reading →

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July 24, 2014 · 8:00 am

Commitment To Christ

Cross.Discipleship

Pliny the Elder, was a Roman writer who lived during the same time period as Jesus. He told a story of the setting of an obelisk, which when erect would stand 99 feet tall. Twenty thousand workers were chosen to pull on the ropes and activate the hoisting apparatus.

There was great responsibility and risk in the operation. Just one error could cause the obelisk to fall, ruining years of work. The King demanded one act which insured the complete attention of the engineer. Continue reading →

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February 16, 2012 · 6:59 am

Token or Total Commitment?

A chicken and a pig were walking past an orphanage. The chicken said to the pig, ““We ought to do something nice for these children.” “Yes”, said the pig. ““I agree. What did you have in mind?” The chicken answered, “Why don’t we fix them a ham and egg breakfast?” The pig thought for a minute and said, “Well, for you that’s a token, but for me it’s total commitment!”

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