Transforming Truth With Jeff Lyle

One of the clearest teachings in Scripture is the revelation that all true Christians will experience various levels and occurrences of suffering. Sadly, the modern expression of Christianity in America creates doctrines to deny this, presumes immunity from this, and takes offense when this arises in life. This episode of Truth Shots equips believers for their appointed times of suffering, explains why our suffering is permitted by God, and highlights the eternal benefits of our ability to endure suffering and emerge triumphant. Since we cannot avoid it, we must learn how to harness suffering as a follower of Christ.

The Church needs to get one thing straight and leave it settled forever: Jesus Christ plainly declared that nobody can predict the hour nor day of His return to Earth. Anybody that tries to do so is dishonoring Him. The sensationalized predictions of the date of the Second Coming, like the recent September 23rd rapture prediction, are not something Jesus signs off on. Yet…Jesus did say MUCH about the season surrounding His return. He also taught quite a bit about some precise things we should expect once that season begins to unfold. In this message, we take a look at what is going to be happening on earth just prior to the season in which Christ returns. Jesus connects this future season to one in the very distant past which caught humanity by surprise. Why does Jesus connect these two events? Because He does not want for the future generation to be unprepared like that past generation was. This message is a call to quit staring at the prophetic clocks and calendars and instead to start preparing our lives for His return - no matter how near or distant that may be.

Sometimes, in this hectic world that is our temporary home, we can easily lose sense of the fact that time is running out. Chronologically, we have less time today than we did yesterday. Beyond that, when we prophetically observe with discernment what is taking place globally, we can clearly see that the gap between today and the end of the age is rapidly narrowing. We are living in some of the final chapters of the book of this age. Wherever the Bible speaks plainly of the Second Coming of Christ, we find close by those verses other verses which place an urgent call on the Christian to get his/her life in line. We have many urgent callings from Heaven that we must not allow to go unanswered. This episode of Truth Shots presents four such callings from Romans Chapter 13 which, when answered by us, leave us prepared and eager for the return of our King. The alarm from Heaven is going off loudly. We dare not hit the snooze button.

The Second coming of Jesus Christ is the future event that all Christians long for. Apart from this drastic occasion, the Christian can never be truly satisfied to the fullest. We are blessed. We are empowered. We enjoy the gift of life and all that it contains. Yet, we are not perfectly content until the moment arrives when we see our King. This is the blessed hope of the Christian life, and it will not be denied us. Having said that, before Jesus returns, things will become very dark on planet earth. In this next section of the Olivet Discourse, Jesus prophesies some very dark storms which must arise before He returns. These events will shake the planet in ways that Jesus declared would be the worst days humanity has ever experienced. Why is it important that we understand these things? So we may be prepared in heart, mind, spirit and soul for them when they occur. Be sobered as we learn about the coming storms and how to be ready for them.

Gossip. Slander. Rumors, Whispers. Accusation. Most of us have been talked about before. We have felt the piercing of sharp tongues set to do us harm. In our Bible, a man named Shimei unleashes upon King David years of pent-up bitterness, anger and contempt. What will King David do - how will the man after God's own heart respond when verbally, publicly attacked? From this moment in David's life, we can gain both wisdom and empowerment from God when we find ourselves treated wrongly by others. Bitterness and resentment are poison to the soul. David's response helps us to see a higher road to choose when we are attacked. This road is steep, so it is not easy; but it leads to a powerful place with God.

"Would it surprise you to know that the Jesus' original disciples had questions about the end of the age? The ones who lived side-by-side with Jesus were startled one day when He made an alarming statement about what would happen in Jerusalem in a short time. This conversation led to them asking deeper questions about the full establishing of His Kingdom on the earth. The details Jesus shared with them mostly went over the heads. We, however, have the ability to examine what Jesus said and apply His answers in a way that makes it crystal clear that we are extremely close to the final fulfillment of what He shared nearly 2,000 years ago. While Matthew 24 is not all that the scriptures say about the end of the age, these words are certainly the strongest jumping-off point in this series of messages that will equip us to live as those who are properly discerning the days in which we are living."

"Would it surprise you to know that the Jesus' original disciples had questions about the end of the age? The ones who lived side-by-side with Jesus were startled one day when He made an alarming statement about what would happen in Jerusalem in a short time. This conversation led to them asking deeper questions about the full establishing of His Kingdom on the earth. The details Jesus shared with them mostly went over the heads. We, however, have the ability to examine what Jesus said and apply His answers in a way that makes it crystal clear that we are extremely close to the final fulfillment of what He shared nearly 2,000 years ago. While Matthew 24 is not all that the scriptures say about the end of the age, these words are certainly the strongest jumping-off point in this series of messages that will equip us to live as those who are properly discerning the days in which we are living."

Life can ravage people, and it usually does on some level at some time to all of us. God's people are to become the heart, hands, and feet of Heaven, moving in toward those who lay by the wayside in their wounding. People expect the Christians to help. More importantly, so does the Father. In a famous parable from Jesus, we are confronted with the possibility of our religious coldness keeping us from the compassionate pouring out of oil in the wounds of those who have been mugged by life. We must make our minds up ahead of time that the oil we have been given is not just for our own anointing, but for the health and wholeness of the fallen ones.

Life can ravage people, and it usually does on some level at some time to all of us. God's people are to become the heart, hands, and feet of Heaven, moving in toward those who lay by the wayside in their wounding. People expect the Christians to help. More importantly, so does the Father. In a famous parable from Jesus, we are confronted with the possibility of our religious coldness keeping us from the compassionate pouring out of oil in the wounds of those who have been mugged by life. We must make our minds up ahead of time that the oil we have been given is not just for our own anointing, but for the health and wholeness of the fallen ones.

In this message, Jeff Lyle challenges us to examine the often-overlooked virtue of deep, intentional patience in our spiritual lives. Through the lens of King Saul's story in 1 Samuel 13, we see how impatience can lead to catastrophic consequences, even costing us our God-given authority. Abraham & Sarah birthed an Ishmael because they couldn't wait for God to ring Isaac to them. Beyond these examples, Jeff reminds us that the entire nation of Israel demanded a golden calf because they could not wait on Moses to come back from his meeting with God on the mountain. These examples serve as a stark reminder that God's timing is perfect, and our attempts to rush His plans can lead to disastrous outcomes. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: Are we truly waiting on the Lord, or are we trying to force our own agenda? The message urges us to cultivate patience as a fruit of the Spirit, recognizing that God's ways often require us to slow down, trust, and align ourselves with His timing rather than our own hasty desires.

In this message, Jeff Lyle challenges us to examine the often-overlooked virtue of deep, intentional patience in our spiritual lives. Through the lens of King Saul's story in 1 Samuel 13, we see how impatience can lead to catastrophic consequences, even costing us our God-given authority. Abraham & Sarah birthed an Ishmael because they couldn't wait for God to ring Isaac to them. Beyond these examples, Jeff reminds us that the entire nation of Israel demanded a golden calf because they could not wait on Moses to come back from his meeting with God on the mountain. These examples serve as a stark reminder that God's timing is perfect, and our attempts to rush His plans can lead to disastrous outcomes. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: Are we truly waiting on the Lord, or are we trying to force our own agenda? The message urges us to cultivate patience as a fruit of the Spirit, recognizing that God's ways often require us to slow down, trust, and align ourselves with His timing rather than our own hasty desires.

Finishing your race well is far more important than beginning your race well. Many believers are strong out of the gate, they may be crushing it at the midway point of their faith-marathon, but many of these same people crash before the finish line. There was ancient king in Israel named Uzziah who was a person who began well but finished in disaster. This episode of Truth Shots will unpack what we can learn from his initially inspiring life. He did great things for God. But when Uzziah desired more than God offered him, he crossed a boundary from which he never returned. We must learn to never follow his example.

Finishing your race well is far more important than beginning your race well. Many believers are strong out of the gate, they may be crushing it at the midway point of their faith-marathon, but many of these same people crash before the finish line. There was ancient king in Israel named Uzziah who was a person who began well but finished in disaster. This episode of Truth Shots will unpack what we can learn from his initially inspiring life. He did great things for God. But when Uzziah desired more than God offered him, he crossed a boundary from which he never returned. We must learn to never follow his example.

When we speak of an orphan-spirit we are speaking of a person who lives with sensitive wounds from previous loss. The orphan-spirit is not necessarily some kind of demon, but is more often a person who has a self-concept of worthlessness or inferiority because of rejection and/or relational trauma. This orphan-spirit is usually birthed in childhood, and is often connected with trauma stemming from painful rejection, abandonment, abuse, or frequent intense criticism. They have not yet fully found validation and worth in God, so they live with shame, fear, self-loathing, and hurt. The orphan-spirited person typically lives with hyper-sensitivity, overt insecurity, self-defensiveness, anger, self-centeredness, lack of trust, or pessimistic defeatism. The person with the orphan-spirit has not yet discovered who they are, and may look continually to the wrong sources to give them what was not instilled in them in formative years. This message points those living with the orphan-spirit to a Father who paid it all so that they might be adopted as His own children and, consequently, orphans no more. There is hope, freedom, and deliverance for any who live with an orphan spirit.

When we speak of an orphan-spirit we are speaking of a person who lives with sensitive wounds from previous loss. The orphan-spirit is not necessarily some kind of demon, but is more often a person who has a self-concept of worthlessness or inferiority because of rejection and/or relational trauma. This orphan-spirit is usually birthed in childhood, and is often connected with trauma stemming from painful rejection, abandonment, abuse, or frequent intense criticism. They have not yet fully found validation and worth in God, so they live with shame, fear, self-loathing, and hurt. The orphan-spirited person typically lives with hyper-sensitivity, overt insecurity, self-defensiveness, anger, self-centeredness, lack of trust, or pessimistic defeatism. The person with the orphan-spirit has not yet discovered who they are, and may look continually to the wrong sources to give them what was not instilled in them in formative years. This message points those living with the orphan-spirit to a Father who paid it all so that they might be adopted as His own children and, consequently, orphans no more. There is hope, freedom, and deliverance for any who live with an orphan spirit.

We live in some heavy and often depressing days. Threats of another World War, a struggling economy, impossible gas prices, racial strife and constant political hostility - this is the culture we awake in each day. If we are not careful, the nastiness on the outside can creep inside. We have to push back hard against fear, worry and the clouds of dread. In Matthew 6, we read the inspired words of Jesus who refused to permit us to give in to the season of gloom. His hunger for us to experience the presence, provision, and power of God was His offer in these verses. From his words, we learn how to fight back against the challenges outside of us so that they never finds its residence inside of us. It's time to talk to your own soul about these teachings from Jesus and win the war with worry.

We live in some heavy and often depressing days. Threats of another World War, a struggling economy, impossible gas prices, racial strife and constant political hostility - this is the culture we awake in each day. If we are not careful, the nastiness on the outside can creep inside. We have to push back hard against fear, worry and the clouds of dread. In Matthew 6, we read the inspired words of Jesus who refused to permit us to give in to the season of gloom. His hunger for us to experience the presence, provision, and power of God was His offer in these verses. From his words, we learn how to fight back against the challenges outside of us so that they never finds its residence inside of us. It's time to talk to your own soul about these teachings from Jesus and win the war with worry.

One's elevation in the things of God will almost never rise above the level at which one regards the written Word of God. The Bible is alive. It is the primary source through which the Spirit matures us in our understanding of the Kingdom, and also in our personal relationship with Christ. Those who prioritize a commitment to the Scriptures will have great advantage against the corrupt culture, their own flesh, and the attacks from the demonic realm. God imparts His own heart to us through the Scriptures. Is it any wonder that Satan fights your commitment to remain a diligent student of the Bible? This Truth Shot episode motivates all of us to remain joyfully committed to ongoing pursuit of revelation from the Scriptures, viewing it as the key essential for consistently victorious Christian living. 

One's elevation in the things of God will almost never rise above the level at which one regards the written Word of God. The Bible is alive. It is the primary source through which the Spirit matures us in our understanding of the Kingdom, and also in our personal relationship with Christ. Those who prioritize a commitment to the Scriptures will have great advantage against the corrupt culture, their own flesh, and the attacks from the demonic realm. God imparts His own heart to us through the Scriptures. Is it any wonder that Satan fights your commitment to remain a diligent student of the Bible? This Truth Shot episode motivates all of us to remain joyfully committed to ongoing pursuit of revelation from the Scriptures, viewing it as the key essential for consistently victorious Christian living. 

One of the sobering marks of the present state of the American Church is the flippancy with which we approach the Almighty. It seems that many professing Christians interpret God's grace toward us as permission to operate in various levels of slackness and irreverence. Many offer God their leftovers in life. Consecration is viewed as legalism and sacrificial service is labeled striving. Does it matter how we worship God? Does He care what we offer Him as long as we offer…something? A careful look at Malachi chapter one reminds us that the God who never changes expects an intentional, thoughtful response from those who say they belong to Him. Yes, Jesus paid it all, but that reality must never produce in us a mindless, cavalier approach to worship and service to God.

One of the sobering marks of the present state of the American Church is the flippancy with which we approach the Almighty. It seems that many professing Christians interpret God's grace toward us as permission to operate in various levels of slackness and irreverence. Many offer God their leftovers in life. Consecration is viewed as legalism and sacrificial service is labeled striving. Does it matter how we worship God? Does He care what we offer Him as long as we offer…something? A careful look at Malachi chapter one reminds us that the God who never changes expects an intentional, thoughtful response from those who say they belong to Him. Yes, Jesus paid it all, but that reality must never produce in us a mindless, cavalier approach to worship and service to God.

When a local church strategizes to make a fuller impact on its God-assigned territory, there must arise a season wherein that church is organized for the maximum effectiveness in ministry. Primary leaders in the church must be freed up to focus on the most essential matters which only they can accomplish. Elders and five-fold leaders cannot afford to give themselves to the duties assigned to them by God as leaders. Yet, there is always the day to day needs of the members of the flock - who takes care of these people and their needs? The New Testament reveals a team approach to ministry. The role of Deacons is crucial to a healthy framework of teamwork. Acts 6:1-7 reveals the origin of what would become the ministry of Deacons, and these men and women carry some of the most important pieces of the life of a local church. God requires them to live as people of character and commitment who offer strength to the body and support to the primary leaders. This message breaks down the great need in our day for competent Christians to step into the powerful ministry of Deacons.

When a local church strategizes to make a fuller impact on its God-assigned territory, there must arise a season wherein that church is organized for the maximum effectiveness in ministry. Primary leaders in the church must be freed up to focus on the most essential matters which only they can accomplish. Elders and five-fold leaders cannot afford to give themselves to the duties assigned to them by God as leaders. Yet, there is always the day to day needs of the members of the flock - who takes care of these people and their needs? The New Testament reveals a team approach to ministry. The role of Deacons is crucial to a healthy framework of teamwork. Acts 6:1-7 reveals the origin of what would become the ministry of Deacons, and these men and women carry some of the most important pieces of the life of a local church. God requires them to live as people of character and commitment who offer strength to the body and support to the primary leaders. This message breaks down the great need in our day for competent Christians to step into the powerful ministry of Deacons.

Solomon, the king of wisdom, offers some timeless and strong counsel about approaching God with reverence and authenticity. This passage from Ecclesiastes urges us to guard our steps when entering God's house, emphasizing listening over hasty speech, thoughtless vows, and flippant commitments to God. Certain types of people live in a fantasy land with God, and they often forget that God is in heaven, and we are on earth, so our worship should be marked by sober thinking, humility and awe. In this message, we reflect on the importance of thoughtful devotion, the weight of our words, and the call to live with integrity before a holy God, trusting His wisdom over fleeting human pursuits and empty dreams.

Solomon, the king of wisdom, offers some timeless and strong counsel about approaching God with reverence and authenticity. This passage from Ecclesiastes urges us to guard our steps when entering God's house, emphasizing listening over hasty speech, thoughtless vows, and flippant commitments to God. Certain types of people live in a fantasy land with God, and they often forget that God is in heaven, and we are on earth, so our worship should be marked by sober thinking, humility and awe. In this message, we reflect on the importance of thoughtful devotion, the weight of our words, and the call to live with integrity before a holy God, trusting His wisdom over fleeting human pursuits and empty dreams.

The most famous teaching on prayer found in the Bible was actually part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Luke 11:1 lets us know that Jesus released this teaching on prayer in response to some disciples' request to be taught how to prayer. Often called The Lord's Prayer, this simple teaching from the King helps us to grasp the heart of how Jesus desires for us to communicate in prayer with God. There is deep treasure - even mystery! - in this prayer. Understanding the depths of what Jesus teaches is actually key to victorious Christian living and spiritual breakthrough. This prayer training from Jesus offers us a healthy heart-posture for our own prayers, which enables all the words we pray to God to become fruitful, honorable and powerful. Let's learn how to pray all over again by taking an in-depth look at Jesus recommended approach to dialogue with the Father.

The most famous teaching on prayer found in the Bible was actually part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Luke 11:1 lets us know that Jesus released this teaching on prayer in response to some disciples' request to be taught how to prayer. Often called The Lord's Prayer, this simple teaching from the King helps us to grasp the heart of how Jesus desires for us to communicate in prayer with God. There is deep treasure - even mystery! - in this prayer. Understanding the depths of what Jesus teaches is actually key to victorious Christian living and spiritual breakthrough. This prayer training from Jesus offers us a healthy heart-posture for our own prayers, which enables all the words we pray to God to become fruitful, honorable and powerful. Let's learn how to pray all over again by taking an in-depth look at Jesus recommended approach to dialogue with the Father.

God allows impossibility in the lives of His children in order to bring us into fuller spiritual maturity. While many Christians prefer the shallows, God does not assign us to that type of destiny. God prefers us regularly in over our heads. It is only in these places where faith is stretched from one place into a better one. From God's leading of the ancient Hebrews we learn how moments of crisis become seasons of growth and breakthrough. If you are in over your head…you should be. That is the only place breakthrough can be experienced.

God allows impossibility in the lives of His children in order to bring us into fuller spiritual maturity. While many Christians prefer the shallows, God does not assign us to that type of destiny. God prefers us regularly in over our heads. It is only in these places where faith is stretched from one place into a better one. From God's leading of the ancient Hebrews we learn how moments of crisis become seasons of growth and breakthrough. If you are in over your head…you should be. That is the only place breakthrough can be experienced.

Research tells us that the average stay of a pastor at a local church in America is less than four years. Considering that it takes at least six months for the pastor to even begin to learn the existing DNA of a church, we can conclude that the actual leadership work of that pastor only lasts about three years before the pastor quits or is asked to resign. This is a sad commentary on church leadership in America. One of the reasons for statistics like this is that the Church has abandoned God's blueprints for how local churches should be led and care for. One individual is never God's design to lead a spiritual family. In this message we explore the design of a plurality of elders as God's strategy to care for, teach, lead, and protect a Christian congregation. When the Church embraces God's plan, spiritual and relational health can thrive.

God is drawing the lines between the status quo churchgoers and the fiery, sold-out-for-Jesus zealots. The culture is boldly trying to mute the followers of Jesus. Christians have been passive and easily intimidated with the powerful, unapologetic message of the Kingdom looking more like a mollified seeking of permission to just exist. In Acts chapter 4, when the elites sought to muzzle the Church, the leaders defied the powers that be and prayed for a ground-shaking fulness of the Spirit that could not be silenced. God is calling today's Christians to respond in the same boldly defiant way to the forces of an elitist culture that keeps trying to press the mute button on the people of God.

God is drawing the lines between the status quo churchgoers and the fiery, sold-out-for-Jesus zealots. The culture is boldly trying to mute the followers of Jesus. Christians have been passive and easily intimidated with the powerful, unapologetic message of the Kingdom looking more like a mollified seeking of permission to just exist. In Acts chapter 4, when the elites sought to muzzle the Church, the leaders defied the powers that be and prayed for a ground-shaking fulness of the Spirit that could not be silenced. God is calling today's Christians to respond in the same boldly defiant way to the forces of an elitist culture that keeps trying to press the mute button on the people of God.

Research tells us that the average stay of a pastor at a local church in America is less than four years. Considering that it takes at least six months for the pastor to even begin to learn the existing DNA of a church, we can conclude that the actual leadership work of that pastor only lasts about three years before the pastor quits or is asked to resign. This is a sad commentary on church leadership in America. One of the reasons for statistics like this is that the Church has abandoned God's blueprints for how local churches should be led and care for. One individual is never God's design to lead a spiritual family. In this message we explore the design of a plurality of elders as God's strategy to care for, teach, lead, and protect a Christian congregation. When the Church embraces God's plan, spiritual and relational health can thrive.

Abraham is the only person called “the friend of God” in the entire bible. Many follow. Many serve. Many worship. But God said that Abraham was His friend. One component of Abraham's friendship with God is seen in his committed lifestyle of building altars at important moments where God revealed Himself to Abraham in new ways. Abraham made time and took the effort to throw down markers where his relationship with his God went deeper. Abraham learned the value of worship and sacrifice as the means to go deeper with God. From his story, we can discover four altars that we also must all build in our own lives. Friendship with God is not limited to building altars - but it cannot be absent of building altars either. If these four altars are built by us, we are well on our way to enjoying God in similar ways that Abraham enjoyed Him.

Abraham is the only person called “the friend of God” in the entire bible. Many follow. Many serve. Many worship. But God said that Abraham was His friend. One component of Abraham's friendship with God is seen in his committed lifestyle of building altars at important moments where God revealed Himself to Abraham in new ways. Abraham made time and took the effort to throw down markers where his relationship with his God went deeper. Abraham learned the value of worship and sacrifice as the means to go deeper with God. From his story, we can discover four altars that we also must all build in our own lives. Friendship with God is not limited to building altars - but it cannot be absent of building altars either. If these four altars are built by us, we are well on our way to enjoying God in similar ways that Abraham enjoyed Him.

Not every Christian gets derailed. Probably more than getting derailed, too many get detoured. Side issues in the Christian life become more centralized and many Christians end up majoring on minor points. The tendency to become distracted by the countless “little things” have detoured many believers off of what would have been amazing trajectories in the Kingdom. In Colossians 2:6-17, Paul delivers a powerful message to the church in Colossae, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to guard against deceptive philosophies that undermine the sufficiency of Christ. Lesser loyalties must be discerned, and sometimes even discarded to continue with forward women tum in Christ. This message is a call to live deeply rooted in Jesus, built up in Him, and overflowing with gratitude for His all-sufficient grace.

Not every Christian gets derailed. Probably more than getting derailed, too many get detoured. Side issues in the Christian life become more centralized and many Christians end up majoring on minor points. The tendency to become distracted by the countless “little things” have detoured many believers off of what would have been amazing trajectories in the Kingdom. In Colossians 2:6-17, Paul delivers a powerful message to the church in Colossae, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to guard against deceptive philosophies that undermine the sufficiency of Christ. Lesser loyalties must be discerned, and sometimes even discarded to continue with forward women tum in Christ. This message is a call to live deeply rooted in Jesus, built up in Him, and overflowing with gratitude for His all-sufficient grace.

Living by faith in this present world is healthy and good, but it is anything but easy. Most of the world around you resists your life of faith. A post-modern culture wants everything to be measurable, explainable, predictable, and controllable. Faith has to exist above all of those things…or the utter lack of those things. From a chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, we receive a no-nonsense exhortation about our own need to press forward no matter the level of difficulty we are experiencing. Giving up is not an option. Whining and wishing for something easier is a fruitless endeavor. When God ordains a circumstance that tests us, He also provides the means for victory within it. We may not always be able to outslug what or who is opposing us. But, in the Spirit, we are able to outlast it.

Living by faith in this present world is healthy and good, but it is anything but easy. Most of the world around you resists your life of faith. A post-modern culture wants everything to be measurable, explainable, predictable, and controllable. Faith has to exist above all of those things…or the utter lack of those things. From a chapter of the Book of Jeremiah, we receive a no-nonsense exhortation about our own need to press forward no matter the level of difficulty we are experiencing. Giving up is not an option. Whining and wishing for something easier is a fruitless endeavor. When God ordains a circumstance that tests us, He also provides the means for victory within it. We may not always be able to outslug what or who is opposing us. But, in the Spirit, we are able to outlast it.

Have you ever wondered why people who all testify that they have met the Savior, Jesus Christ, and have been redeemed by Him seem to have such a wide array of differing responses to this gift of life through Christ? Why are some so drastically changed? Why do others seem to live indifferently to His gift to them? Some Christians seem to sell out this world in order to pursue Christ while others seem to sell out Christ in pursuit of the priorities of this world. Some serve, pray, give, and sacrifice for the glory of Jesus while others who also say that they know Christ as Lord live unashamedly for themselves. The bottom line question is, “Do these two very different groups have an equal eternal destiny and reward?” There is an account in the Book of numbers that presents a powerful illustration of these very issues. Moses forcefully calls some half-hearted Israelites into an intense accountability as they sought to shirk their responsibility to join the other tribes in conquering the promised Land. Christians today do well to take note of this, finish out what we committed to God, and receive the full reward of our inheritance.

Have you ever wondered why people who all testify that they have met the Savior, Jesus Christ, and have been redeemed by Him seem to have such a wide array of differing responses to this gift of life through Christ? Why are some so drastically changed? Why do others seem to live indifferently to His gift to them? Some Christians seem to sell out this world in order to pursue Christ while others seem to sell out Christ in pursuit of the priorities of this world. Some serve, pray, give, and sacrifice for the glory of Jesus while others who also say that they know Christ as Lord live unashamedly for themselves. The bottom line question is, “Do these two very different groups have an equal eternal destiny and reward?” There is an account in the Book of numbers that presents a powerful illustration of these very issues. Moses forcefully calls some half-hearted Israelites into an intense accountability as they sought to shirk their responsibility to join the other tribes in conquering the promised Land. Christians today do well to take note of this, finish out what we committed to God, and receive the full reward of our inheritance.

Revelation 19:11-16 offers us a glimpse of the majestic vision of Christ's triumphant return to earth as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This passage unveils Jesus in His divine glory, riding a white horse with eyes like blazing fire, leading heaven's armies to bring justice and righteousness to the earth. The Church needs an awe-inspiring return to hope and expectancy of our Savior's second coming, and this message unpacks the vivid imagery and profound promises of from the scriptures, calling us to live with bold faith and unwavering devotion in anticipation of His eternal reign.

Revelation 19:11-16 offers us a glimpse of the majestic vision of Christ's triumphant return to earth as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This passage unveils Jesus in His divine glory, riding a white horse with eyes like blazing fire, leading heaven's armies to bring justice and righteousness to the earth. The Church needs an awe-inspiring return to hope and expectancy of our Savior's second coming, and this message unpacks the vivid imagery and profound promises of from the scriptures, calling us to live with bold faith and unwavering devotion in anticipation of His eternal reign.

What is it within the hearts of people that still insists on believing one of the most obvious lies ever presented to us? Why do so many still believe that money, fame, power, and pleasure will lead to a satisfied life? This is the most infamous mirage that has ever existed. Scripture abounds that tells us the emptiness of these things. Jesus and His Apostles repeatedly warn us about living for these substitutes for spiritual satisfaction. Yet every new year reveals scores of people who believed the lie, lived for their passions, and exited earth through a self-inflicted wound due to the emptiness in their souls. Solomon, the wisest man in the Old Testament spent many years living for his passions. He barely survived with his soul intact. From his words in the book of Ecclesiastes, modern believers are warned by a man who had “been there and done that” as he testifies about living for the mirage. Perhaps one more hearing of these truths will rescue some from this common trap.

What is it within the hearts of people that still insists on believing one of the most obvious lies ever presented to us? Why do so many still believe that money, fame, power, and pleasure will lead to a satisfied life? This is the most infamous mirage that has ever existed. Scripture abounds that tells us the emptiness of these things. Jesus and His Apostles repeatedly warn us about living for these substitutes for spiritual satisfaction. Yet every new year reveals scores of people who believed the lie, lived for their passions, and exited earth through a self-inflicted wound due to the emptiness in their souls. Solomon, the wisest man in the Old Testament spent many years living for his passions. He barely survived with his soul intact. From his words in the book of Ecclesiastes, modern believers are warned by a man who had “been there and done that” as he testifies about living for the mirage. Perhaps one more hearing of these truths will rescue some from this common trap.

There is a longstanding strand of Kingdom DNA that has come fully unraveled in the modern Church. God's people have always been called to maintain a distinction from the corrupt cultures in which they live. As citizens of an entirely different Kingdom, we are to reflect the priorities, beliefs, and pursuits of the Heavenly realm. To keep us in generational awareness of this call to live consecrated to God, there have always been voices which He has raised to communicate this essential calling. When those voices fade or fail, that generation will inevitably lose its way. In ancient Israel, God brought a strong indictment against those whom He had appointed to be the watching eyes and warning voices of a generation. When spiritual watchmen sleep and Kingdom watchdogs refuse to bark, evil creeps in. If the indulgent leaders in the American church continue to press the mute button, refusing to speak the hard messages, evil will continue to creep in and take many captive. It's time for indulgent leaders to repent or step aside.

There is a longstanding strand of Kingdom DNA that has come fully unraveled in the modern Church. God's people have always been called to maintain a distinction from the corrupt cultures in which they live. As citizens of an entirely different Kingdom, we are to reflect the priorities, beliefs, and pursuits of the Heavenly realm. To keep us in generational awareness of this call to live consecrated to God, there have always been voices which He has raised to communicate this essential calling. When those voices fade or fail, that generation will inevitably lose its way. In ancient Israel, God brought a strong indictment against those whom He had appointed to be the watching eyes and warning voices of a generation. When spiritual watchmen sleep and Kingdom watchdogs refuse to bark, evil creeps in. If the indulgent leaders in the American church continue to press the mute button, refusing to speak the hard messages, evil will continue to creep in and take many captive. It's time for indulgent leaders to repent or step aside.