teaching, thoughts, devotions & reflections
This morning my New Testament reading ended in an odd spot at Mark 14:26, so I kept reading and finished the gospel. I sat and pondered why the reading plan would stop at such a weird place but knew it was due to the number of verses in the New Testament being split over four... Continue Reading →
Today is the 49th annual March for Life. This event for life has become increasingly political over the last several years. But unfortunately, with the hijacking of the term pro-life in recent years, much of the movement has given way to the industry. I am unashamedly pro-life, but I refuse to be holistically pro-life. Why?... Continue Reading →
John MacArthur. That name makes people angry; it causes certain Christians to lose their temper, but why? Why is John MacArthur the most controversial figure in the Church today, and why would I follow such a man? Let's start with that last part, I follow him because he has faithfully served one church for over... Continue Reading →
There is an abundance of teaching on the love of God in the Church today, which is a good thing, after all, "for God so loved the word that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." God's love is a central topic of Scripture,... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I saw an ad on Facebook for an online discussion about if the prophetic is still for today. It had several well-known leaders in the prophetic movement listed to speak. I thought to myself; you're missing the point; charismatics aren't questioning if prophecy is for today; they're asking about the accuracy and legitimacy of... Continue Reading →
As Christians, we understand the importance of Bible reading and study. But inevitably, there will always be something that trips us up primarily because we don't understand the context of what is being said or happening in a story. We've all been there; we grab a commentary, look up a word, or search the internet... Continue Reading →
God writes the Word on your heart, not in your heart. It's up to you to break up the stony ground and get it in your heart.Rabbi Greg Hershberg Jeremiah 31:33 ESV "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put... Continue Reading →
Many of us are on day four of a bible reading plan, and in a few weeks or months, some of us will ask the question, how can I keep the momentum going? Bible reading isn't a chore or a checklist (even though I check off as I read). Reading the Bible is how we... Continue Reading →
Faith in God is not presumption. What is presumption? “an idea that is taken to be true, and often used as the basis for other ideas, although it is not known for certain.” How do we presume upon God? By proclaiming instead of praying is one way we can presume upon God. Some see faith as... Continue Reading →
As The Christmas season comes to a close, we turn our attention from the cradle to the cross. Yes, there are a few months between now and the celebration of Jesus' death and resurrection, but these two holidays remain in our hearts all year even though they are only once on the calendar. So as... Continue Reading →
Christmas Eve is tomorrow. Many will spend time with family enjoying finger foods, dinner, delicious desserts, and exchanging gifts. As you prepare for the crescendo of the Christmas season over the next two days, think about the original promise of our redemption. "...He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." - Genesis 3:15... Continue Reading →
Christmas is a time we focus our attention back on Jesus. We endeavor to keep Him at the forefront all year, but life happens, we get distracted, things pile up, and we start missing days of Bible reading, prayers become hurried, and some Sunday's we are just too tired to make it to church. We... Continue Reading →
Yesterday I posted my 2022 reading plan, which consisted of sermons by and books about Charles Spurgeon and reading two volumes about the Puritans, from whom Spurgeon gleaned much. If you follow me on social media, you may wonder why I am so obsessed with Spurgeon or if I idolize the guy. I am quite... Continue Reading →
As 2021 comes to a close, and we look towards next year, let me encourage you to read. Read your Bible all the way through and read good books. If you’ve read my blog or have been following me on social media, you probably know Charles Spurgeon is a hero of mine. I officially found... Continue Reading →
I don't think anything compares to watching my nieces and nephew open presents. The looks of surprise, excitement, and on occasion, disappointment are indescribable. Christmas is a time of giving and receiving. But I'm sure you can guess the direction this post is headed. The greatest gift isn't found under the tree or in a... Continue Reading →
Casey D. Bell 