Ironworks

            It is ironic when individuals who claim to be in resistance maintain the very thing they say they are so ardently against. Can you imagine if you say you are resisting, yet your behavior reflects the opposite? This is evident in the world, and it is no less hypocritical when Christians display this behavior.  Resist the Source of Wars (James 4:1-3) The average person finds it difficult to resist the source of their detriment. The source of wars/fights among the brethren has the same source. James writes that pleasures are the source of these missiles of treachery. The Greek word hēdonōn, where we get the word hedonism, signifies that the origin of troubles is simply a desire that is of a sensual nature. When we sin against the Lord and one another the origin is our desire for our pleasures and our motivations over the will of God. We lust, kill, covet, fight, and war and yet we cannot obtain the very thing we say we want. How is it p...

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52                    Over the last few weeks, many of our daily schedules have changed. Some of you might have used some extra time learning or trying something new. Many people are trying their hand at baking bread, doing landscaping, and building things. I guess this is a good use of time for people to grow in areas where they are lacking.                    Luke records that Jesus, as he came up, increased in several areas. These areas would be great for all Christians to consider as we have time away from a normal schedule. First, Jesus increased in wisdom. To grow in wisdom is to grow in the proper application of intelligence. Second, Jesus increased in stature. He grew physically. Third, Jesus increased in f...