Ironworks

“And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him. And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners? And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:15-17 “They're going to hell, and you’re glad they’re going there.” I have mentioned this comment made to me by a brother from a liberal congregation once before, but I have to tell you, it bothers me. It should bother you, too, because this is a common tactic used against New Testament Christians who still ask for the old paths (cf.Jer. 6:16-17). If you teach the exclusivity of the church, people assume that you absolutely hate the lost among the r...

Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest haply we drift away from them. Hebrews 2:1       I doubt you have ever intended to be carried away.  Yet, it still happens. You missed a turn on a long road trip and got off track. You in fact probably just thought, “I will just enjoy myself a little bit, I will enjoy the scenic route.” Then all of a sudden you are not where you thought you would be. Not many of us intend on just drifting off course, but it is common.      As New Testament Christians, we have never intended on a decreased Biblical knowledge. We never intended on the doctrines of demons being preached from some of the pulpits. We never intended our children to abandon the faith, yet it still happens. We find that good intention does not equate to an intentional faith.       The Hebrew writer reminds us that we ought to give more earnestly, heed to the things which we heard, lest...