How Do You Become a Pastor?

What Does Jesus Say About Not Loving Your Brother?

What Does Jesus Say About Not Loving Your Brother?Jesus places a high importance on love, especially love for one’s brothers and sisters in Christ. In Matthew 5:23-24, He teaches that reconciliation with others is so important that it takes precedence over offering gifts at the altar. Jesus underscores that if we do not love our brothers and sisters, we are in danger of breaking God’s commandments and living in sin.The Command to LoveIn John 13:34-35, Jesus gives a new commandment: "That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Loving others, including our brothers, is a fundamental characteristic of being a disciple of Christ. In 1 John 4:20, John writes that if anyone claims to love God but hates their brother, they are a liar.Why This MattersNot loving your brother violates the command to love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus’ teachings make it clear that love is the heart of the Christian faith. It is essential for reconciliation, peace, and fulfilling God’s will on earth.

Who Are Followers of the God of Abraham?

Followers of the God of AbrahamThe God of Abraham is central to the faith of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. For Christians, Abraham is the "father of faith," as described in Romans 4:16, emphasizing his unwavering trust in God’s promises. His covenant with God laid the foundation for faith, obedience, and the hope of salvation.The Faith of AbrahamGenesis 15:6 says, "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Abraham’s faith was marked by his willingness to obey, even when tested, such as offering Isaac on the altar (Genesis 22:12).Characteristics of His FollowersFaithful Obedience: Trusting God’s promises, even in uncertainty.Covenant Relationship: Living under the promises of God.Spiritual Legacy: Passing down faith to future generations.Encouragement for BelieversBeing a follower of the God of Abraham means walking by faith and trusting in His promises. Abraham’s life serves as a blueprint for unwavering faith and obedience, inspiring believers today to follow in his footsteps.

Is God Good?

Is God Good? The question of God’s goodness is central to Christian theology and is one that has been pondered for centuries. In the Bible, God is described as inherently good, and His goodness is reflected in His actions and character. Psalm 34:8 invites us to "taste and see that the Lord is good," emphasizing that God’s goodness is not just a concept, but something to be experienced personally. God’s goodness is not limited to His actions toward humanity, but extends to all aspects of His creation, from His sustaining work in nature to His offer of salvation. 1. The Nature of God's Goodness In Christian theology, God’s goodness is understood as one of His essential attributes. The Bible reveals that God is "good" not in a relative sense, but in an absolute sense. He is the standard of goodness, and all other standards of what is good are measured by Him. In Matthew 19:17, Jesus tells a man, “There is none good but one, that is, God.” This reinforces the belief that God's goodness is unique and perfect, beyond human understanding. God’s goodness is demonstrated through His actions—creating the world, sustaining life, and offering salvation through Jesus Christ. 2. God's Goodness in Scripture The goodness of God is a consistent theme throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, God is described as "abundant in goodness" (Exodus 34:6), and in the New Testament, Jesus' ministry highlights the kindness and compassion of God. Jesus’ healing miracles, His care for the poor and the brokenhearted, and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross all showcase the depth of God’s goodness. God’s goodness is also seen in His justice, as He lovingly corrects and disciplines His people (Hebrews 12:6), ensuring that righteousness prevails. 3. The Goodness of God and Human Suffering One common question that arises regarding God's goodness is how it reconciles with the reality of human suffering. While it is true that suffering exists in the world, Christian theology teaches that God is still good, even in the midst of pain. Romans 8:28 assures believers that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Even when life is difficult, Christians are encouraged to trust in God's ultimate goodness and sovereign plan, knowing that He is with them through every trial. 4. Conclusion In conclusion, the Bible teaches that God is indeed good, not in a fleeting or partial sense, but in an eternal and perfect way. His goodness is the foundation of His actions, His justice, and His love for humanity. God’s goodness is seen in His creation, in His salvation plan, and in His relationship with His people. No matter the circumstances, Christians are called to trust in God's goodness, even when we do not understand all that happens in the world.

What Is a Born-Again but Backslidden Christian?

What Is a Born-Again but Backslidden Christian?A born-again Christian is someone who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and experienced spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit. However, a backslidden Christian is someone who, after initially committing to Christ, has fallen away or become distant from their faith and commitment to living for God.The Concept of Being Born-AgainIn John 3:3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Being born again refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs when a person accepts Christ, resulting in a new life that is guided by the Holy Spirit.The Struggle of BackslidingBacksliding refers to the tendency of a Christian to revert to sinful behavior or neglect their spiritual growth. In James 5:19-20, we are reminded that if anyone strays from the truth, they should be brought back to God. A backslidden Christian often experiences a disconnect from God, but repentance and return to faith are always possible through God’s grace.Why This MattersBeing born again signifies a fresh start with God, but Christians must remain vigilant against backsliding. The Bible calls believers to keep their faith strong and continually seek to grow in their relationship with Christ, turning away from sin and living out the gospel.