Text: John 1:9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

In order for someone to become a child of God, the new birth is an absolute necessity. Yet nowhere in Scripture are we told how to be born again. Why is that? What role does man play in this? What does God do when He regenerates a soul? These questions and more are addressed with stunning clarity in the text before us.

Text: Matt 17:1-8; 2 Peter 1:16-21

In terms of human experience, Peter had the big one!!! Only two other men on planet earth experienced it – the Transfiguration of Christ – where He was seen in His glory and where the audible voice of God the Father was heard speaking from heaven. And yet, Peter writes that Scripture is a more reliable guide than even this…

This morning I had the privilege of preaching at a local Church here in Phoenix (while their Pastor was away). My theme was “What Every Christian Should Know” and the base text was 2 Timothy 3:10-17. The service was live-streamed and can be viewed here (I am introduced around the 26 minute, 20 second mark). I hope you find it to be a blessing:

Ephesians 5:3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Text: Ephesians 5:1-2

God never allows for innovative or creative ways to approach Him. The Bible is filled with incidents where He actually killed people who sought to come to Him on their terms rather than His. Yet God’s kindness is seen in His sending His Son to forever remove His just, divine wrath from those who trust in Christ. Here’s how…