Listening: A Valid Option for Learning

Do you like to read? If you don't, I can relate to you. I make myself read because I think it's beneficial, but I don't prefer to read. I'm in an accountability group with three other guys, and we commit to reading two chapters of the Bible, everyday. Through this commitment, I am in the process of reading the Bible, in its entirety, for the first time in my entire life. I just recently started reading more books outside of the Bible, for a men's leadership development group, called Joshua's Men. This has been quite a challenge for me, as I really don't enjoy reading, but I'm learning a lot, so I won't complain.

I would encourage you to make an effort to read, even if you don't enjoy reading. I would also encourage you to do something I DO enjoy - listen to podcasts. I LOVE podcasts! Listening is a great way to learn. I often listen to podcasts when I'm at work and when I workout. I found this video at marshillchurch.org, and I thought I'd share it. It's short and to the point, so please take a moment to watch:

My favorite podcasts can be found at www.rzim.org. I love listening to Christian Apologist - Dr. Ravi Zacharias. Whether it's a sermon, a debate, a speech, or a Q&A session, Ravi does a tremendous job of sharing the truth claims of God. I also listen to Pastor Mark Driscoll from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA. Continue reading →

The Shack: A Warning for the Unsuspecting Reader

Pastor Chris Eller recently wrote a review of William P. Young's book, The Shack. Though Grace Church does not typically do "book reports", Chris thought it to be very important to warn readers about this book. Whether you've already read this New York Times best seller or not, I would recommend that you take the time to read this review:

The Shack: A Warning for the Unsuspecting Reader

Also, here's a quick video that summarizes the dangers of the book. This is Pastor Mark Driscoll, from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA.

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Is Jesus the Only God?

Jesus claimed to be God, but is His claim exclusive, or is Jesus one of many gods through whom we find salvation?

John 14:5-6 (NKJV)
5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

Acts 16:31 (NKJV)
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved"

He is the one and only Son of God. He was/is fully God and fully man. He came to earth, born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18-24), He was crucified, He died, and He was buried (Mark 15:21-47). But, that's not the end of the story. Jesus rose from the dead three days later (Mark 16) and He ascended into Heaven (Luke 24:50-53). He conquered the grave! Through Him, we have victory over sin and death.

Some things to note about Jesus:

1. Jesus said He was God.
   (Mark 14:61-64, John 8:58-59, John 10:30-33)



2. Jesus said He came from heaven.
   (John 6:38, 41-42, 60, 66)



3. Jesus said He was sinless. (John 8:46)



4. Jesus forgave sin. (Mark 2:5)



5. Jesus said He was the only way to heaven.
   (John 14:6 John 11:25)



6. Jesus confirmed to others He was God.
   (Matthew 26:63-65)



7. Jesus accepted worship as God.
   (Matthew 14:33, John 9:38)



8. Jesus performed miracles including rising from death.

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Jesus is the only way.

Continue reading →