Monthly Archives: August 2015

Short Articles

Shine Your Light

Leave a comment

The-darkness-has-not-overcome-it

The only thing that any minister of the gospel can do is share what we believe is the truth with honesty and conviction. We cannot convince anyone to change their mind unless those people see the need for change. The role of the Holy Spirit is to convict people of their need. Our job is to seek truth and share what God reveals to us.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26, ESV

“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” John 16:7-8, ESV

“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.” Matthew 5:15, ESV

~Stephen Beagles

Short Articles

Law and Grace

Leave a comment

cac6c1a54bcca9847105b9d876d0f63f

What does it mean to be not “Under Law” but “Under Grace”?

When the New Testament scriptures state we are not “Under Law” but “Under Grace” it means we are no longer subject to the penalty of the law and are not subject to its condemnation.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2, NIV)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23, NIV)

Being released from the penalty of death for disobedience to divine law, we are under grace and have peace with God and the forgiveness of sins. This does not void the law itself, but it releases us from condemnation and frees us from bondage to evil.

~Stephen Beagles

Short Articles

No Need to Apologize

Leave a comment

91229902c973cc57fe8bcedb6aef42fb

“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” Luke 6:26, NIV

I fear many Christians are afraid to speak their minds about God’s word. They worry that other people will turn against them, or that they might offend someone who is opposed to the message. While Christians should be careful not to deliberately drive people away from the beauty of the gospel message, they also need to be aware that Christ warns us about the dangers of living for truth.

My policy about speaking the truth is some people need a soft touch, while others need a good kick in the butt to catch their attention. While some people might get emotional, angry, vengeful, and belligerent, this is only because they are being convicted by the Holy Spirit. If they choose to harden their heart to the Spirit of God then we are to follow the counsel of Jesus: “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10:14, NIV).

Speak the truth with honest conviction and then let God do the convincing.

In my opinion, it is not my business what another person does with their relationship to God. It is not my job to convince anyone that I am right and they are wrong. That is the job of the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit cannot convince them to listen to God’s word, then they will pay the consequences of their rebellion. At the same time, I am called to speak the truth to the world in a way that makes the biggest difference in the lives of the listeners. Some will respond to truth with gladness, while most will lash out and attempt to silence the one who dared to tell the truth.

It is time for Christians to stop trying to fit in with political correctness, and to stand out by boldly proclaiming the word of God. Why should we be ashamed of truth? Of course, the devil will stir up the unregenerate mobs to attack the messengers. This happened to the prophets of Israel. Don’t forget that they crucified Jesus. Don’t forget that all but one of the Apostles died at the hands of the wicked.

If you are worried about what people will think if you speak up about your Christian convictions, then remember that it is not our job to win a popularity contest. It is our job to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

” Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,” (Ephesians 6:19, NIV)

~Stephen Beagles