by Ed Allen | Sep 25, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:36-38). (Cross-reference): “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1John 2:15-17). (Cross-reference): “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you” (1Corinthians 4:7-8). What do you think? King Nebuchadnezzar, after boasting to himself about his kingdom and great power, was removed By God and made to eat grass on his hands and knees for seven years. Above, at the end of those 7 years,...
by Chris Martin | Aug 29, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Are you a F.A.T. man? One of the pernicious effects that a man may encounter after walking with Jesus for many years is the idea that he has reached the summit, that he understands and knows all that he needs to out of the Scriptures, and that subsequently, he has nothing left to learn. This “idea” is of course a lie that our enemy, the Devil, would take great joy in us embracing. The mature follower of Christ rejects this deception and listens to the Apostle Paul’s warning in I Corinthians 10:12 “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands, take heed that he does not fall.” Those involved in E2 may be familiar with the term “F.A.T. man”. If you are looking for men to invest and pour your life into, men to disciple, one does well to locate F.A.T men and then invest there. This simple acronym stands for Faithful, Available, and Teachable. However, before a man looks and prays for God to give him F.A.T. men to invest his life into, he does well to be consistently evaluating if he himself is such a type of man. A rhetorical question for your consideration: Am I maintaining a teachable spirit or do I think that I already have all of the Biblical knowledge and answers that a man can attain? A good barometer of a man’s true spiritual maturity is if he maintains a teachable spirit. Do you? St. Jerome rightfully observed that “The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for a theologian to swim in...
by Jim Gustafson | Aug 15, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
In chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation, The apostle John quotes Jesus’ observations and commands from the Spirit toward seven churches. The first of the seven is to the Church in Ephesus. “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4). Jesus says in this message (Revelation 2:1-7) that He knows their deeds of toil, perseverance, the intolerance of evil, the vetting of the veracity of those calling themselves apostles and yet, have not grown weary. These activities, at least outwardly, would seem to be indicative of men on the right path, walking closely with their Lord with legitimate Christian motives and actions in service to Christ. Perhaps they were even involved in the ministry of men, evangelism of the lost and edification of the believers. Perhaps they are leaders and are respected by men seeking the things of God. But Jesus says they left their first love. He has that against them. Obviously He is referring to the relationship with Jesus Christ. He is addressing the believer who is perhaps finding his significance in his works over his dependence on God. Or possibly looking to the approval and glory from men: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not see the glory that is from the one and only God?” (John 5:44). Whatever the motive, He says they left. This implies an intention to leave, maybe out of neglect or embracing the things of the world, but not something that was imposed upon them. It also implies that a decision of repentance...
by Craig McAndrews | Jul 31, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Do you have Peace in your life right now? Your answer to this question can profoundly impact how you mature as a follower of Jesus. My guess is you won’t come across many believers or non-believers who wouldn’t be interested in being at Peace. However, the fast-paced and divisive nature of our world makes Peace something many people only dream of having. But the Peace that Jesus offers is designed to deepen our relationship with Him and protect us from the theology of our culture. The dictionary defines Peace as “the freedom from disturbance or tranquility; a stress-free state of security and calmness.” In the Bible, the Greek word used in the original text is Eirene (i-ray-nay) which means quietness or rest. The word “Peace” is used in the King James translation of the Bible 429 times. Jesus Himself was recorded using the word 23 times. One verse that captures the essence of the peace message is in John 16:33, where Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have Peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus contrasts the challenges and struggles we experience “in the world” with His promise of Peace found in Him. At first glance, Peace seems like a state of being or a mindset. However, when you look closer at the Peace of Christ, you see a more profound purpose taught in scripture. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we see a purpose for the Peace of Christ. In Philippians 4:7, Paul writes, “and the peace of God, which...
by Trevor McDowell | Jul 18, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
When God blesses our lives, it is easy to thank Him for the abundant blessings since “every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17); but it is a whole different thing to give God thanks when negative circumstances come into our lives. I believe this is what the Bible refers to as a “Sacrifice of Thanksgiving” when we thank Him for something we wish did not happen to us or our loved ones. A sacrifice is defined as giving up something of value for something of greater value. When we offer up a “Sacrifice of Thanksgiving” we give up something of value, our will, for something of greater value, God’s will. When Jonah ran away from God because he didn’t want to do God’s will, God thwarts Jonah’s desire by threatening to destroy the ship he is on–unless they throw Jonah off the boat. The crew throws Jonah overboard and he is swallowed up by the great fish so God can bring him back to complete the mission He has for Jonah. In Jonah 2:9 while in the belly of the fish he says, “But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of Thanksgiving. That which I have vowed I will pay. Salvation is from the Lord.” Note that Jonah offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving before he was delivered. After he does this then God commands the fish to spit him out on dry land (Jonah 2:10). Not knowing what his outcome will be, Jonah praises God in the midst of his turmoil. Let me suggest to you Jonah was delivered out of...
by Mitch Hershey | Jul 3, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
A study of the nation of Israel provides plenty of material that parallels my own life. One of these is from Exodus 16 where God begins to send manna as they wander through the desert after their departure from Egypt. In Exodus 16:2-3, the whole congregation grumbles against Moses and Aaron, going so far as to say, “Would that we had died by the hand of the Lord in Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” This is at least the third occurrence since the Exodus in which the Israelites voiced their displeasure and complained to Moses, which was effectively complaining against God. In Exodus 14:11, as they stood at the edge of the Red Sea after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they ask Moses “Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?” In Exodus 15:24, they complain to Moses that they cannot drink the water of Marah because of its bitterness. Israel proved time and time again that they were good at complaining and bad at remembering how God had provided for them. In spite of their complaining, God continued to provide for them. In Exodus 16:4, God says to Moses, “I am about to rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law or not.” God gives clear instructions to...
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