Here Be Leadersby John UpChurchYou wouldn’t know it from the outside, but this place is full of leaders. Sure, the boarded up windows and sloppy graffiti might be cause for concern. And the challenging glares of those crossing the street might make you want to drive faster. But make no mistake: church leaders, pastors, elders, and missionaries make their home here, amid the squalor, amid the sun-c...  Read More

GodlinessCharles SwindollI need to be very candid with you. If you are a "Sunday Christian," you will not stand alone when outnumbered. Apart from a personal and vital faith in Jesus Christ, it is impossible to wage a winning effort against the system called "the world."Trying to overcome the powerful magnet of the majority without help from above would be a frustrating and counterproductive effor...  Read More

Forward with back to the bibleAll Together NowRead Colossians 3:11 (ESV) Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.ReflectHow is this verse relevant to our time and our current cultural climate?There is no doubt that the world is divided. We make plenty of distinctions between people. Black or white, rich or poor...  Read More

So the tribulation period begins with a 7-year peace agreement with Israel, the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, and the formation of a one-world government.Another thing that will be seen early on is the formation of a one-world religion. For years the one-world religion has been tied to one religious group, which I believe to be a mistake.What you will see during the first 3½ years is a jo...  Read More

That Verse before 'All Things'by John UpChurch“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12I’d rather live a Philippians 4:13 type life. But that verse before it always gets me. I’d rather jump right into the “doing all ...  Read More

I said before that when you see a 7-year peace agreement signed with the nation of Israel and her enemies, you know the clock is ticking and God is about to bring this age of man to a close. I also said that the last 7 years of this age of mankind are divided up into (2) 3 ½ year periods.I shared two things in my last post that will take place in the first 3 ½ years which is the rebuilding of the ...  Read More

Daily DisciplesToday's Reading: Proverbs 16; 2 Corinthians 6Today's Thoughts: God Has a Way of Balancing ThingsWhen the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. Genesis 29:31God has a way of balancing the scales. I have seen it with money, with time and, as this verse says, with love. Leah was "unloved" but Rachel was adored by Jacob. Leah had children and Rachel ...  Read More

Daily DisciplesToday's Reading: Proverbs 3; 2 Corinthians 1Today's Thoughts: Direct My PathsTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6My mom and dad are dealing with a huge plumbing problem. The main pipe that carries their hot water from the garage to the kitchen broke underneath t...  Read More

I Want Answers Now!by Laura MacCorkleIn his heart, a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9, NIVLiving in the Information Age, we’re so used to getting what we want as soon as we want it.We’re becoming more and more accustomed to not having to wait for anything, as instant gratification is the norm in many areas of our lives.A gourmet, meat-and-three meal ready in l...  Read More

John NorthHebrews 12:1-2“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of th...  Read More

I mentioned in my last post that the 7-year tribulation period begins with a historic Middle-East peace agreement between Israel and her Mid-East neighbors. This will be brokered by the one whom the Bible calls the antichrist. I also said that the last 7 years of this age of mankind are divided up into (2) 3 ½ year periods. What happens in the first 3 ½ years? There are 2 things that will happen s...  Read More

Hearts Set on HeavenForward with Back to the BibleRead Colossians 3:1 (NIV)Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.ReflectHow would your daily life change if you focused more on the reality of heaven?Do you know where in the world Christianity is growing the fastest? Organizations such as Operation World track ...  Read More