Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:18:23 -0500WeeblyFri, 10 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/standing-firm-in-the-faith​In modern times, culture changes so quickly, but also in very big pendulum swings of what is right according to the narrative of the day.  This creates confusion and applies pressure of conformity from whoever's voice has the power at that time (Colossians 2:8; Matthew 24:24; 1 John 4:1).  Those who live life based on these views are changing so many things in their lives that it creates confusion on so many levels.  One of the many examples of this situation has people fighting for men to become women, if they so desire, yet complain about men who have become women competing in women's sports.  For many, even the definition of a woman has been lost so deep in the cultural shifts that they cannot define what a woman is when asked.  
Even though culture changes at the drop of a hat, God never changes (Malachi 3:6; Psalm 102:27; James 1:17).  Jesus never changes (Hebrews 13:8; Lamentations 3:22).  The Word of God never changes (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:89; 1 Peter 1:25).  With the Trinity and the Bible never changing, why do so many Christians have their faith or views of faith change to conform to the world's system?  This is not the design God intended for His people to have when establishing His standards found in His Word (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 1:14-16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:1-2; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthains 3:18).  God created a system of salvation through Jesus Christ, and Him only, that enables the followers of Christ to conform more to His image rather than the world's views (Philippians 2:5; Hebrews 12:1-2; Psalm 119:9-11; Romans 6:23; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; John 14:6).  
A true Christian will change over time, but it will be to be more holy, more clean, and more like Jesus.  The world's system works to deceive Christians into believing God has the same views as the world, but this could not be further from the truth (1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2; James 4:4; John 15:18-19; Galatians 1:10; Colossians 2:8; Ephesians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12).  This displays the importance of standing firm in the faith to be immovable, steadfast, and abounding in the things of God (1 Corinthians 15:58; James 1:12; James 1:2-4; Psalm 112:7; 2 Peter 1:5-8; Isaiah 26:3; Colossians 1:23).  Even the Word of God states that Satan is the god of this world (1 John 5:19; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).  Notice he is a little "g", not the big "G".  Satan works so hard to get into the minds of those who follow Christ, because he knows this is the only manner in which he can obtain victory over them.  When Christians really stand firm in the faith and use the authority, the power, and the dominion given to them from God, they are more powerful than any spiritual enemy that could attack (Acts 1:8; 1 John 5:4-5; Ephesians 6:10; Romans 8:37; Luke 10:17; Mark 16:17; Matthew 10:1; Luke 10:19).  As one Drill Sergeant used to say in Basic Training, "It's all mind games, privates."  And that it is, when dealing with the spiritual enemy.  The mind game that the serpent played on Eve in the Garden of Eden reveals he knew even then how to get mankind's attention and change their views by distorting who God is and what He really desires for one's life (Genesis 3:1-13; Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3; John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Ephesians 5:6).  
Now, not only does he work on the minds of Christian believers, but uses those who are given to his doctrines to apply pressure on Christians to conform their views and lifestyle to what the current culture says is correct.  God is not the author of confusion, so this does not come from Him but from the spiritual enemy to break down a Christian's faith and eventually lead them to walk away from God, if not confronted with a steadfast faith (1 Corinthians 14:33).  No matter what the world says, stand firm in what the Word says.  As time continues to march on and the world keeps attempting to conform the faith of Christians to its standards, stand firm in the faith until the last breath is drawn or Jesus is met in the air.  Not only does your eternity depend on it, but the influence one has in the lives of others can make all the difference as well.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/a-famine-of-the-word-of-god-in-the-last-days​In a society with print in every language, Bibles in a multitude of translations, technology resources available, and churches on every corner, one may read a title like this and wonder what in the world this writer is talking about.  There is a biblical warning found in the book of Amos.  "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord" (Amos 8:11).  God gave this warning because the houses of God were no longer His house, but institutions of perversion.  In today's time, this looks more like the Word of God being watered down to be less offensive, staying away from certain topics within the church teachings, or just not using the Word of God at all.  Let's see what the Bible has to say about such things.  "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2 Timothy 4:3-4).  The Apostle Paul is warning Timothy, a pastor, about church people turning to fables.  Fables are defined as tales of fiction.  They also tell a nice story without confronting the issues of life.  
How many church services no longer have the Word of God preached and explained, but instead are focused on using one or two verses to run with a theme that is culturally driven or popular?  Sadly, a person can find many of these types of services while the Word of God, which is unadulterated, concentrated, and is the resource to help people be delivered from sin and bondage, is put to the side.  Entertainment has crept its way into churches all throughout the United States, leaving the Spirit of God uninvited to His own house.  When the Spirit of God is not invited, the power of God will not be present to help those who need it.  
The Apostle Paul also warned the church in Rome about being fashioned after the world.  "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).  This is not only applied to each person as an individual but should also be applied to the churches.  If the church looks like the world, the people of that church will be worldly in lifestyle.  What happened to the churches that were holy, revered, and allowed God's power to be present every service, changing anyone who attended and listened to the Word of God as it was preached?  
Some would say, "That's a grandmother's style church, not a church for today".  If the power of God is present in that style of church, it displays that He is truly the God of those people, not entertainment.  This may explain why so many who went, or still go, to churches of this style did not have as hard a time breaking addictions, not returning to the filth they were delivered from, or truly became a changed person.  
For many entertainment Christians, they do not seem to have victory, joy, peace of heart and mind, or other displays of God changing their lives and overcoming the world's cycle of defeat and loss.  Entertainment is designed to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind, while the Word of God is designed to change one's life (Hebrews 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:21-25; Colossians 3:16; John 17:17; Matthew 7:24-27; Joshua 1:8).  
The heart of this matter is distilled down to one question.  What is the motivating factor of each service held?  If it is entertainment, that reflects the number of people, the amount of money coming in, or being culturally relevant, is the driving force.  If it is the Word of God, that reflects God is leading the church by His Spirit to change the people present from one who is helpless without God to mighty soldiers in the Lord's army, having a daily, proper relationship with Him.  May more churches get back to the Word of God to push this famine away as long as possible.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/learning-to-come-togetherSince the beginning of the Christian faith, the spiritual enemy of Jesus has been seeking to create divides among the army of God.  These divides can be based on denominations, minor belief differences, or other small details that do not impact a person's salvation.  In God's eyes, there are no denominations or other differences, other than believer or non-believer (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:12; Romans 3:29).  As the fallen nature of mankind has temptations of taking the easier route in life, the spiritual enemy of a Christian succeeds when believers choose not to work with other believers because it is "easier".  Or they choose not to participate in various events with other Christians due to the effort needed to attend.  Realistically, one person cannot attend every Christian event hosted within a region, but when Christians are more focused on the comforts of life rather than being active in building the army of God, there is a problem.  It is in the fellowship of churches, the praying together as believers, and lifting one another with the Word of God that builds His army (Hebrews 10:24-25; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12; Romans 16:17; Acts 2:42; Acts 1:14).  
As long as Christians do not come together, the enemy knows he has more opportunities to make them stumble in pride over which church they go to, how many social activities their church participates in, who goes to their church, or how many people go to their church.  This could not be further from the design Jesus Christ had, and still has, for His church.  He said, "Upon this rock I will build MY church" (Matthew 16:18).  This rock Jesus is discussing is the understanding that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16:16).  When Christians get away from Who Jesus really is or focus on who they are, the church turns into a social gathering and not a powerful force that the powers of hell cannot overtake (Matthew 16:18).  Jesus is the foundation of what He established as the church (1 Corinthians 10:4; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:11; Romans 9:33; Matthew 7:24).  
When churches have this as their core doctrine, they can fellowship and worship God together.  Until this takes place, churches will remain divided and in pride over their own accolades and the things they have built.  Churches must learn to come together and be the united army of God He desires them to be.  Not every church will see all doctrines completely the same, that's understood.  Yet, when Jesus is the rock of any church's doctrine, the little things are like the lines of grout in a tile floor; they show the difference between the tiles when next to one another, but when even those lines of grout bring adhesion, each tile is joined together to be part of something bigger that brings a solid foundation.  Always remember, a house divided cannot stand (Matthew 12:25; Luke 11:17; Mark 3:25).  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 22:49:17 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/the-spiritual-race-is-a-long-run-not-a-sprintSince being a Christian, and especially a pastor, there have been numerous people witnessed as having given up on their race due to hard times, boredom, a lack of faith, desiring the enticements that pull one away from the faith, and other items that hinder a relationship with God.  The design of each person's spiritual race is a long run of endurance, patience, faith, and victory.  Yet, many Christians give up when the race requires more than a sprint to a certain point in life (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 2:1-3; 1 Peter 4:12).  Expecting immediate results, mountains to move instantly, and everything to be as quick in prayer as it is ordering a package in today's time is not reality when it comes to spiritual things.  God may move suddenly, but not in every circumstance.  The Word of God tells Christians to endure to receive salvation (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:12-18; Hebrews 10:36; Colossians 1:11; Matthew 24:13).  Endurance is the display of practice, grit, determination, devotion, and faith.  Christians should not endure because they are told to, but endure to be found faithful in love and service to God through Jesus Christ (James 1:4; Romans 15:4; James 5:11; Hebrews 12:1-2; Revelation 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:5).  When a Christian can understand that endurance is a required element of running their spiritual race, they can know to be focused on the bigger picture of their salvation and not the present only (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:18).  A focus on the present can blind so many through selfishness and enticement (1 John 2:15-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10).  A runner does not give his all at the beginning of a long-distance race, but paces himself to know there is a lot of road to cover and energy will be needed.  This is not to say that Christians take their time to grow or put off what they need to do today until tomorrow.  The long-distance runner understands that the little things now can hinder them from reaching the distance later.  The little sins now that one allows in their heart, in their mind, or in their home will cause bigger issues down the road.  The lack of studying the Word of God now will hinder being a stronger soldier later.  The lack of prayer now will hinder the harvest of prayers in due season.  The dismissal of church attendance now will hinder the fortitude to go later.  The Christian faith one practices now should get stronger as they run their race with Jesus Christ.  Knowing the race is not a quick, easy sprint allows the proper mindset to run one's race no matter the timeline of the return of Jesus or the number of one's days remaining on the earth (Romans 12:1-2; Philippians 4:8; Isaiah 26:3; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Romans 8:5-6).  Although one's race is a long-distance run, there should be checkpoints that each person hits along the way.  These checkpoints allow God to encourage, motivate, adjust, and refresh each runner while on track.  It is when a person gets off track that they miss these checkpoints designed to have the supplies one needs to finish the race.  This leans into being selfish and not submitting to the track outlined by God's plans and vision for each person (Jeremiah 29:11; Ephesians 2:10; Psalm 33:11; 2 Timothy 1:9; Jeremiah 1:5).  The fellowship of God's people also encourages one another to continue running their race.  The spiritual enemy's design of dividing God's people is purposeful to hinder the motivating, encouraging, or obtaining the supplies one needs to reach the finish line.  Giving in to miss church could hold the sermon one needed to be strengthened from the previous week or prepare for the week ahead.  Not studying the Word of God regularly could prevent the right revelation from His Word at the right time, assisting in the knowledge or wisdom needed for that day or the next day.  Not praying routinely could allow the prayer of protection, wisdom, or other needed supplication to remain unspoken for one's life.  It is the consistency of doing the right thing with the right heart that helps Christians run their race for the long distance.  May more Christians be prepared for the long race of life, reaching their finish line through endurance rather than giving up and not obtaining their victory through Jesus.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org. 
]]>Fri, 08 May 2026 11:59:23 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/living-for-more-than-the-present​Over the last few decades, the world has advanced in technology and so many other facets of life.  A person can order items from a small handheld device and have the order appear on their doorstep in as little as a handful of hours for some items.   This provides great assistance in many areas of life, but it also teaches people to live for the present rather than the bigger picture.  Living for the present focuses on self and immediate results.  The world's system has instilled this in each person who adheres to its order, and in the process, teaches to deny God's plan of not focusing on the instant results or needs.  Jesus teaches His disciples not to worry about what they will eat, drink, or wear, but to seek God and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 4:4; John 6:35; Hebrews 13:5-6).  When a Christian seeks God first, God supplies the needs of that person (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 23:1; 1 John 5:14-15).  
To have a proper balance, a person should not live solely focused on just getting by on earth until they get to Heaven, but they should live in obedience to God every day.  More often than not, people live for the present, not thinking about the bigger picture of life and the plans God has for them (Jeremiah 29:11; Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 139:16; Titus 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 8:28).  As Jesus teaches His disciples, they learn to think bigger for God's kingdom and not their own.  Christians, in general, today need this reminder to live for His kingdom, not their own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Titus 2:12; Titus 3:1).  When a believer stops thinking about their responsibilities to the entirety of their running for God, they will get near-sighted and lose the motivation as a soldier of God.  
Near-sightedness causes the loss of seeing down the road, the signs that warn of things ahead, and the others along the same path that are up ahead (Matthew 13:13-15; John 9:39-41; Isaiah 42:18-20; Jeremiah 5:21).  To put this into perspective, it creates a selfishness that looks only at one's feet and focuses on where they have been and not where they are going.  This also prevents a person from discerning the times that take place, but also the warnings from the Word of God of things to come.  Another hindrance of near-sightedness is neglecting others who are running their race for God, going in the same direction toward Him.  
When a Christian applies the teachings of Jesus, they are seeing near and far, allowing the ability to know how to handle the current day while also preparing for the road ahead (Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 33:11; Proverbs 16:9; 1 Corinthians 2:9).  Understanding the Word of God is unfolding each day, will keep a biblical believer studying the Bible to discern the things to come.  They may not know the exact details before things happen, but they can understand the direction things are heading in while knowing God is still on His throne (Colossians 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 2:7; Ephesians 1:9; Romans 16:25; Mark 4:11; Deuteronomy 29:29).  Living by the Word of God keeps Christians in fellowship with one another as a company of soldiers serving God (Hebrews 11:25; Acts 2:42; John 13:34-35).  These soldiers motivate one another, help adjust one another, and battle in spiritual warfare together.  
This is not accomplished by living in the present but by keeping a balanced view.  May Christians be able to see the path God has for them, not only currently but also the road ahead.  This will ensure they make it to the final destination and hit each checkpoint along the way.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Fri, 01 May 2026 12:05:23 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/faith-is-not-all-talk-and-no-action​For a very long time, people have declared a love and allegiance to God, but only a few have proven it through actions as opposed to words only (Isaiah 29:13; Luke 16:15; Matthew 15:8).  People have a natural tendency to say things and either not mean them, mean them but not enough to follow through, or they mean them but something else takes precedence in their choice of importance.  In any of these situations, God should not be on the receiving end of a Christian's words that are not proven by action or conducted through faith.  The very essence of faith is proven by works (James 2:17).  Many Christians may know this verse, but the fullness of this passage is worth studying to not brush a point like this off.  What good is it if a person says they have faith but does not show it through their actions (James 2:14)?  If a Christian sees another Christian needing food or clothing and tells them to have a good day and does nothing for them, what good is that Christian doing to help (James 2:15-16)?  Faith speaking words but not producing actions is dead and useless (James 2:17).  Some people may argue that certain individuals have faith while others have actions (James 2:18).  How can a person's faith be proven if there are no actions to be the evidence of one's faith (James 2:18)?  Christians should reflect their faith by what they do (James 2:18).  It is easy to declare words but having faith to speak words and then prove it through action is what it takes to please God (Hebrews 11:6).  Many times, words are like water.  They get used, spread everywhere, with no thought regarding whether they are wasted, being used properly, or just being used for fun.  It is not until the value of water goes up in one's mind and heart, usually from a drought, that it becomes rationed, used thoughtfully, and held precious to give life.  Words have an impact with the power contained within them (Proverbs 18:21; 1 Peter 3:10; Ephesians 4:29; Psalm 141:3).  Every person will have to give an account for every idle word that comes out of their mouths (Matthew 12:36-37; Matthew 15:18).  This applies to every time a person gossips, slanders, verbally abuses another person, says they represent God but then do not live by His standards, gives someone their word but breaks it, or so many other examples that reflect words not being taken seriously.  Faith is not contained in words only, but through the actions that align with the words spoken.  Jesus said He would be raised in three days from death, and He was resurrected (John 2:19-22; Mark 8:31; Matthew 16:21; John 10:17-18).  Jesus kept His word, and so should His people.  This includes saying they love and submit to God, with faith driving their actions of proving their love.  A person's salvation is not works-based, but one's true faith in Christ should produce actions as the fruit of one's faith.  A husband should not only say he loves his wife, but he should show her by doing things for her.  A Christian's love for God should be found in the same manner, declaring their love and producing actions reflecting the words as true.  Talk may be cheap because words are free, but actions committed in faith and love are priceless.  Don't be a cheap talker, especially to God.  Be a person of action, committed to serving God all the days of one's life.  
For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:05:14 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/using-the-bible-to-guide-ones-steps​Since the printing of the Bible, many people have looked to its pages for wisdom, redemption, salvation, assistance, and many other forms of help.  Using the Word of God can help with so many issues in life, as well as eternal life, because it is the truth (John 17:17; John 8:32; 2 Timothy 2:15; Psalm 119:160; Psalm 118:8; Psalm 86:11; James 1:18).  The Word of God endures forever (Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:25; Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 119:160).  The words of man, especially fiction about telling the future or about life events, are false and deceiving, with no value in helping guide the steps of life.  Jesus warns about being deceived by others with promises and false stories that entertain but leave a false hope (Matthew 24:11-13; Matthew 7:15; Matthew 24:4-5; Matthew 24:24; Luke 21:8; John 5:43).  As some people do place faith in entertaining words, this faith leads to missteps and wrong paths taken that lead to places that should not be traveled (2 Peter 2:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:1).  The Bible is a lamp unto one's feet and a light unto one's path (Psalm 119:105; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 119:130; Psalm 119:89).  Wisdom is found in having a reverence for God, but reverence comes through faith (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10; James 3:17).  Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 10:10).  Man's words lead to less  being accomplished due to the limit of man, but faith in God's Word allows the impossible to be accomplished (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Jeremiah 32:17; Mark 10:27; Philippians 4:13; Job 42:2; Genesis 18:14; Luke 18:27).  Some may argue that entertainment is the purpose for seeking the words of people like psychics, astrologers, etc., but people in the Bible were rebuked for putting an emphasis on seeking these people's abilities rather than the ability of the true and living God (Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:27; Leviticus 20:6; Isaiah 8:19; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14).  When a person has to seek the words of entertainment regularly, those words are no longer entertaining but have an impact on that person's life (2 Chronicles 33:6; 2 Kings 21:6).  One could argue that the seeker is making the entertaining person their god.  The real God says there should be no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:3; Isaiah 44:6).  In allowing these mediums to entertain, a person can also entertain demons (Revelation 21:8; Deuteronomy 18:11; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15; Acts 16:16-18).  This opens doors for spirits to manifest who do not represent God, but are harmful, destructive, and seek to ruin the lives of God's creations, especially mankind.  When a person declares to love God, yet turns to these entertaining words, the demons enjoy playing mind games with those who are supposed to belong to God (2 Kings 23:24; Isaiah 19:3; Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Jeremiah 27:9).  The answer to resolve this entire issue is to use the Bible to guide one's steps, not entertaining words (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 32:8; Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16).  The Word of God is even a more sure word of prophecy than even prophesying, whether demonic or Godly (2 Peter 1:19-21; Revelation 22:18-19; Acts 17:11).  Again, the Word of God endures forever, yet so many choose to read the words of someone writing fiction rather than the words that stand the test of time.  May more people turn to God's Word rather than the words of entertainment.  After all, if a person is going to take the time to read, make it worth the time spent to better one's life.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
]]>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:05:37 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/protesting-having-a-king-in-ones-life​Over the last few years, it has become popular again to protest and voice displeasure with things that are not in line with one's views, whether political, social, or even religious.  As Americans, this opportunity is given to voice concern or displeasure with the freedom to do so.  
            The complexity of this situation arises when people declare they are Christians but protest the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, within their own lives.  No doubt, some will protest in public, voicing their views against certain Christian beliefs or the organization of a Christian event, all while declaring they love Jesus or that they go to church.  Other forms of protest come in not being people of the Word of God, not being faithful to God's house or His doctrines, willingly living contrary to His Word, living for self rather than living for God, and making time for everything in life except God.  
            These are key indicators that the fruit a tree is producing is not aligned with its declaration (Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 13:5).  A person cannot protest having a king in their life and still believe they are in a proper relationship with Jesus.  This is hypocritical.  Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, whether people allow Him to be in their lives or not (Revelation 19:16; 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 1:5; Revelation 17:14).  Not allowing place for Jesus in one's life as Lord, King, and Master voids having Him in His proper role.  Jesus is to be one's Savior, but having Him as King and Master reflects an ongoing relationship that is proper.  
            Many people like the idea of Jesus as long as He is in the role they desire Him to be in, which, for many, is not King and Master.  The Bible reminds Christians that they are to be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2), slaves to Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:24), self-deniers (Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Corinthians 5:15), connected to Jesus to live (John 15:1-8), belonging to Jesus (Romans 14:8), led by Jesus (Psalm 23:1-6; Hebrews 13:20; John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4; John 10:14), and submitted to Jesus as King (Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:13-14; Revelation 17:14; Matthew 28:18; John 18:36-37; Ephesians 1:20-22).  It is the rebellious at heart who choose not to submit to Jesus as King, yet desire to have the fire insurance of not going to Hell by declaring a relationship with Him.  
            A person can declare they have a relationship with a famous person, but if that famous person does not know their name, there is no relationship.  Some people declare they have a relationship with Jesus, yet by their own choice of not allowing Him to be King of their life, He does not know them (Matthew 7:21-23).  May more people who have protested Jesus as King allow Him to be the King of their lives.  
            May the protests of Jesus' authority, influence, and power stop in the lives of those who declare themselves to be Christians, and may they submit to Jesus as King, allowing Him the proper role within their lives.  This strengthens the body of Christ, allows churches to have the authority they are designed to have, and shines a light in the darkest days for the glory of God.  
            No matter who denies the King, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org. ]]>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:16:36 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/the-lukewarm-cruise-ship-vs-spiritual-battleship​In modern times, the feel of Christianity has taken, as one minister referenced, a cruise ship feel that flees the storms of life rather than the spiritual battleship that is made for winning wars for their nation.  Christians are ambassadors of Christ to the world and represent God's kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 2:19).  Some churches, not all, have turned toward entertainment, catering, the amusement park, and a customer-driven atmosphere rather than the God-honoring, Holy Spirit-led, obedient to the Word of God, needing Jesus for salvation doctrine established within the Bible.  When the church is more about the people who are gathering, it is no longer God's service but customer service (1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Romans 12:1-2).  People gripe and complain about the things they do not like and expect the next gathering to be more of what they desire, or they want a refund of the money they have put into the organization, like the customer service of a store.  Or worse, the people threaten not to return, taking away business from the pastor as the store manager.  Also, like the cruise ship mentality, these moments of gathering are getaways from reality to feel better about oneself, rather than understanding how to apply the Word of God to oneself for better results in life's battles that come for everyone, regardless of religious preference.  Christians should be students of the Word, soldiers of Jesus Christ, and led by the Holy Spirit and not the flesh (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 2:15; John 8:31; Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:3; Ephesians 6:11-18; Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16-18; John 14:26; John 16:13).  The local church is the place of calling up higher to meet God rather than catering to the flesh (Hebrews 10:24-25; Philippians 3:14; Colossians 3:1-2; Colossians 3:16; Galatians 6:2; James 5:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:11).  The people of Israel are rebuked for not answering God's call to come up higher (Exodus 24:12-18; Exodus 32:15-19; Deuteronomy 5:1-5; Deuteronomy 9:9-12; Exodus 19:16-17; Exodus 20:18-21).  Instead, they chose for their pastor, Moses, to answer the call and bring them His message. While Moses spends time with God, the people make their own god to worship from what they desire to see and experience.  With this in mind, it was not a worship issue but an issue of who they were worshipping.  People who think more about their experience in church rather than their time with God prove by their own actions that they are more of a god in their life than the Almighty God found within the Bible.  The spiritual battleship church may have a harder exterior in appearance, but the safety of that ship carries those on board to victory and toward home safely.  Inside this ship is food to live on, water to be clean, opportunities to learn strategies for the war, and a fellowship of other soldiers who have been through war but have achieved victory because of the ship's general, Jesus Christ.  The names have a difference as well.  The name cruise ship is separated, emphasizing the cruise rather than the ship, while battleship is brought together for a purpose and strength.  Even when storms hover over the battleship, there is safety inside for those who choose to remain.  In the battles and storms of life, the choice one makes of which ship to take determines the outcome of not only the life that now is, but that of the one to come.  Choose wisely for yourself and for those who follow you.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org. 
]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:31:13 GMThttps://www.enduringwordministries.org/articles/judging-fruit-of-the-trees-labeled-christian​The Christian name gets thrown around a lot during various seasons or when meeting some people.  With this comes those who are true Christians letting someone they meet know who they are in a quicker manner than taking longer to figure it out, while others use this label as a cloak to hide under to gain trust because they have ulterior motives.  This article has a focus on the trees that have the label of Christian but do not have biblical practices of conduct.  A Christian does not make a sale to or buys from someone by cheating them (Leviticus 25:14; Leviticus 19:11).  A Christian does not have false balances to tip the scale toward themselves at the disadvantage of others (Proverbs 11:1).  A Christian does not have a love for money perverting their heart by embezzeling money or using other practices to collect gains that does not belong to them (1 Timothy 6:10).  A Christian does everything in word and deed giving glory to God through Jesus Christ because they are biblical in their conduct (Colossians 3:17).  A Christian remembers it is God Who gives them the ability to gain wealth, not through selfish means (Deuteronomy 8:18).  A Christian does not lie to others because they are renewed into the image of Christ (Colossians 3:9-10).  There are things that the Lord hates which include: a prideful attitude, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood through murder or murdering a person’s reputation, a person who comes up with evil plans, a person who is quick to do evil, a person who bears false witness through lies, and a person who brings division among the body of Christ (Proverbs 6:16-19; Exodus 20:16).  A Christian builds the things in life through their own hands, not unbiblical practices (Proverbs 24:27).  A Christian does not look like the world’s standard of practices but proves what is acceptable to God (Romans 12:2).  A Christian does not rob someone of wages worked (Leviticus 19:13).  A Christian works for their money because the quick methods will vanish (Proverbs 13:11).  A Christian lives in the freedom of truth and not using the freedom to cover up their evil (1 Peter 2:16).  One may ask, why is there such a focus on this topic?  Many people, believers and unbelievers alike, have been on the receiving end of trees with a Christian label but have been done wrong in business.  This is not aligned with the biblical practices and does not reflect how true Christians should handle themselves.  This article has three purposes.  One is to call out those who are practicing unjust methods under the name of being a Christian.  The second is to encourage those who are practicing proper Christian methods.  The third is to let others know when they see or hear of a Christian person, judge the actual fruit of their life and business practices to see whether they are hiding behind the label of being a Christian or reflect the Bible in their conduct.  Every practice discussed here is not only for people in business but for all business conducted by people.  Especially in today’s time, people are turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to Jesus because some members of the body of Christ do not represent Him properly.  May Christians be more like Christ and less selfish, doing things their way.  When Christians do things God’s way, it brings true wealth that remains, a good reputation, and a clean and clear conscience before God.  For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.  
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