All those who fear God and hope in Him will not be disappointed.
Read morePSALM 33 — REVISED— PART 1
All of God’s works demonstrate His righteousness and love.
Read more2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.
As Paul alerts Timothy to the reality of unfaithful congregations, he also outlines three characteristics of discerning congregations.
1. They discern truth from error: Discernment is not just for the pulpit; it’s also intended for the pews. Faithful congregations will not tolerate teaching that is unhealthy and harmful. This obviously implies the flock has knowledge and understanding of scriptural truths and principles and is able to make correct applications for life and ministry on the basis thereof.
2. They discern true shepherds from false: Unfaithful congregations have ears that prefer flattery over faithful teaching. Discerning congregations, on the other hand, recognise their real need is not to feel good about themselves, but to grow in Christlikeness. So they avoid teachers who are driven by worldly wisdom and seek out those who are immersed in the Word.
3. They discern their own sinful desires: Unfaithful congregations seem largely unaware of their own sin. Which means they’re unable to repent. Unfortunately, this means they spiral ever deeper into sinful thinking and choices which makes them reject truths and embrace myths (fabrications). Discerning congregations are acutely aware of their own sinful desires. They make no provision to indulge these desires (Rom 13:14) by taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
Hopefully, the application of these principles for you, as part of the NCC congregation, is obvious. May each one us continue to mature in sound doctrine (Ps 19:11), actively avoid false teachers (Jer 23:16-17), and be watchful over our own hearts (Prov 4:23).
PSALM 32 — REVISED — PART 3
There is great joy in trusting and obeying God.
Read morePSALM 32 — REVISED — PART 2
It is an aspect of the love of God, that He will not leave His children a continual state of unrepentant sin.
Read morePSALM 32 — REVISED — PART 1
Believers can know for sure that when they sin and ask God for forgiveness, they will be forgiven.
Read morePSALM 31 — REVISED — PART 2
Confidence in God will grow as we come to a greater understanding of His nature and works through the study of the Scriptures.
Read morePSALM 31 — REVISED — PART 1
God reveals Himself to His people through His word.
Read morePSALM 30 — REVISED
God’s discipline is to humble you so that you will see more clearly your own pride and selfishness and repent.
Read morePSALM 29 — REVISED
When you see wondrous power and beauty in nature, do you stop and give praise to the powerful God who made these things?
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