Evidence Of Saving Faith

   There is a certain man I know whom I have had the privilege to speak to concerning faith in Jesus Christ on numerous occasions.  Every time our conversation turns to spiritual matters of the heart and soul, this man quickly affirms to me that he is saved.  To make sure he and I are on the same page when we speak of being saved, I have been careful to articulate the necessity of confession and repentance of sin as well as faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He assures me he understands and that he is saved.  You might be thinking at this point, why do I keep asking him if he is saved?  Why do I continue in my effort to clarify for him what it means to be saved?  The answer, there is no discernible evidence in his life that he has a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  I see this man’s life and there is no visible evidence of any conviction over sin, holiness, or testimony for the name of Jesus.  Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about this man and the many like him that profess Jesus, but have no evidence in their lives that they are truly saved.

Church Membership, Is It Important?

   In our day of rampant consumerism, church membership has taken on some erroneous connotations.  It seems in many cases people shop for a church much like they would shop for a coat or a new car.  The criteria seems to be based on what makes them feel good or on what meets a perceived need in their lives.  Neither of those are biblical reasons for church membership.  What exactly is church membership all about?  Let’s see what the Bible has to say about the subject.

It's A New Year

   We find ourselves in this pivotal time of the year when we look back at what we have experienced in 2011 while at the same time our thoughts run toward what will be in 2012.  Many will make new year resolutions while some will forgo this annual effort that only seems to last a few weeks anyway.  As children of God, how should we approach the new year?  What should be our focus as we start 2012?  There is a passage in God’s Word I would have us consider that clearly sets before us a principle we should be conscious of every day. 

Do Miracles Happen Today?

For a brief discussion on miracles, click video below.


Do Miracles Happen Today? from Oakleaf Baptist Church on Vimeo.

To God Be The Glory

   Our church publishes a monthly news letter in which I write an article.  Here is a copy of what I wrote this month concerning God's worthiness to receive all praise, honor, and glory in our lives.

The 23rd Psalm

The 23^rd Psalm may be the most well known passage in all the Bible.  It is used at funerals, quoted in times of distress or sorrow, and has even been quoted by military leaders as they led their men into battle.  The following is a brief running commentary of what this powerful passage says to our hearts.

Stressed Out!

    Sometimes the world feels like it presses in on us and we get stressed out.  There is the ever present tension of financial obligations, the mortgage or rent must be paid, the light bill, the phone bill, food, clothing, putting gas in the car.  Add to that the pressures of a job, children (small or grown), relationships, health needs, and it is easy to see how we might feel overwhelmed. What does the Bible say about our stress, anxiety, and worry?