Michael Kelley, Guest Contributor

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” Isaiah 55:1-2

When I was in high school, my physics class was given limited materials, mainly Popsicle sticks and wood glue, with which we were instructed to build a bridge with specific parameters. On the appointed day, we all brought our bridges to class, and they were placed over a gap between two desks. Then, small weights were systematically hung at the bottom of the bridges to test and see how much weight they could bear. Of course, in that environment, the greatest thrill wasn’t just winning the most sturdy bridge and watching as structure after structure was eventually obliterated under the increasing weight.

We knew they would all eventually be destroyed. We knew we couldn’t, for example, stand on top of them because these structures weren’t made to support that kind of mass.

There is a similarity between those science projects and the direction of our joy. If you look around you, you’ll see all kinds of things that you enjoy:

• Opening Day of the baseball season. 
• A steak perfectly grilled. 
• Birthday parties. 
• Christmas mornings. 
• A good movie. 

And here’s the thing:

We should enjoy them. Not only is there nothing wrong with doing so, but there is actually everything right with it.

So long as we understand that there is a difference between enjoying something and finding joy in something.

Take the first thing on that list—Opening Day. Freshly cut grass. The sound of a ballpark. The not-yet-too-hot sun of spring. But what if it rains? Or what if there’s an emergency at work and you miss the first pitch? Or what if there’s something crazy like a labor stoppage, and that day is delayed?!? Well, you might be disappointed, but you won’t be crushed. And that’s the difference between enjoying and finding your joy.

Like the physics bridge of old, all these things and so many more were simply designed to be a source of joy—not where we find our joy. No, the weight of that expectation would simply be too much, and they would eventually be pulverized underneath it. In fact, there is really only one thing that is strong enough to sustain the weight of human expectation—only one thing that is sturdy enough to bear up under the weight of our need for joy. 

And that is Jesus Himself.

Not only so, but only when we find our joy in Jesus are we actually free to enjoy all these other things rightly. That’s because we no longer look to those things to sustain our hearts but treat them as they were designed to be treated—as good things for our enjoyment. We are free to enjoy them without adding the weight of our hearts to them. 

So, our joy in Jesus is not only rightly placed but also becomes the foundation of our ability to enjoy other things rightly.

There are many things in life to enjoy today, friends. But only one that can bear the weight of your joy. 

Jesus alone. 

And He will never crumble.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Joyful Words of Praise” by Bryant Wright

Bryant Wright, Founder

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, according to our likeness.’” Genesis 1:26

One of the most mysterious and difficult doctrines to understand in the Bible is that we have a God who is three persons in one –  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Three completely separate persons with different ways of manifestation, yet the Bible also says that they are all one God. How can this be explained?

Well, here are a couple of ways people try and explain the inexplicable concept of the Trinity:

• WATER: Water has three states: solid, liquid, gas. We know the liquid state as water, the gas as steam, and the solid as ice. While very different forms, they are all the same compound – H2O. People sometimes offer this concept as a way to understand the complexity of the trinity…but in reality, it’s totally inadequate. Why? Because the Trinity is about three persons.
• ROLES: I am the father of my three sons. They know me one way. I’m also the son of my parents and they know me another way. At the same time, I am the husband of my wife, Anne, and she knows me another way. I am the same person but have three different roles. Some use this analogy to help us understand the Trinity of God in three persons, but it, too, is totally inadequate.

How is it that God the Son could pray to God the Father in heaven?

Really, the doctrine of the Trinity, to the human finite mind, is inexplicable. However, the doctrine of the trinity is taught in Scripture from the very first chapter in the Bible and is central in understanding the fullness, the greatness, and the uniqueness of God.

From the beginning, we realize that the God of Scripture:

• Is not Allah of the Quran.
• Is not one of the thousands of gods that you find in Hinduism, because, the God of Scripture is three persons in one. That is blasphemy in Islam. The One True God is blasphemy in Hinduism.
• Is completely contrary to the god you read about in cults like Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witness.

This is not to be critical of other religions. It’s simply a statement of fact. Because we live in a culture today where often very highly educated people say, “all religions are about believing in one god, the same god, they just have different ways of getting to him.”

But that is a statement of astounding ignorance because of what the Scriptures tell us about God. If you and I are to have the full picture of God, we must understand there is one God in three persons.

When God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” The word for God is “Elohim,” which, in Hebrew, means ‘God in plurality.’

One God in three persons, in perfect harmony, completing and fulfilling the will of God.

I hope you believe in this one true God.

DIG DEEPER
Read “The Infinite Mystery of the Trinity” by Bryant Wright

Taken from a sermon by Bryant Wright, Founder

“Jesus responded and said to him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” John 3:3 

We all come into this world the same way… as helpless, crying infants dressed in our finest birthday suits. 

Rich or poor, we all come the same way. 

With that in mind, let me ask you some questions. 

When were you born? 
Before or after 1980? 
In the morning, the afternoon, or late at night? 

Now, where were you born? 
What state? 
Or maybe a different country altogether? 
Were you born in a hospital? 
In a home? 

These questions help us learn about a person. While they might be important, they are only about your physical birth. 

So let me ask you one more question—and this one is the most important of all: 

Have you ever been born again?
In other words, have you ever been born spiritually?

Understandably, this question can be confusing. 

It was confusing to a man named Nicodemus in the Bible. He was a religious ruler, and we see in John 3 that he approached Jesus at night. Jesus told Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Nicodemus didn’t understand how someone could be born twice. Jesus responded, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).

You see, we can be nice, polite, well-mannered people who go to church on Sundays and still miss the kingdom of God. That’s because religion and morals don’t make us born-again.

We’re born again when we come to the end of ourselves, turn from our sins, and surrender our lives to Jesus. When we trust in Jesus’ death on the cross, we become brand-new people, true children of God. 

Has there been a point in your life when you realized your need for a second birth? When we become followers of Jesus, the old you dies, and you are given new life through Jesus. Your new life – an eternal one – begins when you place your trust in Jesus. But then you are also promised eternal life in heaven with Jesus.

Your physical birth is important, but it is nothing compared to your second birth, your spiritual birth.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Saved From Spiritual Death” also by Bryant Wright

Bryant Wright, Founder

“I say to you, that many shall come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 8:11

Years ago, more than one generation often lived together in the same house, or at least close to each other. But as time moved on and families became fractured and scattered, the family reunion became a popular way for families to come together once a year and catch up with one another over food, drink, and fun. Today, for those of us fortunate enough to still have close family ties, family reunions can be a lot of fun. (Or they can be total misery!) Whether they’re good or bad depends on you and members of your family.

But today, I want to talk about the ultimate family reunion – one that we will all want to attend! I’m speaking of what happens when Christians die. Not only do we get to be with Christ, we also get to be with those who have died in Christ before us and are already enjoying an eternal family reunion in heaven – where everyone gets along, for all our flaws are gone. Won’t that be something? Well, it won’t be if you miss it!

The good news is that we can be sure we make the ultimate family reunion by believing and knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. And when we step over from this life to the next, He’ll welcome us home with the greatest family reunion we can imagine.

DIG DEEPER
Read “A Glimpse of Heaven” also by Bryant Wright

Jerry Maxfield, Guest Contributor

“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.…'” John 14:23

Obedience.  True obedience involves having our will tested according to God’s command and being found victorious.

Adam’s will was initially tested in the Garden of Eden.  Eve had been deceived by the serpent, who we know to be Satan, by half-truths and outright lies.  He had especially appealed to Eve’s pride.  Eve then approached Adam.  Adam absolutely knew better than to eat of that fruit, as God had given His commandment to him, even before Eve had been created!  But Adam directly disobeyed God’s instruction and thereby created a knowledge of good vs evil and right vs wrong for you and me today.  God had protected man from that awareness up until then.

Because of that original sin, we are suffering the consequences.  Many, many times each day we must decide whether in those particular instances to obey God’s command or not.  Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey My commandments”…His teachings…His example.

Do we always do the right thing? 

Unfortunately, not, even though as believers we may have repeatedly professed our love for Jesus. In His love for us, Jesus made a way to restore us to righteousness.  That is why we call Him Savior!  He took our sins–past, present, and future–upon Himself…and died doing so.  His death served as the atonement for our sins once and for all.  His resurrection verified and confirmed that act of sacrifice.

You and I must keep “short accounts” with the Lord.  We must confess our sin, repent, and turn from them to keep our hearts supple and receptive to His leading.  Oh, we will continue to be tested, but Jesus, in His sovereignty and wisdom, left us a Comforter and Guide in the Holy Spirit.  He is that “still small voice” within our hearts and minds, encouraging us to choose the right way.  Listen and obey!

May the Lord be your strength as you express your love for Him through obedience.

DIG DEEPER
Read “A Simple Act of Obedience” by Jonathan Munson

Bryant Wright, Founder

“Immediately they left their nets and they followed Him.” Matthew 4:20

When Jesus called his disciples to follow Him, the decision had to be made right then and there.

The Bible tells the story of Andrew and Peter going from being fishermen to fishers of men. We are introduced to them in today’s verse: “Immediately they left their nets, and they followed Him.” 

Frankly, this verse has always disturbed me. Imagine a stranger walking up to you while you are working. You don’t know this man, but He says, “Follow Me.”  It means giving up everything familiar in your life—your family, friends, and occupation—to follow Him. Yes, He’s dynamic and charismatic. But dropping everything and blindly following him? I can’t identify with that.

Fortunately, it didn’t really happen that way. Andrew and Peter actually had a lot of knowledge of and interactions with Jesus before being presented with that seemingly “all or nothing” question.

• John 1:35-42: They had been introduced to Jesus and spent a full day listening and talking to Him.
• Luke 5:1-11: They heard Him preach.
• Luke 5:1-11: They even saw how Jesus knew much more about fishing than they did.
• Matthew 4:23: They watched Him heal the sick in their hometowns.
• Matthew 4:18-20: Finally, after all that, they realized that Jesus was not just a man, but the Messiah – the God-man, and they truly became convicted of their sins. It was at this point that Jesus approached them and said, “Follow Me, and I’ll make you fishers of men.” Only at that point were they ready to drop everything and follow Jesus. They were fishermen, so the phrase “fishers of men” was easy for them to understand.

So, no, Andrew and Peter didn’t blindly follow Jesus. They had seen and heard enough to believe that He was the Man – the Messiah. (Some of the other disciples hadn’t spent that time with Jesus, but they knew immediately that He was the Messiah, so they dropped everything to become His disciples.)

The same is true for us. If we take the time to get to know Jesus from the Bible, we’ll recognize Him and be ready for the same calling, “Follow me. I’ll make you fishers of men.”

Are you ready? The call is there – just waiting for your response.

Choose to become a follower of Jesus today. If you need help with this, click the link below and find out more about how to follow Jesus.

DIG DEEPER
Read “How to Know Jesus” on our website

Bryant Wright, Founder

“But prove yourselves doers of the word and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:22

In the Christian church, we have two types of people: Hearers and Doers. 

The apostle James, the brother of Jesus, explained that hearers only listen to and know God’s Word but never live it out. Doers, on the other hand, listen, know, and obey. This is the distinction James communicates: It’s not “either-or,” but listen and obey.

Hearers, James warns, are living blind and deceived to the truth. That’s a harsh statement, but there are a lot of people – who, if they were to die today, think they are going to heaven because they believe the right things about Jesus but would wake up in hell separated from God because they never took the step of faith. I would venture to say the percentages would absolutely shock us.

Why is that? James explains in James 1:23: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; and once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he is.”

In other words, the Word of God is like a mirror that reveals our true reflection (character), revealing the areas in our lives that need improvement. This is conviction. However, rather than recognize and ask God to help us take steps to transform these areas brought to light by the mirror of God’s Word, the hearers simply walk away none the wiser.

Can you relate?

Have you ever been reading Scripture and come across a verse or passage that convicts you of an area in your life or highlights an issue in a relationship that you know needs to be addressed? Did you do anything about it?

The Word of God, when studied intently, meditated on, and personalized, allows the perfect law of God to highlight areas in our lives that need to change. It convicts us.

When we truly realize that we’ve fallen short, we won’t easily forget. God’s Word will be imprinted on our hearts in such a way to help us grow and transform into the person and character of Jesus Christ.

Are you a hearer or a doer?

DIG DEEPER
Read “The Parable of the Pool” by Jonathan Munson

Bryant Wright, Founder

“Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.”
Acts 17:16

Think about the last time you were in an airport. 

You’re at your gate, ready to board your flight. An eclectic group of travelers surrounds you. Sitting next to you is a businesswoman on an important call. Across sits the young couple, infatuated with each other as they prepare for a weekend away. In the distance, you see a teenager’s eyes glued to his phone. A devout Muslim reads a magazine, wearing her hijab. A pair of Mormon missionaries dressed in traditional white shirts, name tags, and ties are watching the news on a monitor. 

An airport is one of the best reminders that we are in a world full of different people, each with different idols. (And yes, we ALL have idols.) 

However, like Paul, our spirits should be provoked from within.

What does it mean to be provoked? It means to be impassioned or inspired.

Paul was surrounded by idols. The years changed, but some things consistently stayed the same. Paul’s heart was stirred. We see his love for Jesus as well as those far from God. What follows in Acts 17 is a masterclass at how to engage a lost world with the gospel. 

Take a moment now and read Acts 17:16-34.

You may have noticed that Paul wasn’t preaching from the Bible. His audience, much like our present-day secular world, doesn’t know anything about the Bible and, therefore, has no respect for it or the truths it embodies. 

Paul is preaching Biblical themes.

You might be surprised to hear a preacher say this, but in talking with the lost, there are times when we don’t need to start with the Bible! Paul was constantly discerning how to best communicate with his particular audience while never compromising the message. 

As we share with others, we, too, need to find common ground as we address false worldviews and idols they may hold. We should always discern how to share the gospel, knowing our audience. 

And finally, we must trust the results to God. 

Acts 17 is not another Pentecost moment. Some rejected, some wanted to hear more, and a few followed (Acts 17:34). 

Success is actually not found in the results. 

Success is found in obedience as the Holy Spirit provokes our hearts. 

So, how’s your heart?

How are you following through on the way the Spirit is leading you to share Jesus?

DIG DEEPER
Read “Are You Willing to Share Your Faith?” also by Bryant Wright

Bryant Wright, Founder

“When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives.” James 4:3

Ever been disappointed or puzzled by the results (or lack thereof) of your prayers?

Maybe you’ve even wondered if God is really there. Or if He is, maybe He isn’t going to answer YOUR prayers.

I’ve got great news for you:

God is always faithful, and His Word is 100% accurate.
Every. Single. Time.

Psalm 33:4 reminds us; “For the word of the Lord is upright; and all His work is done in faithfulness.”

Most people pray. In fact, you’ll find little argument from people about the importance of prayer.

But the reality is that prayer can often be disappointing to us – meaning we don’t always get the results we desire.

Why is that?

Well, James 4:3 gives us one reason, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.”

Prayer is not so much about asking God for what We want, as it is about discovering what He wants for us.

When our prayers are meant to get to know God, find strength, and do His will, they bring tremendous results—sometimes even supernatural results. This kind of praying is powerful because you get plugged into the ultimate power source—the God of the universe.

How is your prayer life? Is it fulfilling or disappointing? Remember to check your motives, for your heart is the key.

Why don’t you take a moment right now and talk with God to seek His will?

And don’t forget to be still and listen for His answer.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Prayer is Our Spiritual Power Source” also by Bryant Wright

Adapted from a sermon by Senior Pastor George Wright, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
Proverbs 3:11-12

Have you ever been camping with a toddler?

Everything is new and exciting, especially that captivating bonfire. Why do toddlers seem to gravitate towards what could cause them harm? But what can appear to be unfair restrictions (like not getting too close to a blazing fire) are often helpful guardrails inviting us to experience what’s best.

In the same way, God offers us guardrails for life. If we claim to trust God with our lives but refuse to listen to the truth of His word, He will often get our attention.

You see, God is passionate about two things: His glory and our good.

He knows what is best for us and what we need. When we wander away from His truth, we can count on Him to lead us back through grace and love. He is not afraid of our rebellion and sin and will never give up on us. But God will open our eyes so that we can recognize our need for Him. The Bible calls this discipline. God wants us to see what is right, good, and true because He knows what we need.

Discipline, or correction, is never easy. We often believe that God corrects us out of anger. That idea, however, couldn’t be further from the truth.

Just like any good parent, God’s discipline is out of love. In fact, He’s working to lead us back to His love and grace. I know this might be difficult to believe. Learning from our mistakes is rarely fun. But even through the challenging times, God is opening our eyes to see where we went wrong and ultimately recognize our need for a Savior.

Keeping that toddler away from the fire can be tough, and it will not be fun for the toddler. But it’s for their own good, whether they understand it or not.

Is God trying to get your attention? Are you experiencing some of God’s tough love right now?

Don’t fight it, and don’t run from it. Instead, let it lead you back to God’s love and grace. He wants you to know His best, and He loves you enough to reveal it to you.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Is God Disciplining Me?” by Michael Kelley