Tony Funderburk

In This World But Not Of It

Posted on September 28, 2013 by TonyApril 6, 2023

I’m grateful and thankful to God that I can be in this world but not of it. It’s an increasingly dangerous place to be, and it’s a great relief to my soul and spirit to know I don’t have to spend eternity here. It even inspired a song. Hit the blue button to listen.

I previously mentioned how the Apostle Paul had dual citizenship in the cities of Tarsus and Rome. And I talked about how he lost his status when he decided to follow Jesus. I believe he still maintained dual citizenship. Only it was as a citizen of earth and a citizen of Heaven.

So, here’s how it is in this world.

Each of us who chooses to trust Jesus to be God the Savior retains a citizenship here on earth (until we die), but we also gain a new, eternal citizenship in Heaven. Our citizenship here on earth is fraught with challenges, turmoil, and even persecution. And we have to make our own way. We work, “by the sweat of our brow”, to earn whatever we get. On the other hand, our citizenship in Heaven is a free gift…bought and paid for by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Paul said “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us”. That glory shall be revealed in us. But that’s when we go to live with the One who “is able even to subdue all things to Himself“. Our current flawed bodies will be transformed into glory and never die again. That’s why we should “lay up our treasures in Heaven”.

Doesn’t it make sense that it would be better to put your treasures in a place where no moths or rust will ever destroy them…and where no thieves will ever break in and steal them?

Living in a paradise with no more fear or trepidation of death and dying…it boggles my mind why anyone wouldn’t want to sing, “I’m in this world, but not of it!”

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Press Toward The Goal

Posted on September 27, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

In the game of life, Press Toward Goal of Jesus. Then your life can be eternal.

The only way you’ll ever achieve a goal on purpose is if you continue to press toward the goal…even when it seems impossible to get there.

In basketball, the “full court press” is a term used to describe the extra pressure a team puts on its opponents. It’s both a defensive and offensive strategy because it has a two-fold goal…to keep the other team from scoring, and to get the ball back so your team CAN score. In this example, the word press is almost like an abbreviation for pressure. And I think that applies to our walk in the Christian faith.

To “press toward the goal” means to keep applying the pressure to yourself that produces forward motion…motion in the direction of Jesus. The Apostle Paul said, “I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do…forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”

Just one verse earlier in that chapter of Philippians he acknowledged that he had not already attained perfection. But he knew that wasn’t the goal. The goal was to press toward perfection which is only found in Jesus. It’s OK to hold yourself accountable according to God’s word. But that doesn’t mean working to achieve your own perfection. That’s an exercise in futility. And you’ll soon discover you’re only trying to “keep the law”. And that is what Jesus came to free you from…the law of sin and death.

Here’s a modern day example: if an anonymous donor paid off all your credit cards, would you then keep working to pay off all your credit cards? No, that would be silly. You’d be trying to do something that had already been done for you. I urge you to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus because He is the Truth…and the Truth will set you free.

In Christian Love”

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The Excellence of the Knowledge of Christ

Posted on September 26, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

If there was ever anyone who knew and experienced the excellence of the knowledge of Christ…it was Paul.

In Philippians 3:1-11 Paul describes some of his credentials as a Jew. He could confidently say he was a credible source of information for that faith. He said he was…

circumcised the eighth day
of the stock of Israel
of the tribe of Benjamin
a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law
a Pharisee; concerning zeal and persecuting the church

Yep, he had the goods when it came to knowing the Law. And he had high standing in the Jewish community. He also had dual citizenship in the cities of Tarsus and Rome and enjoyed the rights and privileges afforded him in both places.

Yet…Paul suffered the loss of all that once he chose to follow Christ and preach the truth of the Resurrection of Jesus. And he considered all his loss to be gain for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.

He considered those things he lost as “rubbish”. Paul knew (and preached at his own peril) that to know Jesus and “the power of His resurrection” meant he’d partake of the fellowship of Jesus’ sufferings. Still…Paul pressed on.

Paul also knew that to follow Jesus was to be “conformed to His death”. But he also had the full realization and expectation that it meant he would also “attain to the resurrection from the dead”. In other words, Paul would live beyond the grave…forever with the Lord. This knowledge fortified him, strengthened him throughout his trials and tribulations, and drove him to run the race to receive the prize. And Paul turned from persecuting the church to loving his neighbor.

If the excellence of the knowledge of Christ could do this for the “chief” of sinners, what do you suppose it can do for you?

In Christian Love”

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Supply What Is Lacking

Posted on September 25, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Are you willing and/or able to supply what is lacking in others?

That’s not a question that requires any false humility because we’re actually called by God to supply what is lacking in the lives of others.

Think about it…if you’re a parent, you do this daily. Your children would be lacking nourishment, nurturing, cleanliness, shelter, and a giant list of other things if you didn’t supply them. If you’re married, your husband or wife would be lacking so many valuable gifts of love, honor, and devotion if you didn’t supply them. OK…I think you get my point.

Paul wrote to the Philippians in chapter 2:25-30 about “Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow messenger” who he was going to send to them in his place. As far as I can tell, Epaphroditus was only mentioned twice in the Bible…once when Paul was sending him…and once when he returned to Paul with a message from the Philippians. Yet it’s easy to see in only 5 verses how dedicated Epaphroditus was and how willing he was to supply what was lacking in their service. Paul even said Epaphroditus was “the one who ministered to my need”, and this appeared to be in spite of the fact that Epaphroditus was “sick almost unto death”.

This was a man with a servant’s heart…a man who followed the example Jesus had shown the apostles when He washed their feet even as He was facing certain death. The more I dive into the love I find in Paul’s writings, the more I see it provides me with the Truth I need to supply what is lacking in the hearts of hurting humans.

This doesn’t mean they’ll listen or take heed…but that shouldn’t deter me from offering it. What about you? Are you studying to show yourself approved? Are you ready to supply what is lacking in someone’s life and ready to offer up proof for the hope that lies within you?

In Christian Love”

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All Seek Their Own

Posted on September 24, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

When Paul said “all seek their own” in Philippians 2:21, he didn’t mean every person in existence. It was a figure of speech…sort of like how we might say “all our friends are going to the game”. We don’t necessarily mean every friend we have or have ever had. So Paul was talking about some he thought he might choose from…someone he could send in his place to speak to the Philippians.

So “all” was a sub-section of people. There was one, though, who Paul felt confident to commend or recommend…Timothy. And Paul knew someone needed to go…someone who had enough love for the gospel and enough love for his Christian brothers to be there when needed.

That got me to thinking…would I be someone Paul could feel confident in recommending…someone he’d feel comfortable saying good things about. When I surveyed the landscape of my life, I saw a rough topography filled with crevasses I fell into and mountain peaks I never scaled. So…I decided I wouldn’t be a good candidate for Paul’s replacement. Then, I considered a bit more.

Hmm…you know Paul was first called Saul. And he was zealous in his persecution of the early Christians. Yet, Jesus saw something in him worth redeeming. And Paul still had to be knocked off his donkey (on the road to Damascus) and blinded for three days before he was fit for duty…so to speak. So…I decided, well…if Paul could be found redeemable and then work for the Lord, maybe so could I.

So here I am sharing my words and music of faith, hope, and love. My fervent hope is that, as my days, weeks, months, and years progress from this point on, I’ll continue to strengthen my spirit to wrestle the flesh so that I can be at least somewhat of a “good and faithful servant”. What about you? Do you want to be commendable?

In Christian Love”

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Shine As Lights In The World

Posted on September 23, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Shine As Lights in a dark world...it's an awesome way to show your faith, hope, and love.

Christians need to “shine as lights in the world” because, as you may have noticed, it’s getting darker and darker with each passing day.

If we’re rejoicing in our own Christian love but keeping our lights under baskets, can we truly say we have Christian love? I don’t think so. And here’s why.

Think, for a second, about how you came to know Jesus as your personal Savior (and if you’re a reader who hasn’t done this, don’t waste another day). How did you find the message of salvation? Was it just some happy accident? Absolutely not. Even if you were totally alone in a hotel room and stumbled across the Gideon Bible in the drawer next to the bed, it wasn’t an accident. Many people were involved. They took time out of their lives to distribute those Bibles and make sure you had free access.

Even before that…men spent years of their lives writing the books we find in the Bible. And at immense sacrifice, most giving even their lives to be sure you had the message of the salvation. The Apostle Paul said to “Do all things without complaining and disputing that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God…” This is a good example of the Christian love I’m always talking about.

I know it’s difficult to shine as lights in the world when we know “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil”. But that’s why we need to keep “holding fast the word of life“.

Two key words are there: “Word” and “Life”. Those are two of the three descriptions Jesus used for Himself. He said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me“. If God says we can shine…we can shine. If God says we’re lights…we’re lights. And if we dig in and trust in Him, He will help us do those things we don’t think we can do.

So…be willing to share your Christian love with someone today. Consider it “the sacrifice and service of your faith“. The more we stick together in this endeavor, the more we can rejoice.

In Christian Love”

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Tony’s Podcast Episode 14 – Words And Music of Faith Hope And Love

Posted on September 23, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

I shared the audio version my words and music of faith, hope, and love…and a big dose of optimism in this week’s podcast. If you’ve been having a tough week…or if you’ve been looking for something to help you see the sunshine through the rain…stop looking and listen.

In this podcast episode I shared articles about:

Stay tuned,

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Humbled And Exalted

Posted on September 22, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Is there a way to be both humbled and exalted?

There sure is. The “humbled” part is something you can do. In fact, true humility should come from you and not be forced upon you.

The “exalted” part will be done by God for those who love Him. Just think…a reward of exalted, eternal life, and we did nothing to earn it except love. Paul wrote to the Philippians and told them Jesus “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God“.

I’ve heard that passage mentioned by “faith teachers” who think it’s a proof text that we can say the same thing about ourselves. Not true. Jesus could say He was equal to God because He was…and is. I don’t know if you’ve checked your superpowers lately, but I know mine don’t include raising myself from the dead. I don’t have any others either. Go figure.

Even though Jesus is God, He didn’t come to earth (the first time) in all his glory. Instead He “made Himself of no reputation, taking on the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men”. Think about that for a second, and put yourself in His place…figuratively speaking. You’re God. Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Universe, and every living thing in it. You design a couple of human beings and give them the power to procreate. Then, you see your creation descend deeper and deeper into selfish depravity…to the point of every imaginable sin. So, you think to yourself, “I’m sorry I ever made these people…I’ll just destroy the whole world”.

But your love for them is stronger, fuller, richer, and deeper than your anger. So, you make a way for them to be redeemed. And you do this by paying the ultimate price. You take on human flesh and become obedient to the flesh even to the “point of death”. You had always lived from eons and eons past, and you could never be killed by anyone. But you divulge yourself of that which makes you invulnerable and give your life for your creations. You couldn’t possibly humble yourself more than that. However; because you’ve just paid the price for the sins of the world…past, present, and future, you will now be exalted to the point of having your name above all other names.

And that, dear reader, is exactly the love of Jesus, allegorically speaking. Jesus was both humbled and exalted infinitely lower and higher than any other person, living or dead, or yet to come. And that’s why at His name, every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess that He is Lord. His sacrifice gives me the Christian love to humble myself. And one day I’ll be exalted into Heaven to live with Him forever.

In Christian Love”

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Having The Same Love

Posted on September 21, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Are we Christians having the same love? Are we “being of one accord, of one mind“?

I have to say I don’t see it. I look around and see Christians in confusion and discord. The Apostle Paul, who suffered time and time again for his faith in Jesus, mentioned in Philippians 2 that it would bring him consolation, comfort, and joy if he could see the Christians of that time having the same love.

There’s a key ingredient that works against Christian fellowship, love, and a sense of like-mindedness. In fact, this ingredient makes these things virtually impossible. And what I’m talking about is selfishness. Paul admonishes us to “let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit”. That’s contrary to the ways of the world that say “if it feels good…if it feels right to you…do it”.

If you’re going to aspire to be anything at all like Jesus, who should be the tip-top example of selfless Christian love, you should treasure others better than yourself. Remember, Jesus said “There is no greater love than this”that a man be willing to lay down his life for his friends”. It wasn’t some pleasant-sounding platitude (like many other so-called spiritual leaders) to Him. He put it into action by taking on the punishment that all of us should have to endure. He never committed a crime or a sin, yet He was given the death penalty…after being found innocent.

Jesus was looking out for our best interests. He knew that an eternal life in paradise was a far superior option to eternal death and dying. So, He made a way for that to happen. And it became the ultimate free gift of Grace for anyone who wants it.

What about you? Is there someone you could be holding in higher regard? Is there someone you could be showing more love to with your words and deeds? Would it help to know that we’re all having the same love given to us…from a God who asks us to pass it on?

It sure helps me. And that’s why I’m committed to sharing my words of Christian love with you…I think the Word and love of God is in your best interests.

In Christian Love”

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With One Mind Striving Together

Posted on September 20, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

We can be stronger and more than conquerors when we work with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Do you find yourself listening to preachers, or teachers, or wonderful Christian speakers…and getting all pumped up from the message…only to fade fast when you go back to your daily life? When that happens, you’re probably leaning on your own understanding and strength. But when you remember that you are part of the Body of Christ, you’ll understand that all parts of that Body have access to one mind…the Mind of Christ. And when we work with one mind striving together for the faith of Jesus, we’re a force to be reckoned with.

In another article I talked about the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and it’s through His Spirit that we obtain access to His Mind. And we have His Spirit in us…and it grows when we are in His Word and His Word is in us. For example…as I’m writing this to you I’m searching for the books and chapters and verses in the Bible that help me explain what I’m saying. And that means I’m in God’s word. As I read it, God’s Word gets in me. How simple. Yet, how many of us are doing it?

Understand this important detail…there can be some negative consequences to sharing God’s word even the way I’m doing it right here in this article. Adversaries of God just love to mock and ridicule anyone who would dare quote a Bible verse in a public forum. But understand this detail, too…if and when you suffer mocking, ridicule, and persecution, it’s evidence of the privilege you’ve been granted on behalf of Christ. Not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Simply put…it means you must be doing something right.

So, pick up your Bible, get some good Word into your mind today, and equip yourself to be part of the Body that works with one mind striving together for the faith of Jesus.

In Christian Love”

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Supply of the Spirit, it’s time to get near it

Posted on September 19, 2013 by TonySeptember 5, 2022

The Supply Of The Spirit is bottomless and free.

Can you know that you know? Are you confident of your deliverance from this mean world into an eternal paradise? Do you have earnest (diligent) expectation and hope about anything? Does the boldness of any absolute truth have a place in you? Well, you can answer “yes” to these questions if and when you learn to trust in the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ.

This supply of the Spirit isn’t like going to a “spiritual guide” and getting some feel-good affirmations. Feelings change and affirmations change. This kind of supply is like trying to live on a diet of empty carbs. You’ll never feel full. In fact, you’ll feel weaker as time goes by.

So, tap into the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

Then, you access Living Water and the Bread of Life. This is solid food for your soul and spirit that will give you the confidence and boldness to face all life’s challenges…even unto death. When you realize that “to live is Christ”, you’ll understand that death is merely separation…separation from this mortal body, but going immediately into the loving presence of the One who created you.

The Apostle Paul was so certain of it he said he was “hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better“. He knew how glorious it would be to go be with the Lord, but he also knew that if he lived “on in the flesh”, it would mean more fruit from his labor. He was willing to live on in order to bring more people to the saving Grace of Jesus. Talk about Christian love.

So, what about you? Have you gained the kind of confidence from the supply of the Spirit that fills (at least partially) you with sacrificial love for your fellow human? It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the Word of God or have been a Christian most of your life…tap into the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

In Christian Love,

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My Chains Are In Christ

Posted on September 18, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

“My chains are in Christ”…sounds like a prison. Right? And why would anyone actually desire to be in chains?

Of course, this is a metaphor used by Paul in Philippians 1:12-18 to describe how he is bound to Christ and how it brings confidence…both to him and to those who are paying attention to him. He wants the Philippians to see how the terrible things that happened to him actually turned out for the good.

Paul, through his confidence in Jesus, became an amazing optimist. He found the positive side in his worst circumstances. And he used those circumstances as springboards of opportunity to preach the message of salvation from wherever he happened to be. He knew he was being watched by the “new Christians” of the day, so he showed them, by example, how to speak the word without fear.

When we tell the world, in Christian love, how Jesus is the only Way…or that He’s the Truth and the Life…and that “no man comes to the Father” but by Him…we might quickly find ourselves ridiculed and/or persecuted. In that way, spreading the Gospel becomes a bit like carrying around heavy chains. But we need to remember those chains are temporal. And the weight of those chains can be lifted from us daily through prayer.

The main thing I try to remember is…if my chains are in Christ, then I can turn to Him for the strength and courage to tell others about Him. And as long as we’re doing that, we have good reason to rejoice.

In Christian Love”

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Jump Up High

Posted on September 17, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

This evening I saw a cricket sitting on top of an exercise ball. I thought it looked funny sitting there all by itself. It looked like he had gotten up there to exercise. And I thought about how he had to jump up high to get up there. But he did it. So I took a picture. This isn’t it…

If you’re ready to do all you can to reach your goals, don’t be afraid to jump up high. It might seem scary at first, but that’s only because you haven’t been there before. New things can make you feel uneasy and unsure of yourself, but remember…once upon a time you couldn’t do a lot of the things you can do now.

So…be like that little cricket. Jump up high and go for your dreams. You were fearfully and wonderfully made by a magnificent God who loves you. He gave you some great talents.

Go do finer things. I’m pulling for you.

Jump up high and touch the sky.
Catch a twinkle in your eye.
Make a wish and wave goodbye
As you fall down from the sky.

Jump up high and fly around.
Watch the people on the ground
And be happy that you found
A way to jump and fly around.

Jump up high and spread your wings.
Fly in giant silver rings.
You can do so many things
When you jump and spread your wings.

Stay tuned,

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Every Remembrance Of You

Posted on September 17, 2013 by TonyFebruary 2, 2025

Here’s an awesome example of Christian love that I know I need to work on. I need to thank God with every remembrance of you…my Christian brothers and sisters. Yep, every time I think of any other Christian, I should be thankful to God for them.

Why does it matter? Because you are all “partakers, with me, of grace”. We are all beneficiaries of the grace of Jesus, and that makes each of us a part of the whole body of Christ. So, we need each other. We’re designed to need each other. And we’re stronger together than separately…just like the parts in our flesh-and-bone body. Sure, we can exist…even do fine…without one or both of our hands. But we’re much more efficient with them both.

The Christian love I talk about should rise above worldly love. We Christians need to abound in love with more knowledge and discernment. We should be able to share the love of God in ways that show how excellent and eternal it truly is. Christianity is an exclusive “religion” because it espouses the view that there’s only one Way to be with God in paradise forever…and that’s through the saving Grace of Jesus. But Christianity is also the most inclusive “religion” as well because anyone who asks Jesus for forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life receives these.

So, maybe I haven’t given thanks to God with every remembrance of you lately, but I’m giving it today. Today I pray that you are “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ”. Because when you are, you’ll want to spread that Word that Jesus saves. And when that happens, the angels in Heaven rejoice and sing. Let’s give ’em something to sing about!

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Be Anxious For Nothing

Posted on September 16, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

You’ve probably heard someone say “don’t sweat it”. Or maybe something like “hey, don’t worry about it”. In the Bible, God inspired Paul to write “Be anxious for nothing…”, so I’m guessing even God thinks we shouldn’t sweat it.

The rest of that verse in Philippians 4 says “but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

There’s another place in the Bible that says “you do not have because you do not ask”. Now, don’t misconstrue this to mean that God is a Santa Claus and all you have to do is ask for what you want and He’ll give it to you. But the things you truly need in this life, He will give you, if you ask. He’s ready to give you strength to endure the hard times, courage to face your adversaries, and words of Truth against which there are no good comebacks.

Our bodies need proteins, carbohydrates, and fats in order to thrive. And God put all of those things in a myriad of tasty plants and even animals. That’s one small example of His design meeting our needs. I’ll share others in other articles.

He also gave us a sound mind, if we’ll just use it. Put on your thinking and thanking cap.

And God made sure it would be easy to reach Him anytime we need to talk to Him. Through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross we have direct access to God in prayer. No wonder He says “be anxious for nothing”. That was an enormous act of love to break down the barriers of communication.

So, we need to be thankful, be glad, and be the same way toward others as God is toward us. But we also need to be anxious for nothing. Go ahead…let the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your heart and mind. After all, by fretting do you think you’ll add even 1 second to your life?

In Christian Love”

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Tony Funderburk Podcast Episode 13 – Words and Music of Faith Hope and Love

Posted on September 16, 2013 by TonyJuly 20, 2025

Ah…lucky 13…and it’s the episode where I transition the podcast from Rhyme Time to my new format of Words and Music of Faith, Hope, and Love. Be sure and leave me comments here or on the Podcast channel. Your feedback can help me improve the ongoing content and quality.

In this podcast episode I shared these articles on words and music of faith:

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Stay tuned,

Christian Doubt

Posted on September 15, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction When you have doubt about something in your life, you either aren’t sure it applies to you (or you to it)…or you just can’t seem to commit to it for some reason. This is just as true of Christian doubt and even more crucial to your well-being…here and now, as well as for eternity.

Why do I differentiate between doubt and Christian doubt? Well, day-to-day doubt, those nagging thoughts about whether or not you have enough strength, or time, or resources…those doubts can simply give you a bad day. But Christian doubt arises from not knowing the Word of God or if it applies to you or if it’s relevant for these “modern” times. And the doubt can grow when we don’t commit to discovering the truths found in the Bible. And this doubt can have eternal consequences.

Pretty corny, old-fashioned stuff, right?

Truth can sound very old-fashioned to anyone who believes everything is relative. The common thought that prevails in America (and much of the world) today is “if it’s right for you, then it’s right”. After all…who am I to tell/suggest/advise you on what’s best for YOUR life. I should just keep my ideas to myself, and if they work for ME, then that should be enough. I’m sure you’ve heard something similar expounded from a variety of sources.

However…just in case you weren’t aware…this very idea is written about in the Bible. It says “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.” Now, you may disagree that the Bible is true. In that case, I suggest you actually read it. Find out what it says, why it says it, and whether there’s any way to verify its claims. I believe you’ll find it to be the most reliable books of facts and book of history on the planet. Maybe that’s why it’s been the world’s bestseller for a few hundred years.

If you’re a Christian, and you find yourself lingering in Christian doubt, consider reading Romans 8. Find out what turned Saul, a man who persecuted the early Christians, into the Apostle Paul…a man who was convinced that Jesus was who He claimed to be.

Truth erases/negates/eliminates Christian doubt.

In Christian Love”

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No Condemnation For Those

Posted on September 14, 2013 by TonyAugust 18, 2024

Are you one of “those?” You should be. Because there is no condemnation for those.

But who are “those” there is no condemnation for?

Well, they’re the ones who are “in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit“.

OK, you pegged me. I’m one of “those”. And I’ll tell you why. Let’s assume for a moment…even if you don’t agree…that the Christian worldview is correct. It says that Jesus is God. And He came to earth about 2,000 years ago, taking on the flesh of man, suffered great persecution, was tortured and put to death even though He was found innocent of all charges, and He rose from the dead proving once and for all He was the one who was prophesied to come.

Now, if all that’s true, there’s only one good reason for Him to do that. Love. He couldn’t have done that for any selfish reasons. What could any mortal human hope to personally gain by going through all that? And take that up a million notches because He’s God. He’s eternal from forever in the past to forever in the future. He would never have died any kind of death without a sacrificial choice to do so.

So…it wasn’t His own gain He was seeking. It was yours. It was mine. And what gain? Well, the fact that Jesus took the punishment for all sin…past, present, and future…means that I have a shot at eternal life. Jesus gave me freedom from the eternal consequences of sin and death. His death made it possible for me to live in the presence of God without being consumed and extinguished by His holiness.

Wow, it’s hard to wrap your mind around.

and yet…it’s so simple. Love…the love of God that is…truly does conquer all. Don’t condemn yourself to an eternity of unquenchable anguish. Seek God. Find out if I’m right about His loving nature…because there is no condemnation for those who are in Him and his love.

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Stay tuned…

A Secure Love Relationship

Posted on September 13, 2013 by TonyFebruary 27, 2025

When you get right down to it, we humans have a fairly short list of true needs. Food, water, shelter, clothes, warmth when it’s cold, and coolness when it’s hot. Oh yeah…and one more thing…a secure love relationship.

Pretty much anything else not in that short list I just shared falls under the categories of “wants” and “desires”. So…I’m sorry to have to tell you this…but your iPhone and Galaxy are not needs. As much as I enjoy my iPhone and all it helps me do, I wouldn’t die without it. And that describes a “need”…you could literally die without it.

OK, how does a secure love relationship fall into the category of “needs”? Well, I’m glad you asked. First, there’s the day-to-day-life-in-this-world need for love we all have. We’re designed to need each other. We wouldn’t be much without other people. And it’s very stressful to live a life where love is perceived to be absent without leave. And stress can actually kill you. Did you realize that?

Well then, it appears love is necessary. But how do we get a secure love relationship established? And how can we be sure it’s secure for more than just a few years, months, weeks, days, or even hours? Simple. It’s gotta be based on Christian principles. Yep, even if you’re an atheist or agnostic, dependable love needs Christian principles. Because if you’re merely basing your love on feelings, you’re standing on shifting sands in a windstorm.

Your love should be willing to suffer for another…and be kind and humble. Your love should not behave rudely. You shouldn’t seek love for your own sake. Your love shouldn’t be easily provoked or think evil of the ones you love. Your love should rejoice in truth. Your love should be willing to bear, believe, and endure all sorts of things. If your love fits this description, you have the makings of a secure love relationship.

Next time I’ll share a place where you can go for the kind of Christian love everyone should be chasing after with all their hearts.

In the meantime…what do you think? Is there another standard for love that surpasses Christian love? If so, I’d love for you to share it here in the comments.

In Christian Love”

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Posted on September 12, 2013 by TonySeptember 11, 2022

There is no greater love than this...that a man lay down his life for his friend.

There is no greater love than this…that a man be willing to lay down his life for his friends.

Do you have a love like that living in your heart? It doesn’t mean that you have to be killed in order to prove you love your friends. It means you’d be willing to do that if things ever got to that point. I pray you never have to face a circumstance like that. But I also pray you’d be able if and when the time comes. And I pray that for me, too.

We Christians have an awesome example to go by. Jesus, who never committed a sin or a crime, became the only person ever to be found innocent of his charges and then sentenced to death. He didn’t do what He did because He had no other choice. When they came to seize Him and take him to face his charges, He let them know they couldn’t possibly do this without His willingness. He could have merely prayed and legions of angels would come to His aid.

But He didn’t do that. Because He had chosen to take on flesh and bone to become fully man in order to be able to give His life for His friends. Imagine…eons and eons past He had always been undying Spirit. And yet, His love for and toward us was and is so great, He became a man, then became sin, then actually endured a tortuous death that should have been for us.

And there is no greater love than this.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be on His team. I want to get to know how anyone could love me that much. If God, who created all the heavens and earth and lowered Himself to our level in order to give us eternal life, is FOR us…

…then, it doesn’t matter who’s against us. They’re inconsequential in comparison.

God says that tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, and sword will not separate us from Him. And the Apostle Paul was convinced that “…neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Truly there is no greater love than this.

In Christian Love…

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