Freedom | AGW MINISTRIES

The Difference Between Reasons and Excuses

November 4, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

There are always reasons why we sin, but there is never an excuse. In a day and age where everyone who attends high school is required to take a course in Psychology 101, where you can turn on the TV and watch Dr. Phil do a live counseling session, and where every behavioral problem in children is apparently linked back to a genetic problem solvable by medication, we are a society prone to look for the “root issue of the problem.”

It’s certainly not wrong to take a deeper look at how someone was raised, what genetic dispositions they may have, or how society has negatively shaped an individual. The Bible itself makes clear that bad actions (sin) are rooted not in the surface decisions being made but deeper, in the sinful nature (Galatians 5:17).

How to Get Through Pain as a Christian

June 13, 2018October 14, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Throughout Jesus’ time on earth, he promised that his people will, without question, experience much pain, turmoil, and persecution on this earth. What is often overlooked is that he also promised that the prize for enduring these things for the sake of Christ will be far greater than the pain. Mark 10:28-30 explains:

What You Must Remember After You Run from God

October 11, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

running from God — But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.-Luke 15:31

I certainly don’t agree with everything the Amish believe. Their extreme legalism and shunning practices are not a reflection of God’s grace. But some Amish communities do have a practice which I find beautiful.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Balanced?

October 10, 2016October 2, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

“Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her.” – 2 Samuel 13:15

One common expression many Christians say is that we should all try to be balanced. But what does being balanced really mean? And what does the Bible say about being balanced?

In one sense this is not a hard question. As Christians, we should be “balanced” in such a way where we are level headed, not overly dogmatic, and respectful of other people’s beliefs even if we don’t hold them ourselves.

Christians should also be balanced in that we should not hone in on one doctrine, trying to make the Bible and the Christian faith all about this one point, for as John Stott said, “Every heresy is due to an overemphasis upon some truth, without allowing other truths to qualify and balance it.”

Christianity Is a Pursuit, Not an Abstention

September 16, 2018August 20, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Put simply, we will never find God and live free by just avoiding evil but rather through pursuing Christ.

Christianity Is the Greatest Paradigm Shift in History

August 5, 2016August 4, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

christian paradigm shift bible — Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see . . . .”-Acts 9:18

Have you ever taken hold of an idea that completely changes the way you view the world?

A paradigm is one’s theoretical views or beliefs that create one’s perceptions of the world, shaping the way one thinks and lives. A “paradigm shift” happens when a new idea or viewpoint changes the old way of seeing.

For example, people use to believe the earth was flat. This belief shaped the way they lived because they feared they would fall off the face of the planet if they traveled too far. This was their paradigm.

However, once the truth was revealed that the earth was round, a paradigm shift happened in the minds of men. It changed everything.

Identifying Idols of the Heart

July 28, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

While there is really only one true God, in our fallenness we often times idolize many other things, thus treating them like gods. But how do we identify idols of the heart?

Control is the name of the game when it comes to being a god or God. One of the qualities of divinity is doing what you want, when you want, and why you want. This truth can help us identify idols of the heart.

When we idolize someone or something, we will be controlled by them. Therefore, if you want to know what your gods are, all you have to do is identify what controls you.

How to Forgive Someone Who Has Hurt You Deeply

October 29, 2018July 14, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

how to forgive someone who has deeply hurt you bible christian — (Matthew 18:21-35)

How do you forgive someone who has hurt you deeply? Sadly this is a question every human will have to answer if they hope to keep their heart healthy.

If you have close friends, relatives you love, a spouse, children, or any other significant relationship, the possibility for hurt will never leave and thus forgiveness will always be deeply needed.

Therefore, the first step in forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply is to prepare in advance before the hurt even happens.

The Greater Danger of “Little Sins” Vs. “Big Sins”

July 3, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

In some respects, little sins are much more dangerous than big sins. By “little sins” and “big sins,” I certainly don’t mean some sins are less offensive in the eyes of God. All sin deserves death, and thus all sin will be paid for either by the sinner or through the cross of Christ.

Put Good In, Get Good Out

June 20, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

To live is to be constantly taking in and putting out. We breathe and then exhale. We see and then react. We hear and then process. We eat and then . . . well you know. Life is a constant journey of movement. Spiritually speaking, this is true as well. We are never just standing still. We are either moving closer to the Lord or backsliding (Romans 6:19, 2 Peter 1:8-9).