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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.

Why Was Moses Kept From Entering the Promised Land?

July 27, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

why was Moses kept out of the promised land — Deuteronomy 3:27-28

It’s troubling when we learn that Moses was not allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Moses spoke with God face to face. He was God’s chosen instrument to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God used Moses to give us the Pentateuch, the first five foundational books of the Bible. Moses was the humblest man on the face of the earth during his lifetime (Numbers 12:3). All in all, it’s hard to find a man more devoted to God in all of the Old Testament.

So why was Moses kept from entering the Promised Land?

Idolizing the Past

September 30, 2018July 24, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Sequels are usually not nearly as good as the original film or book in a series. Most sequels fail to live up to the greatness of the original story because they are trying to recreate the magic that happened the first time rather than building on the story. They try to go through the same plot progression as the first story, the characters end getting into the same trouble, and the whole point of the movie is simply to redo the first one under a different title.

Do you know that we can do that in our lives too? It’s good to look back at our past with fond memories. But there are countless dangers that come with idolizing our past.

How to Find a Christian Spouse

May 28, 2018July 23, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

There’s been a lot said to Christian singles who desire to find a spouse. “Just pray about it.” “Just serve Jesus and he’ll take care of it.” “Stop desiring to be married and then God will bless you with a Christian spouse.” “Just get on a Christian dating site already and stop talking to me about this all the time!”

When it comes down to it, there seems to be two camps in the “How to find a Christian spouse” advice market. One group says just serve Jesus and it will take care of itself. The other group says God only helps those who help themselves.

So which is it? What’s the best way to find a Christian spouse?

3 Christian/Biblical Counseling Tips

November 26, 2018July 22, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Christian_Biblical Counseling Tips advice — Colossians 4:5-6

Most Christians desire to give biblical counsel to those in need. Christians have been given amazing insight to humanities’ problems through the wisdom of God found within the Bible. But knowing the truth and counseling other people to understand the truth are entirely different.

So here are 3 tips for Christians who desire to offer biblical counsel to those in need.

Tip 1: Christians Must Show They Care Before They Offer Biblical Counsel

During my years as a pastor, I had a reoccurring experience while counseling people at public places like coffee shops or restaurants. I would be right in the middle of offering biblical counsel to someone and a nearby Christian who neither of us knew would over hear our conversation and chime in with their thoughts.

How to Father Young Children

July 26, 2016July 21, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

What just happened? A moment ago I was the captain of my high school hockey team. I was a college student who married young. I was a young professional going on all kinds of crazy adventures with my hot wife. Life made so much sense. But then it happened.

What Does the Bible Say About Believing in Yourself?

July 20, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

The American dream is taught to children at a young age, “If you work hard and believe in yourself, you can be anything you want to be.” Is this really true? Does the Bible really say that if you believe in yourself, you can be whatever you want?

Campaigning Vs. Proclaiming

July 17, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

Sometimes I confuse the idea of being a disciple of Jesus with being a campaign manager. I often think instead of doing his will by following Jesus in an intimate way like a true disciple was made to do, I am actually here to promote God by playing politics.

But God isn’t running for office because he doesn’t need to be elected. Even though we often forget this fact, he’s the one who does the electing. He rules whether people would vote for him or not. He’s the Supreme King, not an earthly president.

It’s a dangerous and hurtful message when someone pleads with people to follow Jesus, as though Jesus is in need of people rather than the people being in need of Jesus. God isn’t campaigning. He’s already ruling. Proclaiming this is the Christians’ mission.

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 Price of Spiritual Power

July 12, 2016 by Mark Ballenger

There is a teaching in our day that rebels against the “health, wealth, and prosperity” gospel. The prosperity gospel, in short, says if you pray to Jesus he will bless you materially beyond your wildest dreams. The emphasis is on power, blessings, and avoidance of suffering.