Building on the Foundation

  Both Old and New Testaments warn us again and again about false teachers and false doctrines. As we’ve observed before, it is so easy to be deceived if we don’t continually stand guard against it. In one of these many warnings, the apostle Paul wrote, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Cor. 11:3). What is this simplicity Paul spoke of? “Simplicity” is Strong’s # G572, haplotēs . Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines it as, “singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty; the virtue of one who is free from pretence and dissimulation; openness of heart manifesting itself by benefactions, liberality.” Elsewhere in the New Testament, this word is translated as “liberality” (generosity) or “sincerity.” For example, “he who gives, with liberality [ haplotēs ]” (Rom. 12:8). The Septuagint employs this same Greek word to describe integrity, innocence, or uprightness (2 Sam. 15:11...

  Building a Relationship with God. This is something I think I can safely say we all desire, but a question remains—how do we go about it? How do we make sure we are on the right track to have a successful outcome? There is an unspoken rule that works wonders, in every area of our lives to which we apply it, including this one: “To be effective at whatever it is we are trying to do, we must first educate ourselves on the “why” (the purpose), and the “how” (the process), and then based on that knowledge, develop a course of action to accomplish our goal.” This, regarding building a relationship with God, is what I would like to focus on today. The “Why” God did not create mankind to always be alone. Instead, He instilled in them a desire to have relationships with others—to be a part of something bigger than themselves. This desire when utilized properly, is a powerful motivator and wonderful blessing that has all kinds of benefits. As Eccl. 4:9-12 says, “Two are better th...