Articles

What is the Gospel. . . How can I be saved?

As a pastor, I’m often asked, “How can I be saved?” The Romans Road to salvation has been very helpful during these types of conversations—it uses verses from the book of Romans to explain, not only why we need salvation, but how a person is saved. The first signpost...

What should a Christian’s political stance be?

As America falls deeper into self-reliance and further from reliance on God, our need for Him has never been greater. It’s been said that one of the greatest mission fields in the world today is the United States. This is largely due to the fact that awe and respect...

Christians: Engage, not enrage the culture

“Of the 22 civilizations that have appeared in history, 19 of them collapsed when they reached the moral state America is in today" (Arnold Toynbee; historian). As stated last week, if we fail to contend for what is right, we may see a time in our history when our...

Why Didn’t Someone Do Something?

“There is no nation on earth powerful enough to accomplish our overthrow. Our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inattention of the people to the concerns of their government, from their carelessness and negligence” (Daniel...

America: “Christian Nation”…Fact or Fiction?

I’m hesitant to label America a “Christian nation.” Christians are followers of Christ, whereas a nation is a group of people who share a common identity, and often, a common origin. Some of the founders, such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, were not...

The Cost of Speaking the Truth

There is a cost to speaking the truth. This realization came nearly 10-years ago when I was asked to speak at the annual conference for the American Baptist...unaware that they were about to divide over ordaining those who embrace the homosexual lifestyle. Within...

Don’t Fear The Fully Surrendered Life

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). In today’s culture, there are countless enticements that pull us away from a fully surrendered life. It is my firm belief, that, second only to salvation, the fully surrendered life...

“Are your expectations of church realistic?”

Part four in a series entitled, Biblical Principles to Consider Before Leaving Your Church. Are your expectations of the church and/or pastor realistic? Your pastor may not be a motivational speaker, the worship may not descend from the portals of heaven, and you may...

Are you seeking to be “used” or “recognized”?

To view the sermon related to this topic, visit https://vimeo.com/48350351 Part three in a series entitled, Biblical Principles to Consider Before Leaving Your Church. How will leaving affect your family? Most often, the actions of the husband determine the stability...

Principles To Consider Before Leaving Your Church

In America today, a significant number of people are switching churches or leaving altogether. I’ve found that unwarranted criticism often plays a significant role. The following articles are notes from a possible future book: Before You Leave—ten biblical principles...

“How much of God do you want?”

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). “I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please. Not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk, or a snooze in the...

“We Desperately Need Another Move Of God”

A genuine revival is God reviving His people—“Wilt thou not revive us again that thy people may rejoice in thee?” (Psalm 85:6 KJV). Repentance if often a mark of true revival. Griffith Jones, who preached during the Welsh revivals of the 18th century, said, “The tears...

“I’m Just Not Convicted.” You Should Be

“I’m just not convicted like that.” I recently heard this honest statement following a message on holiness. The text for the message was 2 Corinthians 6:15, “And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial?” Belial is the epitome of...

The Devil Made Me Do it!” Not True

BY SHANE IDLEMAN “And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13). One simple story illustrates an example of an opportune time, “Alexander was trying to save all the pennies that he could in order to buy a...

“God’s Will Is Always Right On Time”

“With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (II Peter 3:8). Although this Scripture may not apply directly to God’s will, the principle still applies: His will is revealed in His time. Granted, there are times when the Holy Spirit...

“Should Christians Stay Out Of Politics?”

One group believes that the church should be used as a political platform, the other advocates passivity. So, what’s the answer? First, we cannot deny our primary responsibility: To preach the gospel. This is how America will “truly” change from the inside out. The...

“A Fourth of July Wake-up Call”

"We have forgotten God, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own” (Abraham Lincoln). Over the last few decades, Americans have seen the destruction of the...

“Can I Lose My Salvation?”

By Shane Idleman (watch the video here) A common question for many is, "Can I lose my salvation?" I’ve heard both sides of the argument, and only God truly knows a person’s heart, but I can share a few thoughts. One thing is for certain, salvation is a gift from God...

“Men. . .We Are In Desperate Need Of Leadership”

“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). As a child, I was captured by the stories that my grandfather told about life on the farm in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. The images I’ve...

“A Biblical Response To Gay-Marriage”

Part 2 on gay-marriage by Shane Idleman. Use the link at the bottom to post on facebook. As stated last week, I have nothing but compassion for those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. Those who strongly believe in the Bible and God’s will regarding sexual behavior,...

Gay-marriage is not about “rights”

My hope is that readers will read the entire article before drawing any conclusions. I have nothing but compassion for those trapped in the homosexual lifestyle. Those who strongly believe in the Bible and God’s will regarding sexual behavior, also strongly believe in...

Holiness: “Come Out From Among Them”

Part three in a series on holiness by Shane Idleman A famous poem reads, “All the water in the world no matter how hard it tries, can never sink a ship unless it gets inside. All the evil influence of the world no matter how hard it tries, can never sink a Christian's...

“Holiness: Are You Willing To Do What It Takes?”

Part two in a series on holiness by Shane Idleman As stated last week, of all the attributes of God described in the Bible, holiness is seen most often. Men fell down in the holy presence of God. Leaders, priests, and kings all trembled at the sheer magnitude of His...

Understanding God Through Holiness

Part one in a series on holiness In the words of the famous hymn writer Isaac Watts, “True Christianity, where it reigns in the heart, will make itself appear in the purity of life.” Of all the attributes of God described in the Bible, holiness is seen most often. Men...

MONEY: Is it Servant or Master?

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 Throughout the centuries, the church has watched as the pendulum swung between two thoughts: vows of poverty and the “prosperity gospel.” In times past, Christians equated oaths of poverty with...

What Goes In The Mind Comes Out In Actions

Part two on entertainment by Shane Idleman; www.WCFAV.org When Matt was very young, his parents introduced him to a family friend. Matt was excited because he had someone to play with; his parents were pleased because he could entertain Matt when they were busy. As...

Today’s Entertainment Is Desensitizing The Church

By Shane Idleman; www.WCFAV.org Famed radio host, Janet Parshall, recently aired a program about new movie sensations that are depicting ungodly themes, such as the Hunger Games, Twilight, etc. Her guest made the point that the church is losing the power of...

“This Easter—Don’t Forget About The Cross”

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). Why is the world offended by the cross? Why are so many disturbed when the name of Jesus is mentioned? Why is His...

Unrighteous Anger—explodes, shatters, and damages

The bible clearly differentiates between righteous and unrighteous anger. Anger can be the correct response or a dangerous emotional reaction. The nature of anger is defined by the motive and the condition of the heart. Anger over issues that anger the Lord such as...

Doesn’t The Bible Say Judge Not?

A few years ago, a news report featured a famous athlete who was considering running for political office. As soon as the news correspondent asked about abortion and gay-marriage, the potential candidate became visibly upset. He criticized Christians and ended the...

Divorce —You can’t control choices others make

The final article in a series on Real Marriage—the truth about life together. As stated last week: If God is ministering restoration in your spirit, wait for it; contend for it; pray fervently for it. “He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)....

Divorce—When To Hold On And When To Move On

Part seven from a sermon series on Real Marriage—the truth about life together, by Shane Idleman www.wcfav.org As stated last week, only God can truly answer this question. If God is ministering restoration in your spirit, wait for it; contend for it; pray fervently...

Divorce & Separation—Is Restoration Always God’s Will?

Part six from a sermon series at Westside Christian Fellowship on Real Marriage—the truth about life together. In my opinion, only God can truly answer this question. Spouses are encouraged to spend extended time in the Word and obedience to it, as well as extended...

Divorce—Don’t Allow Past Brokenness To Cause Future Pain

Part five from a sermon series on Real Marriage—the truth about life together, by Shane Idleman [WCFAV.org]. Last week, I asked, “How can we undo the emotional pain we experience from failed relationships?” First, we must understand that it’s not an external fight,...

Marriage & Divorce—The Walls Built To Protect May Imprison

Part four from a sermon series on Real Marriage by Shane Idleman—the truth about life together. As stated last week: A Focus on the Family newsletter stated that when a research team studied 5,232 married adults who were interviewed in the late 1980s, they discovered...

Marriages Are Failing Because The Foundation Has Weakened

        Part three from a sermon series on Real Marriage—the truth about life together, by Shane Idleman; WCFAV.org. Throughout my teen years, I worked with my father in the under-ground construction business. My dad’s closest friends, builders respected for their...

Divorce—Are We Twisting Scripture To Make It Fit?

Part two from a sermon series on Real Marriage by pastor Shane Idleman—the truth about life together. Perhaps one of the most difficult Scriptures dealing with divorce or separation is found in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, “A wife must not leave her husband. But if she does...

Adultery—God Can Restore If Repentance Occurs

Part one from a sermon series on Real Marriage—the truth about life together.   The Bible describes the intoxicating power of passion associated with lust and adultery. Misdirected passion deceives, misleads, and influences...we walk in darkness,...

Feelings Often Lie, But Obedience Can Be Trusted

By Shane Idleman; www.WCFAV.org In the eyes of a secular culture, obedience to God’s Word seems intolerant, tyrannical, and demanding. Yet, obedience is a spiritual principle intended to protect and honor others, as well as ourselves. Sadly, it is not only a cultural...

Prayer & Conviction—Signs Of A Spiritually Healthy Church

By Shane Idleman I recently spent a few days alone in a cabin to slow down, reflect, and pray—to renew my mind. The importance of time alone with God is invaluable. Renewal begins and ends with prayer. “When faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live” (E.M. Bounds). To...

“We must speak the truth in love in 2012”

There is a dangerous trend in the evangelical church today. A futile attempt is being made to conform God’s Word to social norms, rather than to conform social norms to His Word. As a result, truth is vague, doctrine is blurred, and the fundamentals of the Christian...

“Christmas—The Tree, The Cost, and The Cross”

“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). There is a significant shift in the church today to avoid controversial truths, such as sin. God’s Word says to confront, confess, and turn from sin,...

“Do You Really Want To Change?”

“I’ve had enough! I’m filing for divorce! You will never change,” yelled the angry wife as the door slammed behind her. Sadly, this scenario happens all too often. Change is difficult, but we risk endless difficulties, and often, tragedies if we don’t change. Change...

Emerging vs. Emergent Churches: Clearing up the Confusion

I’m often asked about the difference between the emerging and emergent church. The following article is one of the best that I’ve read on the subject. I don’t know of anyone better than Jason Carlson (www.Jude3.com) who approaches this subject with humility, honesty,...

Practical Steps To Overcoming Pornography: Part 2

Last week, I ended with a few practical suggestions to overcoming pornography; here are more (in addition to last weeks). Become men and women of prayer. Men would live better if they prayed better. Porn cannot gain a stronghold in a broken, praying heart. If we’re...

“Practical Steps To Overcoming Pornography”

The words, “By 2020, most women will be marrying men severely addicted to pornography,” jumped out as I glanced through recent statements on pornography. What was defined as pornography a few decades ago now fills our television screens on a nightly basis. We are...

“Salvation: God’s sovereignty or man’s responsibility”

Although salvation is a supernatural act of God that cannot be fully explained, Scripture offers many insights. One thing is certain: God is not wanting “any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). There are primarily two differing beliefs...

“Can I “lose” my salvation? No. Here’s why…”

A common question for many is, “Can I lose my salvation?” I’ve heard both sides of the argument, and only God truly knows a person’s heart, but I can share a few thoughts. One thing is for certain, salvation is a gift from God that cannot be earned. One school of...

“Has Leadership Lost The Fear Of The Lord? Yes, It Has”

AUTHOR’S NOTE: When the word “church” is used, I’m referring to the church as a whole rather than “all” churches. There are many good churches doing great things. I applaud them for their faithfulness.   The present condition of the church leaves one to wonder if...

“Has The Church Lost The Fear of the Lord? Yes!”

(When the word “church” is used, I’m referring to the church collectively, as a whole, rather than “all” churches.) A few weeks ago, I had a conversation with a pastor who suggested that these articles are written from a position of fear. I agree…I believe that these...