OneBranch

Be Not Deceived! (30 min)

The greatest challenge of being deceived is that you do not realize you are (although you may wonder periodically). Some individuals do not mind being deceived because they enjoy the illusions that ultimately end in disappointment and harm. There are many forms of deception and reasons people engage in it. Regardless of the motives, theContinue reading “Be Not Deceived! (30 min)”

A Repost of God’s Message in a Body

Why Christians celebrate Christmas Scripture in the book of Isaiah contains such a beautiful prophecy about the promised Messiah purposely born to establish His Kingdom on the throne of David forever; His name – God; His rule – justice; He is Wonderful, Counselor, and the Prince of Peace. Rabbis and Jewish writers like Elie WieselContinue reading “A Repost of God’s Message in a Body”

Who is the Weaker?

What binds followers of Christ together? Are all believers in Jesus Christ truly joined together, and if so, how does this unity happen? Is it automatic, or are we called to take action? Jesus prayed for our unity (John 17:21), indicating that both divine initiative and our response matter. God’s love is the initiator, andContinue reading “Who is the Weaker?”

The Foundation and Purpose of Unity in Christ

The unity that the Lord desires is not about agreeing on everything. Our Lord created diversity, and the Church is where unity thrives in God-created and God-appointed diversity. The unity among believers is based on being different parts of Christ’s body with differing functions, gifts and abilities. We must be aware of the presence of the Head, Christ JesusContinue reading “The Foundation and Purpose of Unity in Christ”

The Gravity of it All

There was nothing extraordinary about my life yesterday, but I experienced a deep soberness related to the concept of personal choice. You see, I interacted with two people I hadn’t seen in a while, and I had the opportunity to hear about their choices. A couple of years ago, I shared my faith withContinue reading “The Gravity of it All”

RSVP

Being invited to celebrate a feast with those who share a common love for the host should be an exciting and joyous experience. Consternation can arise when the invitee has (1) unresolved feelings between competing loyalties or (2) concerns about their capacity constraints. The host sets the terms (such as the venue, date, format, andContinue reading “RSVP”

Tired But Encouraged (5 Min)

Is it just me? How can a person be so joyful and thankful but tired of certain things simultaneously? The writers of the Bible often shared laments, and while I am not divinely inspired to write Scripture and am by no means a skilled author, I can express my thoughts. I will avoid details becauseContinue reading “Tired But Encouraged (5 Min)”

The Faith and Obedience of Samuel

The author of the book of Hebrews outlined the necessity of faith in what has come to be known as the “hall of faith”. In Hebrews 11:6, it says, “… without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarderContinue reading “The Faith and Obedience of Samuel”

How to Overcome? Philippians 4 (30 min)

Independence is celebrated today as a strength. The concept of total self-reliance is opposite to Biblical teaching (John 15:4-5). The Word of God clearly and repeatedly states that the source of the Christian’s strength is Christ Himself through the power available in the Holy Spirit. Secondly, fellowship with believers is indeed God’s desire for HisContinue reading “How to Overcome? Philippians 4 (30 min)”

What is Your Goal? Philippians 3 (22 min)

In my last post, I asked: Do you understand who Jesus Christ is from Father God’s view? The Father’s revelation of Christ is within God’s Word. It is important not to have someone else’s interpretation of who He is! What does God expect you to do with His Christ beyond believing in His message? PaulContinue reading “What is Your Goal? Philippians 3 (22 min)”