Halloween Candy Stickers - A Great Way to Be a Light!

Every year I put these cute Halloween stickers on the candy we pass out to trick-or-treaters. The stickers are wonderful conversation-starters and are a great way to be a Gospel light to your neighborhood. I thought I would share them with you! Just click on each link to get a PDF version of the stickers. You can print them on address labels, or if you don't have any labels, you can simply print them on paper, cut them out, and tape them to the candy.


Halloween Stickers 1

Halloween Stickers 2

Halloween Stickers 3

Halloween Stickers 4

(Note: I originally downloaded the stickers from this site but have since edited them to my liking. However, this lady is the original sticker-maker so I want to make sure I give credit where it's due!) 

Hope you enjoy!

Love,

Kristen

Earthly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom

We all hear many ideas and opinions about what is considered to be good and wise in our world today. But how can we truly know what is good and wise in a culture that's oozing with relativism and pragmatism at every turn? The way in which we answer that question will reveal our worldview and will tell us wherein our trust lies. 

What feels right? What is popular? What has brought success in the past? Questions such as those are spurred by earthly wisdom. Earthly wisdom appeals to our senses and emotions and tells us to follow our hearts. It consists of thoughts and ideas that seem wise in the eyes of man, and it can change based on what is popular and what people believe to be true at the time.

Godly wisdom, on the other hand, never changes. It is based solely upon God's Word and tells us to steer clear of emotional decisions and to reject our inclination to follow our hearts; after all, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). 

Let's look to the writings of Paul to help us better discern earthly wisdom from godly wisdom. When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians he was attempting to defend himself after false teachers had gone into the Corinthian church and tried to debunk Paul’s testimony by attacking his character and his credibility as an apostle. He wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:12: "For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you."

In this verse Paul says to the Corinthian church that his conscience is clear because he acted not with earthly wisdom toward the Corinthians, but with godly wisdom. The Lord gave Paul grace to behave with simplicity (not to try to impress people) and with godly sincerity (to be humble and to recognize his need for God's grace), which caused him to boast in the Lord all the more.

Additionally, King Solomon gives us great insight into godly wisdom. When God asked him what one thing he wanted more than anything else, Solomon asked for wisdom (2 Chronicles 1). The book of Proverbs, written around the 10th century B.C. by King Solomon, teaches us about the source of godly wisdom: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Proverbs 9:10).

Fearing the Lord is where godly wisdom begins. This doesn’t just mean having a great respect for the Lord, as some people say. Fearing the Lord means our hearts and souls fall down before Him, recognizing His sovereignty, His power, and our eternal need of Him. My husband explains the fear of the Lord like this: Imagine there is a huge lion standing before you; no cage, no glass, nothing. Just you and a lion. Realizing that lion's immense power and knowing that it could rip your head off at any minute leads you to tremble with fear. And although that lion allows you to get close and snuggle up to it, you're always aware of its great strength and its capability to destroy you at any moment. Now, this analogy definitely falls short in many areas when we think about a believer's relationship to God (for God has promised not to devour those who are in Christ, and believers can be confident in God's promises while boldly approaching His throne), but we do get a clearer picture of what the fear of the Lord looks like as we acknowledge His power and sovereignty over us. And when we truly fear the Lord, we'll read His Word and follow His commands because we will see what a mighty God He is, and we’ll desire to honor Him with our lives. This is godly wisdom from above that is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17).

Love,

Kristen

Eschatology, Part 1: This Age and The Age to Come

Over the next 2 or 3 months, I plan to write a series of succinct blog entries on eschatology.  My goal with each entry is to briefly explain an aspect of the doctrine of eschatology and then to help you think about how this matters in our lives today.  Now, I realize some of you know exactly what the term eschatology means, while others of you may be scratching your heads a bit at this unfamiliar word, so let me explain:  Eschatology is the study of the end times or the last days.  Eschatos is a Greek word from which we derive the word eschaton, which refers to “the end” or “the last,” and –ology simply refers to “the study of” or “the knowledge of.”  Therefore, eschatology is the term we use to refer to the study of the end times or the last days.

But what exactly is meant by the end times or the last days?  In Scripture we are presented with two ages: the present age and the eternal age (i.e. Ephesians 1:21 - “… in this age, but also in the one to come”).  The age we live in now is referred to as “this age” and the age that will one day supersede this age is referred to as “the age to come.”  So, when we talk about eschatology we are not actually referring to an ultimate end of life altogether; we are referring to the end of this present age.  Eschatology is the end of this age and the ushering in of the age to come. 

What is the difference between these two ages?  The Bible refers to this age as the “present evil age” (Galatians 1:4), which is passing away (1 Corinthians 7:31), while the age to come will be eternal (Mark 10:30, Matthew 25:46).  In this age there is death, pain, and suffering; in the age to come there will be no more death (Luke 20:34-37) and no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4). Additionally, this age is unrighteous and evil, but in the age to come all these former things will pass away, and all things will be made new (Revelation 21:1-5).  

Thankfully, when this age expires, there will come a new day that will be ushered in by Jesus Christ.  He will return to judge the world in righteousness, and then He will bring in the age to come. This will be an age not like our own, but one of beauty, perfection, and righteousness.  And this will not happen till He comes. 

So, how can we apply this to our lives right now? Well, let’s use our present political situation as an example. We cannot expect a presidential candidate to usher in the age to come (beauty, perfection, righteousness, and endless joy), because Jesus alone is the One who will usher in the eternal age. He is the Messiah, not a president or world leader.  Be careful of your expectations, because there is no such thing as heaven on earth in this present age.
         Our hope is not in this age; our hope is in the One who will usher in the age to come.  But this does not mean we stop living or enjoying the gift of life God has given us in this age; this does mean, however, that we should stop expecting a presidential nominee to usher in the age of goodness and righteousness. While we have the privilege, and even the duty, to vote in local, regional, state, and national elections, our only true hope is in God, and not in man.  Our faith must rest in Jesus the Messiah, the Eternal God of the Ages.

~Corey

In This World You Will Have Trouble...

How do you usually react when trials and troubles come your way? What is your response when your soul grows weary and the burden you carry seems almost unbearable? For me, trials often initially cause a particular response to bubble-up within my soul. An attitude of self-pity and a no-one-around-me-could-possibly-understand-what-I'm-going-through mindset are usually my first inclinations during times of difficulty. 

Recently my friend and I were discussing some of our current struggles with one another, as we often do. During our conversation, God used her kind and compassionate words to remind me of the goodness and love He so freely pours out onto His people. The Lord, though He owes us nothing, graciously brings believers together in unity to experience sweet fellowship with one another. And at times, to lovingly rebuke and correct one another. What a gift God has given us - each other! So, why is it that often times we quickly declare that no one could possibly understand the hardship we're experiencing in a particular situation? Why does it matter if someone doesn't understand the exact pain and the exact circumstances you're going through? Can any of us ever perfectly understand one another? Only Christ truly understands our woes, and He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15), for He knows us better than we know ourselves. We don't always fully understand how it must feel to experience a particular trial, but we do all go through trials. Every person doesn't understand what it's like to mourn the loss of a spouse, suffer a terrible illness, sort through a mountain of debt, endure the sorrow of a miscarriage, or face long-term unemployment. But we all, in different ways and from different angles, have felt the crippling emotions various trials can bring, such as loneliness, unworthiness, guilt, and heartbreak.

Just because no two person's troubles are the same doesn't mean that we all haven't experienced hurt, pain, and grief. Everyone goes through trials. Some are more visible than others. Some are never exposed to anyone at all. But the purpose of our trials, no matter how big or how small, is to cause us to cling to Christ all the more and to remind us that our hearts will never be made whole or complete until we reach the end of this earthly race. Trusting that Christ will bring us to completion is the only hope for any of us. "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Knowing that God is working all things for the good of those who love Him and have been called as His children makes the trials more bearable. God created us to need Him and to rely on each other for support during hard times. And He graciously places people in our lives that continue to point us to Christ in the midst of it all. Thankfully, we are all in this race together! So let's focus on running the course hand-in-hand, being sure that "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).

Love,

Kristen

Thoughts on the First Presidential Debate

Earlier this week we witnessed the first of three presidential debates between the upcoming election’s two leading candidates, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Thankfully, Monday’s event didn’t produce the chaotic stage many of us have come to expect during recent political debates. While there were plenty of attacks and interruptions during the 90-minute program, overall, the candidates were surprisingly respectful of one another. Personally, I would like to see a change in format for these debates, since the talking points of both Clinton and Trump didn't provide the public with any new information, and their answers lacked true substance; but that’s a discussion for another day. 

Today my concern is centered upon all the negative criticism I’ve observed regarding both of these candidates. Several weeks ago I wrote about the importance of examining ourselves amidst all the demeaning statements that are made in relation to these two individuals, and my concern still stands today. All of us, myself included, so quickly pass negative judgment upon political figures, without any thought as to how we would handle the pressure of the presidential debate stage. Yes, I have my reservations and doubts about each candidate, but I truly can’t imagine the pressure and anxiety one must feel while standing behind that debate podium in front of 80 million viewers, as Clinton and Trump did Monday evening. Yet, on social media sites, I've seen very little respect for our current leading presidential candidates. 

More than likely, one of these two individuals will be our next president, but I constantly hear statements such as, “If this is the best we have to offer, we are in trouble,” or “This is truly a case of the lesser of two evils” (as if any person in this world is good), or “I think I would be better off leaving the country than sticking around to see either of these candidates win.”

All the while, noticeably absent is the Christian voice that says, “No matter how much I differ with Clinton or with Trump, I’m going to pray for them both." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 reads, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Did you catch all that? Let’s break it down:

• Supplications, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
• Supplications, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for kings and all in high positions,
• Lead a peaceful life,
• Lead a quiet life,
• Lead a godly life, and
• Lead a dignified life in every way.

When you think about your reactions during this political season, particularly the reactions that you vocalize, would you say this verse characterizes your response to these candidates? If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, I encourage you to pray for them. Pray that they would value life both in and out of the womb. Pray that they would humble themselves, rather than defend their every action as if they are sinless beings. And finally, pray that the Holy Spirit of God would transform these candidates by faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the only name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). 

~Corey

Legalism or Holy Living?

Anyone who hangs around evangelical circles long enough will most likely hear the “dirty” word legalism.  There are three ways in which this term is typically defined: Some people use it to indicate works-based righteousness (meriting salvation), others use it to refer to the addition of extra-biblical commands, and still others use it to allude to any emphasis upon biblical commands whatsoever. Let’s examine more closely these three different uses for the word legalism. 

The first two ideas about legalism (as works-based righteousness or as the imposition of extra-biblical commands) are not taught in God’s Word, and these teachings should be rejected.  Many times in our day, however, the term legalism is used in the third way stated above: to refer to any emphasis upon God’s commands as expressed in the Bible. If someone is using the term in that way, he is either using it wrongly or he is potentially misunderstanding God’s grace. 

Jeffrey Greenman writes, “Divine grace is not opposed to human effort, but rather is opposed to earning divine favor.”  Simply put, we are not saved by holy living, but rather saved unto holy living.

There is a very fine line between legalism and holy living.  Legalism is sinful, while holy living is godly.  If we attempt to live rightly in order to earn divine favor, that is moralistic and self-righteous behavior; but if we attempt to live rightly because God has already shown us favor then we are simply living out our salvation. 

Titus 2:11-12 reads, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” These verses show us that grace has appeared in the face of Jesus Christ, achieving salvation for His people. And not only does grace bring about salvation, but it trains the people of God to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. 

The grace of God is foundational for the Christian.  By God’s grace, salvation has been made known, and this salvation springs forth godly living within us.  Jesus Christ does not redeem a people for Himself so they can continue to live ungodly, worldly lives.  J.C. Ryle dealt with this exact issue when he preached on Hebrews 12:14, which reads: “Strive for peace with everyone and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”  In Ryle’s sermon on this passage he said, "Suppose for a moment that you were allowed to enter heaven without holiness. What would you do there? What possible enjoyment could you feel there?"

Holiness matters. We see in Scripture that God calls His people to be holy; therefore, we as Christians must strive to be holy. The alternative is of the gravest consequence, for the only alternative to holy living is ungodly, worldly living.

You see, Jesus Christ gave Himself to redeem His people from lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:14). Nowhere in Scripture will you find Jesus dying on the cross just so we can trust in Him, escape Hell, and then live like pagans.  Jesus Christ did not give Himself for our redemption so that we can continue to walk in ungodliness and then be purified on the last day.  He gave Himself for us, to redeem us from lawlessness and to purify us to live for Him now.

So as we wait for our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), we follow in His ways, and we strive to walk as He walked, for He is not only our example, but He is our Lord.  The Christian faith is not passive; it involves following hard after Jesus Christ, walking in His ways, and being zealous about the good works in which God has prepared for you to walk (Ephesians 2:10).  Therefore, when we reject that dirty word legalism, I hope we are rejecting the tendency some have to add laws and rules to the Scriptures, or the fatal belief that God’s grace can be merited.  For if we reject holy living, then we are rejecting the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

~Corey

Heaven Without Christ?

If you knew, as a Christian, that when you died and went to heaven everything would be wonderful (no sickness, no death, no mourning, and no sin), but Christ wouldn't be there, would you be content with that?

This question was posed in a recent sermon I heard, and - wow! - did it cause me to think and examine myself. I'm sad to say there was definitely a time when I looked at salvation as my "Get Out of Hell Free" card, although I wouldn't have admitted it back then. During that season of my life Christ was not my treasure; I just knew hell was real, and I didn't want to go there. While, in this life, I will never fully adore the Lord Jesus with the passion and zeal he deserves, God has definitely grown me up in Christ and caused me to treasure Him more. It is no secret that heaven will be an amazing place without sin, death, or sadness, but it is the absence of those earthly struggles and cares that will allow us to finally do what we were created to do: worship Christ wholly and completely. The fact that our trials and afflictions will be gone is simply the side show to the main event! Christ will be there - our Savior and Lord, who lived a perfect life and died a criminal's death on a cross. He took our punishment and blame upon Himself and bore the full weight of our sin, experiencing God's wrath in a way none of us could imagine. Heaven without Christ wouldn't be heaven at all! 

So why do you desire heaven? Because of the streets of gold? The crystal sea? Because there'll be no more sadness, or because you'll see loved ones again? Or is it so you can see and worship Jesus Christ for all eternity? He is our treasure and the ultimate reward for those who have been called according to His purpose.

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with him, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.'" ~ Revelation 21:3

Love,

Kristen