Dale Cresap's blog

In my word I promise to send rain and sun on the just and on the unjust. I also tell you to ask for your daily bread. Do you think of your needs more in terms of houses and cars, travel and education, electronic communication and entertainment?

Is it possible to be a believer and an unbeliever at the same time? You distinguish between those who follow me and those who do not by calling them believers and unbelievers. Yet I was speaking to my own disciples when I marveled at their unbelief.

In a doctrinal dispute I told my audience that they were in error because they did not know the scriptures or the power of God. This is a universal principle that still applies. If you would know the truth you should study the scriptures, for they testify of me. How can you learn about the power of God?

You understand and accept my great commission to make disciples of all men. What methods do you use to accomplish it? You live in a commercial world of marketing and advertising. Should you use these methods? Do you recall the parable of the unjust steward?

You read a map to find the roads for various destinations, and know that if you travel on that road you will eventually get to that place. This is a simple principle clearly understood by all, yet many people live their lives as if it were not true.

You know that greed is evil. Do you ever think that you will wear out your welcome with me by asking for too much? You honor me by asking for things according to my will, but you cannot ask for too much. I give you things that you did not request, for what do you have that you did not receive?

Do you think the rest of your family should get saved when you do? So do I, but they will have to make this choice as individuals just as you did. Until that time the difference in beliefs can a source of tension, as I warned you in advance, my coming can bring a sword that separates family members.

Is righteousness a default condition? All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Yet when you meet people, should you assume to worst about them? Shouldn’t you give them the benefit of the doubt, and assume that they are upright and righteous until proven otherwise?

Does it ever surprise you when I answer the prayers of other people? Does it ever surprise you when I answer yours? There are some who suppose that gain is godliness and they ask for much in the way of material things.

You live in a world of commerce in which you expect to get paid for the work you do, and that the same rule applies to all. Yet I told a parable of workers who all got the same pay regardless of how long they worked, and said that he who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet receives a prophet’s reward.