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People believe some pretty crazy things these days… it makes you wonder, where has discernment gone? In 1 John 4:1, we’re told, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Just because someone says something with confidence doesn’t make it true. And just because something sounds spiritual doesn’t mean it’s from God. The good news is that God hasn’t left us to figure it all out on our own. He’s given us His Word and the Holy Spirit to help us recognize what’s true and what’s not. This week’s teaching is your important reminder to be careful about what you believe and who you’re listening to! Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

When Jesus says “many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…?’” and replies “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭22‬-‭23‬)  – His words should give us ALL pause. Even Paul said, “Examine yourself, to see whether you're in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5), and “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). First John is about making your calling and election sure. So we're taking the time to examine the biblical evidence for saving faith. Do you have it? Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Just as your driver's license has embedded marks to authenticate it, God places marks of authenticity in the lives of those who belong to Him. Are those marks evident, increasingly, in your life? Turn to 1 John and let’s examine what it really means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. PS – don’t miss a special greeting from our team! Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

What is worse than being deceived? A dishonest business partner. An unfaithful spouse. A rebellious child. And the deepest hurt isn't always what happened but realizing, "I trusted you. I thought I could count on you." God doesn't want you to be deceived – He wants you recognize deception and understand the truth. Open your Bible to 1 John, 2:26… Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Christian, you are in a war whether you realize it or not. It's a battle for your heart, your mind, your family, and ultimately your eternity. The enemy? Worldliness. In 1 John 2:15–17, we're warned not to love the world or the things in it. But what does that actually mean? And how can you recognize when the world is winning? Join us in examining one of the clearest warnings in Scripture – and what it means for believers today. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

If you’re following Jesus, salvation is the most important thing you have. Yet even longtime believers can wrestle with doubt. Am I really saved? How can I be sure? Know this: God doesn’t want His children living in constant uncertainty. He’s given us clear marks of authentic faith that should be increasingly evident in our lives. If you’re wrestling with biblical assurance, this is a message you need to hear. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

How can you know that you have eternal life? Not hope. Not assume. Know. That question is at the heart of 1 John, which we’re diving into with the series Eternal Assurance: The Five Marks of an Authentic Christian. Throughout, we’ll uncover those five marks and ask, “Do I see those marks in my life?” Watch the first teaching and find out… Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

What keeps faith burning when life gets hard? Despite suffering far beyond what most of us will ever experience, the Apostle Paul remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ… and so can you.  Discover- or rediscover - a faith that isn’t dependent on circumstances, but steadily building a passion for God that is bigger than what you’re walking through. PS — If this message encourages you, share it with someone who needs it today! Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Life can get so heavy it’s hard to see anything beyond the load you must carry… What are you under right now? Pressure at work. Problems at home. Financial stress. A situation you can’t fix. What you’re facing may be bigger than you, but it’s not bigger than God! And when you can get on top of your struggles, people can begin to see how awesome God really is. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Why do we avoid getting involved in broken relationships? Sometimes the answer is uncomfortable: selfishness. It’s easier to protect our peace, let someone else deal with it. But God calls us to something bigger than our selves. Get ready to learn from the Apostle Paul what choosing reconciliation over comfort looks like. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Is this familiar? All is well… then a disagreement erupts. Harsh words are spoken. An unexpected clash and suddenly, your peace has evaporated. Conflict isn't as simple as one person being right and the other being wrong. Some end in an impasse, and you ‘re left wondering if the pieces can ever be put back together. Where is God when everything feels broken? Open your Bible to Acts 15. Let’s learn how God can work through conflict – and even restore what seems  hopelessly shattered. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Opposition accompanies following God. Paul knew this all too well. His ministry was filled with conflict, disagreement, and resistance. And God showed Himself strong right in the middle of it. Open your Bible to Acts 15 and get ready to see how is God at work, even when things seem to be working against you! Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Don’t Quit Before the Fruit Comes Serving God doesn’t mean everything will go smoothly. Scripture shows us a pattern: Communication. Opposition. Perseverance. Fruit. Glory to God. Opposition can make us discouraged, but if we quit when things get difficult, we may never see the fruit God has ahead. This weekend in Big God, Small Me, we look at how God is bigger than our expectations and why perseverance matters. Watch now and be encouraged to keep going. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

God delights in making things new. A new heart. A new spirit. A new name. One day, even a new heaven and a new earth. But what about your past? Would God really redeem your biggest regrets, deepest failures, and worst mistakes? The Bible's answer may surprise you. Discover why God is bigger than your past and no one is beyond the reach of His grace! PS — Your prayers and encouraging notes have meant a lot to Pastor James – thank you! His surgeries are behind, and we praise God as he’s recovering well. Please continue to pray for healing, as he looks forward to connecting with you here again in a few more weeks. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW

Why do some people reject the gospel so strongly? Why do so many live their lives mocking God, ignorant of His Word, completely uninterested in spiritual truth? Jesus’ answer: They're spiritually blind. Before the Apostle Paul became one of the greatest missionaries in history, he wasn't merely resistant to Christ, Paul truly could not see Him. Salvation isn't about winning an argument or trying harder. It's about God opening blind eyes and drawing people to Himself. If you’re discouraged about someone who’s far from God, or praying for a loved one who just doesn't get it, this message will give you hope and a deeper understanding of God's grace. Dr. James MacDonald preaches without apology straight from the pages of Scripture, provoking Christians to think and act on their faith. For more information on James MacDonald Ministries, or to subscribe for devotionals and ministry updates visit: jamesmacdonaldministries.org Follow on social media: IG: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-IG FB: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-FB TW: bit.ly/JamesMacDonald-TW