Dean Butler

By Dean Butler There is a strange assumption in modern Christianity that if a message is true, it will always be welcomed. That if Christ is presented clearly enough, people will respond positively. Scripture never teaches that. In fact, it teaches the opposite. Faithful witness often produces opposite reactions at the same time. But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of Him in every place.

By Dean Butler A person who has been freed from drugs may still remember the feeling. The craving may return without warning. A certain place, person, smell, or memory can awaken an old desire that he thought was gone. The drug no longer has to be in his hand to speak to his mind. Sin works much the same way in the life of a believer. When a person comes to Christ, he is forgiven, made new, and freed from the rule of sin. However, that does not mean the desire to sin disappears overnight.

By Dean Butler “The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’” (Luke 17:5) That may be one of the most honest prayers found in the Bible. These were not new believers. These were the apostles. They had left everything to follow Jesus. They had walked beside Him, listened to His teaching, watched Him heal the sick, cast out demons, calm storms, and feed thousands. They had seen things that most people could only imagine. Yet they still knew they needed more faith.