Morris Venden

Morris Venden is pastor of the Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church, Grand Terrace, California.

95 theses on righteousness by faith (apologies to Martin Luther)

A beloved university pastor once penned his version of the Ninety-Five Theses, based on justification by faith. Should these "95 theses" be fastened to the door of our hearts?

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What Jesus said about Justification

Jesus always accepted those who came to Him. Based on His actions and teachings, acceptance is the key word in the entire theme of justification freely given and grounded in a relationship.

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What Jesus said about a pre-Advent Judgment

When God examines those who have come to the wedding of the Lamb (Matthew 22), it is not for His own benefit, but to reveal to the universe who has put on the wedding garment.

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What Jesus said about perfection

Was Jesus serious when He said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48)? What did He mean, and how can we?

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What Jesus said about Himself

Endless hours have been spent discussing the mysteries involved in the Incarnation. Almost everyone believes that Jesus was, and is, God. But what about His human nature? How much of a man was He? Was He just like us or not? Our answer seems to depend on how we understand the nature of sin and Jesus' relationship to it.

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What Jesus said about faith and relationship

The Bible does not teach that salvation is by grace alone——it is always by grace through faith. Faith on the part of the sinner is essential. However, faith involves more than simple mental assent, or belief. Saving faith insists on trust. And trust involves two parties, one trusting the other. When the sinner trusts Jesus for salvation, then there comes into existence a saving relationship. When the sinner accepts salvation by faith there is more than a legal declaration in heaven. There is the beginning of a relationship with God, followed by ethical results and expectations.

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The pastor: searching for authentic ministry

A lifelong pastor presents five defining markers for authentic ministry.

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Preaching with a one-track mind

Ultimately, Christianity is not just a philosophical or even a theological system. Being a Christian means something more than simply having a certain life style. To be a Christian, one must have a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastors, who lead the church in thought and worship, need to mold their messages accordingly. But how can we preach Christ-centered sermons?

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