1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV) Forty Years of GOD’S Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV)

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

In April of 1984, my wife—then pregnant with our first child—and I moved to Astoria, Oregon. We had been sent out of Platteville Baptist Church in Platteville, Colorado to plant an independent Baptist church there.

I suppose I should have realized I wasn’t cut out for church planting. I hadn’t gotten very far with starting Platteville Baptist before Pastor Don Smith came along and “rescued” me. He had the leadership, confidence, and tenacity to keep after souls until a congregation was established.

I got to Astoria, rented a building, and began preaching—but I didn’t have the right stuff to reach souls. I’ve always been quiet, shy, afraid of people. About the only thing I had going for me was this unshakable sense that I was called to do what I was doing and that I could not quit.

I was so shy I couldn’t even find a job, and I didn’t really believe in asking churches for support. But God provided work for me. Not once, but twice during the years we lived in Astoria, contractors built huge metal complexes on the docks and barged them to their destinations. The first was an oil refinery built in Astoria and sent to the North Slope of Alaska. Because of my welding/ironworker background, I got a phone call from a man named Rich Pomeroy asking me to come for an interview. The job at Astoria Oil Services, though temporary, was a lifesaver for my small family.

But all the while I worked there, I knew my calling and responsibility lay outside those fences—as a preacher of the gospel. I scribbled this verse inside my welding hood to remind me constantly that, though I had to work to support my family, God had called me to preach.

It’s been more than forty years now. I’ve retired from full-time pastoring, having been cared for and supported far better than I ever deserved. But the necessity to preach has not diminished. I have nothing to glory of. I have no natural skill or personal charisma. If someone were to analyze my ministry style, they’d likely come away marveling that we made it this far.

All I’ve ever had to work with is an unshakable sense that I must preach the gospel.

#CalledToPreach #WoeIsUntoMe #FaithfulInWeakness #PreachTheGospel #GodsGraceSustains

Forty Years of GOD’S Faithfulness: Called to Preach

👉 God still calls ordinary people to do extraordinary things through the gospel. You don’t need charisma—you need conviction. I had no natural ability, but I had an unshakable call: “Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel.” (1 Corinthians 9:16, KJV)

🗣 What has God called YOU to do that you’ve been afraid to start?
Drop your answer in the comments.

✍️ ACTION STEP: Share the gospel with one person today. Speak it, write it, text it—but do it. Someone near you needs to hear the truth.

🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV) Forty Years of GOD’S Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 8:5 (KJV) The Many gods of Modern Life

1 Corinthians 8:5  (KJV)

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) 

There are things that are called: 

• labeled, 
• spoken of, 
• written about, or 
• treated as gods—

but they are not.

These “gods” may be of an unseen, spiritual nature, or they may be visible and earthly. They may be inanimate objects, living beings, or even human individuals.

The fact is, many things are called gods or treated as if they were gods. There are so many of them that, if we're not careful, we'll read this verse and think only of the false gods of Paul’s day, while ignoring the false gods of our own time.

The principle here is that, while we know there is only one true and living God—and therefore we are free from the power of these false gods—many Christians still struggle with them.

Because of that, we must be thoughtful in how we practice our faith. We should be willing to separate from things that others might wrongly treat as a god, so we don't encourage their false worship or contribute to their spiritual harm.

What if that false god is a movement, a strong leader, or even an influential pastor? We know they are not gods. We may be perfectly free to follow or associate with them.

But what if, by doing so, we cause someone else to lose sight of the Lord? What if they begin to follow a man or a movement into false doctrine?

Grace gave Paul the liberty to eat the meat.
Compassion for others led him to refrain.

#OneTrueGod #BewareFalseGods #LibertyWithCompassion #GuardYourInfluence #GraceAndConsideration

The Many gods of Modern Life: Grace Gives Freedom—Love Sets Boundaries

💥 False gods are everywhere—even in church. From celebrity preachers to political movements, it’s easy to let our loyalties drift. But Paul reminds us: "There is but one God." (1 Corinthians 8:5, KJV)

🛑 Before you follow a voice, ask: Is this leading me toward Christ—or just toward a crowd?

✍️ Question for you: What’s one “influence” in your life that may be demanding more loyalty than it deserves?

📌 Your action step today: Choose one area where your loyalty to God could be clearer—then make it known. Speak it. Post it. Teach it. Live it.

🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

1 Corinthians 8:5  (KJV) The Many gods of Modern Life

1 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV) Feelings or Faith?

1 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: 

There are some areas of this chapter that are difficult to get hold of, but I think that’s mostly because it goes so strongly against the grain of the flesh and our culture.

“It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
What? You mean innocent hugs, holding hands, or a kiss outside of marriage are not good? I’m not saying those things are sin, but I am sure they too often lead to sin.

“But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband.”
Are you saying she can’t marry someone else? I’m not saying it—the Bible is.

And this brings me to the point. Paul makes it clear that this command, though written with his pen and credited to him, is not of him—but of the Lord. I realize a couple of verses down there seems to be a variant to this, but I’ve written on that back in 2009.  You’re welcome to look that up if you like.

I believe the principle applies in a host of arenas. But if we just stick to the obvious focus of this chapter, we see the terrible condition our world is in simply because men and women put their feelings, the expectations of their peers, and the impulses of their flesh ahead of the teaching of the Bible.

When the preacher preaches and teaches out of this chapter, he’s not giving his opinions about morality—he’s giving his congregation the mind of the Lord.

This is God’s Word! The Lord has something to say about our relationships with the opposite sex. A fair study of it finds that the Lord is not harsh or unreasonable in this realm. He simply teaches a better way to handle the sexual drive within us that has been corrupted by the fallen nature.

#GodsDesignForMarriage #BiblicalPurityMatters #ObeyTheLordNotTheFlesh #MarriageIsSacred #TruthOverCulture

Feelings or Faith? Why God’s Word Must Lead the Way in Relationships

🔔 God's Word Still Speaks—Will You Obey It?

If the Bible says it clearly, why are so many Christians dodging it? 1 Corinthians 7 lays it out: marriage, purity, and sexual restraint aren’t suggestions—they’re the Lord’s commands. Culture doesn’t get the final say—God does.

📖 ACTION STEP: Open your Bible, read 1 Corinthians 7 aloud, then share one command from the chapter you will obey this week—and do it. Don’t wait for a feeling. Obey because it’s right.

💬 QUESTION: What part of 1 Corinthians 7 challenges you the most—and why?

🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

1 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV) Feelings or Faith?

1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV) Why the World Hates Christians

1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV)

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 

The implication of this rhetorical question is that they do know the saints shall judge the world.
It is known by the revelation of Scripture.

Both Old and New Testaments prophesy of the future kingdom and of God and His children leading all nations.

It is known, I believe, inherently.
The Bible assures us that all men know there is a God. And all men, if they would be honest, know that Jesus is the way to Him. I understand there are those who’ve never heard—but even they know they need something more than the false gods of their culture.

It is known through observation.
Righteousness eventually rises. Wickedness may claw its way to the top, but it can never stay there.

And I think this is partly why worldliness hates the Lord and those who follow Him. Deep down, they know that judgment is coming—and they know the saints will be involved in it.

#SaintsShallJudge #KingdomLeadership #TruthIsKnown #GodRevealedInAll #RighteousnessPrevails

Why the World Hates Christians: Judgment Is Coming—and We Have a Role

👑 God’s Word says the saints will judge the world. Are you living like you’re ready?

The truth isn’t hidden. It’s known by Scripture, seen in nature, and felt in every honest heart. The world resists righteousness because it knows judgment is real—and that God's people will take part in it.

🛠️ Today’s action: Share one clear decision you’ve made recently that honors God's righteousness—then go tell someone why you made it. Let your life speak truth louder than the noise.

💬 Question for you: Why do you think the world is so uncomfortable with true biblical authority?

🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

1 Corinthians 6:2 (KJV) Why the World Hates Christians

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (KJV) Delivering to Satan

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (KJV)

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

Our nature these days is so soft that this chapter—though not difficult to understand—is difficult to explain.

• After all, we detest any sort of judgment in our day.
• We call telling the truth “hate speech.”
• We want Jesus to be all about love and joy and peace.

But this chapter goes so far as to call the subject of this passage a “wicked person.”

I’m here to point out the Word of God’s position on addressing sin.

First, the Bible is in a “ready” position.
Verse 3—

Though the church itself had done nothing, Paul said he had “judged already” concerning him. There was no debate about what ought to happen. No question when it should happen.

Second, this is the Bible’s position—not a reactionary one.
Verse 4—

It wasn’t to be done individually, angrily, or for vengeance. When the church was gathered together, and in the name and power (authority) of Jesus Christ, they were to act—not react.

Third, the offender must be “delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh.”
Verse 5—

I take that to mean removed from the protection of local church membership. We often protect people from the very things God uses to correct and mature them. The point wasn’t this man’s harm. The point was the glory of God, and that he might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

We are soft in our world today. But this softness doesn’t help anyone.
On the contrary, people spoil the flesh to the detriment of society, the spirit (the individual’s happiness), and the soul (the eternal salvation of those lost in sin).

#StandForTruth #ChurchDisciplineMatters #BiblicalJudgment #TruthInLove #PurityInTheChurch

Delivering to Satan: The Sword of Truth in a Soft World

God’s Word still speaks boldly—even when the world whispers compromise.
Are you part of a church that stands on truth, even when it's uncomfortable? Or has softness crept in under the name of love?

📖 Read 1 Corinthians 5 today—but don’t stop there.

🛠 Take action: Ask your pastor how your church handles open sin. Offer your help in strengthening biblical accountability within the body.

💬 Question: Do you believe church discipline is still necessary today? Why or why not? Drop your answer in the comments.

🌎 Visit marvinmckenzie.org for more biblical insights and resources.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6700 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (KJV) Delivering to Satan