The Living Truth Fellowship

Living God’s Love

Marc Dickie discusses the concept of love in Christianity, focusing on God’s love as exemplified by Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that love is not just a feeling but an action and a choice. He explains that Christians are obligated to love one another and lay down their lives for others, just as Jesus did. Stressing the importance of putting faith into action through works of love, rather than relying solely on knowledge or doctrine. Additionally, he highlights that true love reflects God’s nature and that, as believers, they are called to mirror this selfless, unconditional love. He reminds us that love is the fulfillment of God’s law and that living in love leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, transcending any worldly distinctions or divisions.

Yahweh Helps in Unexpected Ways

Rich Robson explores the biblical account of the siege of Jerusalem at the beginning of the 6th century BC, emphasizing King Zedekiah’s rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar, which results in a 2.5-year siege and devastating consequences. He explains how Zedekiah’s disobedience reflects a broader breakdown in godly leadership and highlights the biblical structure of government, where the roles of both leaders and the people are rooted in accountability to God. Drawing comparisons to modern governance, Rich points forward to the ideal society that will exist under Jesus’ rule—one marked by obedience, justice, and divine order. He also emphasizes God’s incredible patience, allowing Israel to violate their covenant for 800 years before permitting punishment through the Babylonian invasion. Using Lamentations 4, Rich illustrates the suffering and degradation Jerusalem faces, stressing that Yahweh does not cause their suffering directly. Israel abandons God, thus choosing to forfeit His care and protection. Yahweh has no choice but to allow them to suffer the consequences of their repeated idolatry and grievous sins. But the story doesn’t end there.

Yahweh’s mercy and grace far outweigh His wrath. Under absolutely no obligation to do so, Yahweh promises that He will be with Israel—that He will strengthen, help, and uphold them. In this context, Rich discusses how God’s ways in history are often unexpected, such as His use of the Persian king Cyrus to bring Israel back from captivity. It is noteworthy that Isaiah says Yahweh calls Cyrus by name to be Israel’s shepherd and messiah—the very words later used to describe Jesus Christ! Rich highlights how God can work through unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes and underscores the importance of trusting in God’s eternal perspective, even when His methods seem mysterious. Rich concludes by encouraging believers to view present sufferings in light of God’s ultimate plan for redemption, restoration, and glory.

Growing in Truth and Love

In this teaching, Marc Dickie opens his heart about the lifelong journey of spiritual growth and the necessity of continually learning about God. He dives into the often-overlooked contrast between what the Bible actually teaches and what many Christians believe, offering a refreshing perspective that invites deeper reflection and renewed purpose.

Marc unpacks how the love of God is not just a concept but a transformative force that empowers us to rise above the distractions of the world. He explains how the holy spirit works within us to guide, correct, and inspire—and why our response to that guidance matters.

This teaching is a call to walk in love daily—not as a religious duty, but as the genuine evidence of God’s presence in our lives. If you're hungry for truth, ready to challenge the status quo, and seeking a faith that’s rooted in Scripture and led by love, this teaching is for you.

Your Freedom to Disobey

Rich Robson presents a powerful reflection on God’s perfect design in creation and His unmatched love for humanity. He begins by highlighting how every element of nature—the earth, sea, weather, day and night, and the celestial bodies—operates in flawless obedience to God’s laws. Humans, however, stand apart as the only part of creation granted free will. While it is to their benefit to obey their creator, humans are nonetheless perfectly free to disobey and suffer the attendant consequences. While you are free to choose to obey or to disobey, there is no negotiating the consequences for your choice. 
 
Rich explains that this freedom was part of God’s intentional design, resolving the tension between determinism and free will by affirming that God determined that humans are free to choose their own destiny. They are free to choose obedience which leads to life, or to choose disobedience which leads to death. Using the analogy of a cruise ship, he illustrates how God's sovereign plan of a renewed garden of Eden remains on course, even as individuals make their own decisions along the journey.
 
Rich then shifts focus to God’s deep love for people, emphasizing that, above all creation, it is humanity that God cherishes most—even with their propensity to disobey. He makes it clear that salvation is not something earned by works or perfect obedience, but a gift received through trust in God, who saved us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ while we were still sinners. In closing, Rich contrasts the pride of Satan, who sought to exalt himself, with the humility of Jesus, who chose to submit to God’s will. This contrast serves as an invitation for us to respond to God's grace not out of obligation, but with love, humility, and thankfulness. We love Him because He first loved us.

Beyond Salvation: Growing in Faith and Righteousness

In this teaching, Marc Dickie delves into the vital topic of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian life. He challenges believers to move beyond simply being born again, emphasizing the ongoing need for purification, the renewal of the mind, and the practice of consistent moral and ethical choices. Marc highlights the importance of maturity in the faith, urging listeners to take their walk with God seriously by consistently practicing righteousness.

Marc also explores the insidious nature of indifference, one of the most common yet dangerous forms of spiritual neglect. Drawing from the story of Cain and Abel, he illustrates the subtle dangers of ignoring God’s commands and the ever-present threat of sin that lurks in the heart. Ultimately, Marc calls believers to remain vigilant, faithful, and rooted in God’s Word, as they navigate the battles within and around them, growing deeper in their faith and bearing the fruit of a transformed life.

From Sin to Sonship

This teaching offers a clear and thoughtful exploration of the biblical concept of sin, distinguishing between individual sinful acts and the deeper, inherited sin nature of humanity. Marc Dickie emphasizes that sin—defined as “missing the mark”—cannot be overcome through human effort, but must be dealt with spiritually through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He highlights that Jesus conquered sin at its root, making it possible for believers to receive a new spiritual identity as children of God—no longer defined by sin, but reborn through faith in him.

Building on this foundation, Marc explains that being a child of God is both a present reality and a future hope, as believers await full transformation into Christ’s likeness. He addresses the tension between being born of God and still wrestling with sin, clarifying that 1 John speaks of lawlessness as a broader rejection of God's authority rather than isolated moral failings. This understanding calls believers to pursue righteousness—not to earn salvation, but as a faithful response to the grace and new identity they have received in Christ.

Giving Meaning to Life Through Death : Part 2

Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, is often misunderstood as suggesting that life has no meaning or value. It depicts a world filled with unpredictability and chaos—despite our best efforts to control outcomes, things often don’t go as planned. To make matters worse, Ecclesiastes highlights that the one certainty in life is death. 

Depressing? If that were the book’s only message, it certainly would be. But there is much more to the story. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes offers wisdom not just for surviving but for thriving in such a fleeting world.

Rich Robson provides a detailed explanation of Ecclesiastes 9:1-12, summarizing its key themes: the certainty of death, the uncertainty of life, and how to live well despite these realities. He emphasizes that while death is inevitable for all, we are called to enjoy the gifts God has given us. Life’s simple pleasures—food, drink, relationships—are all blessings from a generous God who delights in seeing His people enjoy them.

In contrast to the limited perspective of Ecclesiastes, Christians are blessed with the hope of resurrection and eternal life. That hope inspires us to live with purpose, engage in good works, and prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns.

This teaching delivers a thought-provoking message on the importance of embracing life rather than worrying about things beyond our control. It encourages us to focus on the present, trust in God’s plan, and avoid dwelling on past mistakes or future uncertainties.

Worship: Actions of Surrender and Submission

In this teaching, Gary Lee Corns delves into the essence of worship, focusing on John 4:24, where Jesus calls believers to worship in spirit and truth. He emphasizes that biblical worship is not merely an intellectual or emotional experience but also involves physical expressions such as bowing the head, lifting hands, and kneeling. These outward acts, he explains, symbolize a heart posture of surrender and submission to God.

Gary also contrasts ancient and modern worship, noting that while people in biblical times primarily engaged in acts of worship, many today focus more on studying God. He urges believers to embrace a more active approach to worship by humbling themselves before God, physically expressing reverence, and cultivating stillness to hear His voice.

Giving Meaning to Life Through Death: Part 1

This world is not the one God originally created. Because of Adam’s rebellion, it is now filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. No one knows what the future holds. Yet, despite this reality being difficult to accept, people often act as though they can control what lies ahead. However, life — whether in terms of work, finances, health, or relationships — is full of unexpected, and often unpleasant, surprises.

King Solomon recognized this and set out to discover the true meaning of life. To his dismay, he concluded that life is fleeting, elusive, and repetitive. He sought fulfillment in laughter, pleasure, possessions, ambitious projects, power, and more. Yet, no matter what he pursued, everything eventually came to an end — including life itself. He realized that no matter how much he achieved or acquired, death was inevitable. And when that day arrived, what would all his efforts have meant? The sobering answer: nothing. He concluded that life is like a vapor, a puff of smoke, a mere breath.

Is that depressing? At first glance, it might seem so. But Ecclesiastes teaches that by confronting the reality of death — even meditating on it — the events of life take on new significance. Instead of striving in vain to control life’s uncertainties, you can embrace the simple, daily gifts God provides: watching the sunrise, reading Scripture, praying, sharing a meal, working, enjoying time with loved ones, listening to music, and resting at the end of the day. There is no need to exhaust yourself chasing after things; true joy is found in appreciating what God graciously gives. This, according to Ecclesiastes, is the key to living a life of joy in an unpredictable world.

Understanding Agency and Authority in Christ

In this teaching, we explored the concept of agency and authority within ancient Near Eastern culture and its application to Christian prayer. Using the example of the Centurion in Luke 7, Marc Dickie illustrates how agency allows representatives to act on behalf of their principals, demonstrating trust and humility in a higher authority. Marc emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the ultimate agent and authority through whom reconciliation with God is possible, as highlighted in passages from Romans, Philippians, and Colossians. He stresses the significance of praying in the name of Jesus, which represents his authority and power. We also look at how as Christians we can grow in our faith, strive for maturity in Christ, and embrace our role as ambassadors for him.

Looking to Jesus in Prayer

Jesus taught that if we ask for anything in his name, believing that we will receive it, we shall. But what does it truly mean to believe? What action does belief necessitate? Jesus provides insight into this in John 3:14–15, referencing Numbers 21:7–8. In the Old Testament passage, God instructed the Israelites, who were bitten by serpents, to look at a brass serpent on a pole to be healed. Jesus, however, reinterprets this: he presents himself as the remedy and replaces the act of looking with the act of believing, promising not mere physical healing but eternal life. This suggests that belief in Jesus is akin to looking to him.

This concept of "looking to Jesus" in prayer implies maintaining a steadfast focus on him. Crucially, for prayers to be answered, our gaze must remain fixed on him after we pray, preventing us from reverting to the problem that prompted our prayer. To experience the power of prayer, we must direct our thoughts heavenward, away from earthly concerns. Scripture reveals that dwelling on worldly matters leads to suffering, while focusing on Christ, seated at God's right hand, brings deliverance. This requires a continuous and disciplined effort to bring every thought captive to Christ—not just during prayer. It is a moment-by-moment commitment. As we consistently practice focusing on the one who offers solutions rather than on the problems themselves, this discipline will become easier, drawing us closer to the God for whom all things are possible.

Joy in Adversity

Unfortunately, and decidedly contrary to God’s desire, adversity is part of this life. First-century Jews who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior were acutely aware of this. Not long after the Day of Pentecost, Peter and John were imprisoned by Jewish leaders for healing a lame man in Jesus Christ’s name. This was just the beginning of escalating pressure. It peaked when Saul, a self-proclaimed “Pharisee of the Pharisees,” began capturing and imprisoning Christian Jews. But it didn’t end there; their challenges only intensified over time.

In his epistle to his fellow Jews, James instructed his Christian brothers and sisters not to succumb to self-pity or helplessness amid adversity. Instead, he urged them to embrace joy. Indeed, this wasn’t a suggestion; it was a divine command. Like all of God’s commands, facing adversity with joy was crucial to living the abundant life made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection.

James explained that encountering adversity with joy would fortify their ability to withstand future assaults on their faith. By doing so, they would grow more courageous, witnessing their loving Father deliver them from hardship time and time again. This process would create a feedback loop, with each victory reinforcing their determination to trust God, regardless of external appearances.

In this inspirational teaching, you’ll discover that James wasn’t the only servant of God who encouraged believers to find joy amid adversity. Both Peter and Paul echoed his counsel. You’ll also learn about Job, whose unwavering trust in God throughout severe misfortune brought him great rewards. But undoubtedly, the greatest example of finding joy in suffering was Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 states that Jesus persevered through the crucifixion by focusing on the joy he would experience at his resurrection. Let these extraordinary individuals serve as examples of how you, too, can find joy in adversity and thereby strengthen your faith in God.

Trust God

Michael Kappelman passionately emphasizes the profound importance of trusting God, underscoring the fact that God’s Word serves as an unchanging truth for believers navigating the complexities of life. He draws attention to key Bible verses that highlight God’s promises and unwavering nature, illustrating how these passages provide a solid foundation for faith. In his exploration, Michael articulates the inherent risks associated with relying solely on oneself or on the fallibility of others. Instead, he advocates for a deep-seated faith in God, which he asserts is not just a spiritual discipline but a pathway to experiencing true blessings and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

To further illustrate his point, he likens the act of trusting God to a fruitful tree planted by water, nourished and sustained by a source that never runs dry. This imagery beautifully conveys the idea that faith in God not only provides stability but also fosters growth and abundance in every area of life. Just as a tree thrives when its roots reach deep into a reliable water source.

This sharing of God’s Word will inspire you to cultivate a relationship grounded in trust, encouraging you to lean on God’s unchanging truth as you navigate life’s uncertainties.

Who is Your Sufficiency?

In our culture, self-sufficiency is lauded as a prized virtue. The self-sufficient man or woman earns the admiration and respect of all who know them. Miriam Webster defines self-sufficiency as “reliance on one’s own efforts and abilities.” Roy Baumeister, an American social psychologist, defines it as, “a reliance on internal resources to provide life with coherence and fulfillment.” Carl Jung said, “Who looks outside, dreams, who looks inside, awakens.”

But what did Jesus think about all of that? He strongly disagreed. In John 5:39, he declared, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.”

Jesus understood that in all things, he must look to God for his sufficiency. He knew that, by himself, he was unable to fulfill his mission of redeeming us from sin and death. Turning Jung’s idea on its head, Jesus knew that looking inside for his sufficiency was a pipe dream, but that looking to his Father for his sufficiency was to fully awake to the truth.

The Apostle Paul agreed, saying in 2 Corinthians 3:5, “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God.”

Like Jesus, Paul knew that he could do nothing on his own. He also knew that God was his sufficiency.
 
Learn why both Jesus and Paul decided to look to God for their sufficiency in all things, and why you should do the same. While your own resources are rather limited, God’s resources are unlimited, and He wants to shower them on all who simply believe. Let God be your sufficiency.

Empowered by the Spirit (Part 2)

With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve to establish a comprehensive understanding of the faith that underpins the Christian life.

Now, as we turn our attention to chapter eight, we find ourselves on the threshold of an exhilarating spiritual journey. This chapter encapsulates the essence of what it means to live as a follower of Christ, offering breathtaking insights into the nature of God’s love, the incredible gift of holy spirit, and the ultimate assurance we have in our salvation. It tackles profound questions about suffering, hope, and the transformative work of grace in our lives.

Join us as we embark on this exploration, a mere scraping of the surface of a chapter teeming with biblical richness and spiritual depth. While we may only touch on a few key points, the truths embedded in this culminating chapter can lead to a lifetime of reflection and growth in faith. Each verse invites us to delve deeper into our relationship with God, uncovering new layers of understanding and experience. The themes and promises presented here are not just for intellectual pursuit; they are designed to foster a deeper connection with God and our Lord Jesus Christ, which will empower us in our daily spiritual walk.

Living the Promise of Romans 8 (Part 1)

With a resounding and powerful crescendo, Romans chapter eight stands as the pinnacle of the profound teachings that are laid out in the first seven chapters of this crucial text, serving as a solid foundation for Christian living. These early chapters meticulously outline essential doctrines, emphasizing themes such as sin, grace, salvation, and the gift of holy spirit. They serve to establish a comprehensive understanding of the faith that underpins the Christian life.

Now, as we turn our attention to chapter eight, we find ourselves on the threshold of an exhilarating spiritual journey. This chapter encapsulates the essence of what it means to live as a follower of Christ, offering breathtaking insights into the nature of God’s love, the incredible gift of holy spirit, and the ultimate assurance we have in our salvation. It tackles profound questions about suffering, hope, and the transformative work of grace in our lives.

Join us as we embark on this exploration, a mere scraping of the surface of a chapter teeming with biblical richness and spiritual depth. While we may only touch on a few key points, the truths embedded in this culminating chapter can lead to a lifetime of reflection and growth in faith. Each verse invites us to delve deeper into our relationship with God, uncovering new layers of understanding and experience. The themes and promises presented here are not just for intellectual pursuit; they are designed to foster a deeper connection with God and our Lord Jesus Christ, which will empower us in our daily spiritual walk.

Make a Choice for Christ

Moment by moment, day by day, we face an essential decision that our Lord places before us: the choice to obey Him or to follow the desires of the flesh. This is not merely a one-time decision, but rather a continual, ongoing commitment that defines the essence of our walk of faith. Each day presents us with opportunities to embrace the light of the truth of Christ’s accomplishments in our lives or to remain trapped in the deep, muddy rut of the flesh that Adam, through his disobedience, has dug for us.

As followers of Christ, we are constantly called to rise above the patterns and inclinations of our natural selves, which often lead us away from His perfect will and purpose. This struggle is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual journey — an intricate dance between our human tendencies and the divine calling we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. It is in these moments of decision, where our hearts and minds wrestle with the two opposing forces, that we truly begin to understand the depth of our relationship with God.

Join us as we delve into the profound teachings of Romans 6, which illuminates this critical choice that God asks us to make in His name. In this chapter, we will explore the implications of our choices and the amazing benefits that come when we prioritize His Word — a timeless source of wisdom — over the fleeting temptations of this world. Through understanding what it means to be dead to sin and alive in Christ, we can discover the freedom that comes from living in obedience to God’s truth.

Forget Not All His Benefits

King David’s heart would have been overflowing with wonder and gratitude when he wrote the words of Psalm 103:2; “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

That exhortation is as true today as it was David’s time. In truth, thanks to the work of Jesus, He has done even more for all born again Christians than He did for David; much more. Of course, in order to not forget all of His benefits, we first need to know what they are. There are certainly no shortage of benefits God has lavished upon us. There are so many that it is impossible to fully know and appreciate all of them in this lifetime. It won’t be until Jesus’ future appearance that we can know the true fullness of those benefits. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn and remember enough of those benefits today to fill your heart with the same feeling of wonder and gratitude as that of King David.

If you only look, you will find that there is hardly a page in the New Testament of your Bible that does not contain multiple benefits that God has provided you through His son, Christ Jesus. This teaching will introduce you to just a very few of those benefits. Though small in number they are mighty in blessings, enough that you too will say, “Bless the LORD, O my soul.”

Abraham’s Reckoning

For fifteen centuries following the flood of Noah, the world existed without the written Word of God. Yet, the Creator, in His infinite wisdom and love, did not leave humanity in spiritual darkness. He provided a witness, a tangible proof of His existence and His unwavering love for His creation. 

In this teaching we look closely at the book of Romans chapter 4, delving into the profound story of Abraham and his ‘reckoning’ of the stars. This isn’t just a historical account; it’s a powerful testament to the nature of faith and the legacy of believing salvation that resonates across generations. 

The Showdown Between Good and Evil

This teaching explores the pivotal event of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness, following his baptism by John. This encounter was a culmination of the devil’s persistent attempts to thwart the Messiah’s mission. God’s allowance of this temptation served as a testament to Jesus’ preparedness for the challenges ahead.

The teaching delves into the role of the Word of God in overcoming temptations. It distinguishes between temptation and sin, emphasizing that sin arises from mishandling temptation. Temptations may originate from Satan or our sinful nature. The teaching provides practical examples of using Scripture to resist temptations related to the ‘lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life.’

Join Franco Bottley as he guides us in learning from Jesus’ unwavering example in handling temptation. He highlights the spiritual battle and the significance of obedience to God’s Word for strength and blessings. By embracing these principles, we can foster spiritual growth and enhance our service to God in our daily lives.