2 Timothy 1:8-14 ESV “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, … Continue reading Share in Suffering for the Gospel
The Beginning of the Gospel
Mark 1:1-4 ESV “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,who will prepare your way,the voice of one crying in the wilderness:“Prepare the way of the Lord,make his paths straight,”’ “John appeared, baptizing in the … Continue reading The Beginning of the Gospel
He Teaches Us to Profit
Isaiah 48:1-2 ESV “Hear this, O house of Jacob,who are called by the name of Israel,and who came from the waters of Judah,who swear by the name of the Lordand confess the God of Israel,but not in truth or right.For they call themselves after the holy city,and stay themselves on the God of Israel;the Lord … Continue reading He Teaches Us to Profit
Religious Hypocrites and False Faith
I was contemplating this evening the subject of hypocritical religion. Many people calling themselves “Christians” give a bad name to Christianity because their religion and their religious practices are tied up in rules and traditions of human origin, not of God, and because they are following the traditions of their cultures and their religious upbringings, … Continue reading Religious Hypocrites and False Faith
In My Weakness
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But … Continue reading In My Weakness
How We Tend to Measure Success
Psalms 119:59-64 ESV “When I think on my ways,I turn my feet to your testimonies;I hasten and do not delayto keep your commandments.Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,I do not forget your law.At midnight I rise to praise you,because of your righteous rules.I am a companion of all who fear you,of those who … Continue reading How We Tend to Measure Success
Don’t You Know?
1 Corinthians 5:1-8 ESV “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. “For … Continue reading Don’t You Know?
Are We Overcoming Evil with Good?
Romans 12:14-21 ESV “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought … Continue reading Are We Overcoming Evil with Good?
The Functioning Body of Christ
Romans 12:4-8 ESV “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in … Continue reading The Functioning Body of Christ
Speak Truth, Not Lies
Proverbs 24:1-2,8-9,12 ESV 1 “Be not envious of evil men,nor desire to be with them,2 for their hearts devise violence,and their lips talk of trouble. 8 “Whoever plans to do evilwill be called a schemer.9 The devising of folly is sin,and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. 12 “If you say, ‘Behold, we did … Continue reading Speak Truth, Not Lies
Run With It 