Posts Tagged ‘Engaged’
Beware of Drifting
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT) What causes people to depart from the ways of the living God? There are examples of people having traumatic experiences, a death of a loved one, or a financial or health related crisis,…
Read MoreYesterday, Today, and Forever
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NLT) We do not need to be reminded that we live in a society whose standards are ever evolving, and inarguably, moving away from the truth of the gospel message. There are enormous pressures confronting the church to acknowledge, accept, and adapt the practices…
Read MoreFollow Me (as I follow Christ)
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) Paul’s words to the Corinthians, while inspiring, also cause thoughts of inadequacy or unworthiness. “Follow me, or my example” is not a suggestion, but a command. We can feel the weight of responsibility. We may defer, or demure, while recounting our…
Read MorePerfect Love
There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:18–19 (CSB) What causes you to be frightened? Are you afraid of the future, or maybe you are afraid that…
Read MoreFind Us Faithful
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV) There are distinguishing attributes of the servant of Christ. We must be obedient, diligent, humble, persevering, courageous, devoted, and uncompromising. Is it possible that all of these could be summed up in a single word, faithful?…
Read MoreDeception and Discernment
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. Proverbs 15:14 (CSB) Some days, the limits of incredulity are stretched so far that it makes one wonder if everything is on the verge of collapsing. This week, the Supreme Court is hearing a case on “transgender” athletes in high school sports.…
Read MoreOn Display
Instead, I sometimes think God has put us apostles on display, like prisoners of war at the end of a victor’s parade, condemned to die. We have become a spectacle to the entire world—to people and angels alike. 1 Corinthians 4:9 (NLT) People and products are put on display for two main reasons. First, like…
Read MoreThe King Is Coming
After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from…
Read MoreThe True Light
The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9 (NLT) The beginning of John’s Gospel is filled with references to the Light. The Word through the life of Christ brought light to everyone, and the light shines in the darkness (V4, 5). John the Baptist…
Read MoreOrder or Disorder?
God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33 (CEB) The Corinthian church was at times chaotic. They had their divisions, with some members loyal to various apostolic authorities. Even around the Lord’s table, those who had an abundance refused to share with those who were in need. Paul was exercising his…
Read MoreCommissioned!
Commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, because he will lead these people over and will enable them to inherit the land you will see.” Deuteronomy 3:28 (NET) Being commissioned by God means being sent — chosen for a purpose that is bigger than yourself. It isn’t just about having a task; it’s about being…
Read MoreThe Chosen
You did not choose me, but I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give you. John 15:16 (CSB) Choosing is a part of life. From the playground to adulthood, to be chosen boosts…
Read MoreMake Disciples
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations… Matthew 28:19 (CSB) The command to make disciples is clear. There can be no misunderstanding of the mandate that Jesus gave his followers. And yet, discipleship is viewed as optional for those who want to be “advanced” Christ-followers. We should start by asking, “What is a disciple?”…
Read MorePreach the Gospel!
For if I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am compelled to preach—and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 1 Corinthians 9:16 (CSB) Preachers today are preaching many things, but gratefully, some of them are still preaching the gospel. Biblical preaching is the proclamation, according to…
Read MoreJesus is Lord
But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (NLT) Jesus is Lord! The words are easy to say, but that does not…
Read MoreJesus Is Coming Again
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Matthew 24:42 (NLT) “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!”…
Read MoreBound Together in Peace
Bear with one another in love; be humble, meek and patient in every way with one another. Make every effort to guard the unity that the spirit gives, with your lives bound together in peace. Ephesians 4:2–3 (BFE) Everything works better when put together correctly. Have you ever seen people trying to force a puzzle…
Read MoreAre You Set?
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2 (NIV) It is one thing to get ourselves spiritually ready, but we must also stay ready. In order to accomplish that we must set or fix our minds on things above. Our focus must be true. We must not waver when things get…
Read MoreAre You Ready?
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15 (NLT) The question of the hour is: “Are you ready?” Someone might ask, “Ready for what?” I would reply that I am not sure, but it…
Read MoreBegging to Give
For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first…
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