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Long-Suffering Love
If you want to know something about love from God’s perspective, read the entirety of Scripture and it flows from every page. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives 15 present-tense verbs that describe for us who love is and is not to behave itself. The foundation of the word ‘agape’ as used throughout this chapter is sacrifice. It is doing what is right and best for others before myself. How important is this? John says, “He who does not love…
Through The Years – Thoughts on Marriage
As I write these words, it’s our wedding anniversary. A few years ago (actually, it’s a little more than a few), our gracious God blessed me with the greatest treasure He’s given me outside of Jesus and the salvation to be found in Him. He blessed me with my wife and best friend. I cannot begin to count the innumerable ways her godliness, grace, and thoughtfulness have blessed my life. Through the years, one of the things I’ve learned is…
The Parable of the Frustrated Parents
Once upon a time, there was a Dad and a Mom who had two children, ages 2 and 5. Those children were loved – but they were a handful! They got up early and stayed up late. They loved to jump on their beds and on the couch. They fussed a lot when they didn’t get their way. And they couldn’t remember to obey what they were told from one moment to the next. At night you could find Dad…
Joy Beyond Measure
We must never lose sight of the joy that is to be ours as the people of God. While Satan and his forces will do everything in their power to rob us of the joy of being in Christ, God’s word gives us a number of remarkable assurances that should ever lift us up when we are down and out. Christians have— THE JOY OF SALVATION. As we trust and obey God, we do not have to lose the joy…
It’s No Good Unless You Use It
Have you ever heard an expression that made you stop and think? An advertisement on the radio caused me to stop and think about things the other day. I don’t remember the name of the company, but it was likely was in the field of security. The advertisement spoke of keeping people out a home they did not belong in it. The man ended by saying that even the best door lock a person can buy is no good unless…
Suffering for His Sake
“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for his sake.” Philippians 1:29 The work “granted” in this passage means to give graciously as an act of kindness. Suffering may be seen as a gift of God’s super-abounding grace? (Cf. 1 Pet 5:10; 2 Cor. 12:7-10.) No one goes around looking to suffer, but suffering on behalf of Jesus and His gospel is different (1 Pet. 4:15).…
Adding That Really Counts
Nothing is more important for God’s people than adding what really counts in life. To have seen Jesus was to see what the Father is like (John 14:7-9), and to see Christians should be to see the beauty and character of Jesus in us (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). There is something tremendously challenging and humbling about that thought! In 2 Peter 1:5-11, Peter deals with the character and integrity of those who have come to know the Lord. The qualities…
Strengthening The Souls Of The Disciples
Near the conclusion of their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas retraced their early steps. That is, they went back to visit again with Christians they had taught the gospel. Instead of going home a different route, perhaps to other cities to share the gospel, they went back to cities already visited. Luke records the reason when he says they were, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘we must through many…
Things that Save: It’s a “Package Deal”
Few matters can be more important than what God’s word says about salvation. When one considers the richness of what the New Testament has to say about this theme, all a person can do is express awe and wonder at the matchless mind and marvelous provision of God! Who and what saves according to the teaching of Scripture? God the Father (1 Peter 1:3-4). Jesus (Luke 19:10; 1 Timothy 1:15). The Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). Grace (Acts 15:11; Romans…
Getting the Picture
Although we may try to avoid them, some things in life simply are inevitable and irreversible. Things end. Things like one’s youth, one’s marriage and one’s life come to mind. And that’s exactly where Martha and Mary are with Lazarus. Their brother had been buried for four days (Jn. 11:17). His time on earth and his life were over – all hope was gone. Irreversible. The body of Lazarus likely would have begun to decompose (11:39). It’s not a picture…
My Greatest Command
The following words were pinned by a wonderful gospel preacher, Steve Higginbotham: “A little more than 150 years ago, General Robert E. Lee was camped approximately 10 miles from General Stonewall Jackson. Lee sent a message to Stonewall Jackson, informing him that he wanted to meet with him at his convenience. The very next morning, while Lee was eating his breakfast, Jackson appeared at his tent, prepared for their meeting. Lee asked Jackson, “What are you doing here? I didn’t…
A Strategy for Victory
A person who does not recognize the Devil, understand his schemes, and prepare for battle is already a casualty in the war going on for our souls (2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). How do we rise above our doubt, our discouragement, our indifference, our sin to walk worthy of our heavenly calling? (Phil. 3:14). God’s word gives us a powerful strategy for victory over Satan and his forces. (1) Recognize Victory Is Possible. Certainly the Devil is a powerful…