“In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” -Hebrews 1:2 Hebrews in an intriguing book. Unknown author, Jewish flair with lots of Old Testament references, and much attention on the role of Jesus. Yet one thing is clear–the author wants us to know God has spoken through Jesus. He’ll go on to note that the Law was great, angels are fine, but nothing compares with Christ. Perhaps that is why the author desired to remain anonymous.... Read more
“12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that... Read more
“1 Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” -Titus 3:1-2 Paul’s words to Titus and quick and to the point. How should Christians live? Submit to authorities, be obedient, do good, speak well of people, be considerate, be kind. It’s nearly short enough for a status update! Why so... Read more
“11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his... Read more
“15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him.” -Titus 1:15-16 Certain areas of life are black and white. In Paul’s letter to Titus, purity is one of them. A person is either pure (those who know God) or not. Those who are are not are... Read more
“7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” -2 Timothy 4:7-8 At the end of life, our goal is to say we have no regrets. As Paul shares, “I have finished the... Read more
“10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” -2 Timothy 3:10-11 In contrast with today’s message of prosperity theology (that those who obey God will be... Read more
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” -2 Timothy 2:2 At the end of Paul’s life, one of the things that mattered most was leaving a legacy. Rather than cash or notoriety, he desired to make a difference that outlived his human existence. How do we know this? 2 Timothy 2:2 shares Paul’s perspective: “And the things you have heard me... Read more
“13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” -2 Timothy 1:13-14 As Paul begins what would be his final existing letter, we find his focus is on the teaching, faith, and love of Jesus. He called it the good deposit. Why? It had been given, or... Read more
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some... Read more
Holy Writ
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