“11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.” -1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 As... Read more
“Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.” -1 Thessalonians 2:8 When the apostle Paul traveled to new cities to share the message of Jesus, he was much more than a speaker. As an authentic follower of Jesus Christ, he sought to both teach and live the hope that was within him. Now, 2,000 years later, those who examine the life of Paul often... Read more
“2 We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. 3 We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” -1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 The apostle Paul often shared “tough love” with his readers. He was not one to back down, yet he was also not one to verbally beat up on his spiritual family. As... Read more
“2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that... Read more
“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” -Colossians 3:17 Christianity is a non-compartmentalized religion. In other words, Christians cannot live for Christ in some areas, such as a worship service or in Bible reading, then live however they wish in other areas. Why? Because of Colossians 3:17. Three simple, yet powerful words: “Whatever you do.” Not “everything except” or “every Sunday”... Read more
“6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” -Colossians 2:6-7 In many church circles, coming to know Jesus is a step of faith; living for him is not. After making the plunge into Christianity, the moral list of do’s and don’ts is revealing, offering a code to make the nice list... Read more
“15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” -Colossians 1:15-17 Genesis tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. In... Read more
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” -Philippians 4:6 Christians are not to be people of stress; we are to be people of prayer. Paul knew this. He ended his letter to the Philippian believers with words focused on rejoicing and on intercession. Today, Christ’s followers often forget his goal for us is not exhaustion, but rest. He desires to comfort us, not deplete us. If... Read more
“7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” -Philippians 3:7-8 Why would Paul “consider everything a loss for the sake of Christ”? Many have sought a deeper meaning in this phrase, but a direct look at Paul’s original intent serves us best. He had... Read more
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 2:5 What is the same mindset of Christ Jesus? The following verses in Philippians makes clear the mindset of Christ was one of a servant. He came to show love and display compassion to those who should have worshiped him as king. Our human tendency is to look out for ourselves, putting our needs first. However, when we follow the mindset of Christ, our way is... Read more
Holy Writ
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