2 Timothy 2:1-26 Pictures of a Christian Minister EIGHT PICTURES OF A CHRISTIAN MINISTER 1. The Manager (2 Tim. 2:1–2) “You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1–2, HCSB) The ministry is not something we get for ourselves and keep to ourselves. We are stewards of... Read more
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Preparing for the Day of the Lord This past week was Thanksgiving. In our home, that means that we go to my parent’s home. We eat a full Thanksgiving meal. We sit around, play games, watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade on NBC (followed by the National Dog Show) and talk about life. At some point, we come together to prepare the Christmas tree for Christmas. Everyone might have their rituals on Thanksgiving, but everyone knows that Thanksgiving... Read more
Triple Alliance of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq There will be a triple alliance of Egypt, Syria, and Iraq. You may not believe that today. Yet, the Bible reveals that this will be the case. Isaiah 19:19-25 Today, when we look at the Middle East, we see that Egypt, Syria, and Iraq are enemies of the state of Israel. Egypt, Syria, and Iraq form a triple alliance against Israel. The Bible prophesies that these same three countries will form a triple... Read more
December 7, 2015 Year C Romans 8:22-25 Today marks the anniversary of the tragedy at Pearl Harbor. Japan destroyed the naval base in a surprise attack. This eventually drew the United States into Word War II. It would take hope – patient hope – which would eventually help the Allies win the war. This same patient hope is what we need when we are dealing with another enemy – death. This passage in Romans speaks about the desire all of... Read more
December 5, 2015 Year C Malachi 4:1-6 The Day of Elijah comes before the Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:5). The Day of the Lord is the day of judgment (Malachi 4:1). The Day of Elijah is the day of salvation (Malachi 4:2). Elijah came to point people to God. He left on a chariot of fire into heaven. Malachi predicts that Elijah would return before the Day of the Lord. When Jesus, He said John the Baptist was Elijah... Read more
December 4, 2015 Year C Luke 1:68-79 God is in the business of turning our doubts into praise. Zechariah and Elizabeth were told that she will have a son, who would be named John. Unlike Mary, Zechariah doubted God’s Word. The consequence was severe. For the next nine months, Zechariah could not say a word. This forced him to listen to God more intently. Nine months and eight days later, they name the boy. While the people thought that his name should... Read more
Love People and Use Money Love People and Use Money is a simple thought reflection from Malachi 3:5-12 that explains how one can love people and use money. December 3, 2015 Year C Malachi 3:5-12 It is easy to get off the right path. We don’t pay attention on the road and the vehicle can end up straying far away from our intended destination. If a ship moves just one degree away, the ship may land miles away from the... Read more
Christian Hope Through Fulfilled Prophecy by Charles Meek Christian Hope Through Fulfilled Prophecy by Charles Meek is a book that takes the preterist view of the Christian eschatology (ends-time prophecy). The preterist view states that all Bible prophecy were fulfilled by the first century A.D. Meek contends that the fastest growing view among Christians is preterism (4). This is the heart of the Preterist argument. Jesus was speaking about “His generation” when He was speaking about “This generation in Matthew... Read more
Demanding a Sign from God Demanding a Sign from God is a simple thought reflection from Luke 11:29-32 for the Lectionary cycle during Advent that strives to point me to look to Jesus as my sign from God. December 2, 2015 Year C Luke 11:29-32 People usually ask for a sign from God when they need to make a decision. “Show me a sign, God of what I should do.” Jesus says that people who ask for a sign are... Read more
Rewards and Punishment Rewards and Punishment is a simple thought reflection from Revelation 22:12-16 about the different rewards and punishment which will be given out by God. December 1, 2015 Year C Revelation 22:12-16 During the days leading up to Christmas, children think about the presents they will receive on that special night. They look forward to a visit from Santa Claus. Unlike Christmas, Jesus Christ has a reward which He will repay each person according to what they have... Read more
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