During Advent, we also think about Christ’s return. In 2 Peter 3, Peter warns us to be on guard while we’re waiting. What does that involve? Scripture: 2 Peter, chapters 1-3; John, chapter 1 2 Peter 3:14-18 (CEB): Therefore, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found by him in peace – pure and faultless. Consider the patience of our Lord to be salvation, just as our dear friend and brother Paul... Read more
Peter tells us to “be holy in every aspect of your lives.” But how do we do that? And why is it so important? Scripture: 1 Peter, chapters 1-5 1 Peter 1:13-21 (CEB): Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and you are thinking clearly, place your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Don’t be conformed to your former desires, those that shaped you when you were ignorant.... Read more
To live is to change. But how do we handle those changes? Are we in transition, or undergoing transformation? Transitions All of us experience transitions in life. As John Henry Newman said, to live is to change. We grow through childhood and adolescence. We change grades, and then schools. As we grow, we learn; as we learn, we change. Jobs become careers; interests and opportunities bring new careers. Relationships come and go, but the strongest ones last despite the changes... Read more
Is God fair? Of course He is! What can we learn about gratitude and generosity from the parable of the workers in the vineyard? Scripture: Matthew, chapters 20-22 Matthew 20:1-16 (CEB): “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. After he agreed with the workers to pay them a denarion, he sent them into his vineyard. Then he went out around nine in the morning and saw... Read more
The Bible sets forth many things that Jesus taught his disciples. But what would Jesus say to us if He joined us for Thanksgiving Dinner? What Would Jesus Say at Thanksgiving Dinner? “Keep Your Priorities Right” “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But... Read more
Job’s story shows us that questioning God is not “wrong” – but God’s “answers” won’t always satisfy us. How do we ask questions without doubting God’s ultimate justice? Scripture: Job, chapters 39-40; 1 Corinthians, chapters 13-14 Job 40:6-14 (CEB): The Lord answered Job from the whirlwind: “Prepare yourself like a man; I will interrogate you, and you will respond to me. Would you question my justice, deem me guilty so you can be innocent? Or do you have an arm... Read more
Our nation becomes more bitter and divided each day. November 13 is World Kindness Day; what does the Bible say about kindness? The Fruit of the Spirit Is…Kindness But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law (Galatians 5:22-23). The word translated “kindness” in Galatians 5:22 is chrestotes. “It is the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would be seen harsh and austere…The... Read more
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gives “just as He wills.” So why do we divide ourselves over spiritual gifts? Scripture: Job, chapters 37-38; 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (CEB): Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is... Read more
November 9 is World Adoption Day. Scripture tells us that believers are adopted by God, but what exactly does that mean? Scriptural Passages – Children of God But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believed in His name, who were born, nor of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a man, but of God (John 1:12-13). See how great a... Read more
November 9 is World Adoption Day. Is there a Christian view of child adoption? What does the Bible say about it? Old Testament Passages Relating to Child Adoption What Old Testament passages mention or at least hint at the subject of child adoption? He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the stranger by giving him food and clothing (Deuteronomy 10:18). A friend to the fatherless and a judge for the widows, is God... Read more
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