For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) This builds upon our previous post. You can read Jesus the Suffering Servant In his book Knowing God, J. I. Packer echoes Scripture’s teaching that Christ-like service is essential to our walk with …
Jesus the Suffering Servant
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even …
Christ and His Bible (Part 2)
Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing Christ’s day; he saw it and was glad….Isaiah was referring to Jesus when he spoke his prophecies, because he saw the future and spoke of the Messiah’s glory. (John 8:56; 12:41) Here are some more quotations that I use in teaching and counseling to help people trust Christ and His Scriptures. These are …
Christ and His Bible (Part 1)
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Christ….Jesus said, If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. (John 1:17; 5:56) Here are some quotations that I use in teaching and counseling to help people put their confidence in Christ and His Scriptures. This is also used in prison ministry. The …
Come, O Long-Expected Jesus
Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty….Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” (Revelation 1:8; 22:12) A Hymn About Jesus’ Two Comings I use this hymn below to remind us …
Approved in Jesus: Christ Salvages Us
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up….Never get tired of doing good. (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thess 3:13) The Lord Jesus never promises us an easy time in following Him, only a safe arrival. We do believe in eternal security, but not in presumption. …
Approved in Jesus: Preserved and Persevering
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test [having been approved by God], that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12) This post builds upon our previous post Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification. In Romans 16:10, Apelles is approved in Christ (ESV). …
Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification
Jesus will say: Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:21) One of you asked: “Paul writes in Romans 16:10, ‘Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.’ (ESV) What does that mean? Aren’t all believers approved in …
Hospitality Ministry (Part 2)
Note: I wrote this before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still need to find ways to practice hospitality in creative ways despite the current troubles. Social distancing cannot mean social disconnection. Jesus taught us: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.1 …
Hospitality Ministry (Part 1)
Note: I wrote this before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still need to find ways to practice hospitality in creative ways despite the troubles. Social distancing cannot mean social disconnection. My recent post about Dr. John Skilton, a life-long bachelor, reminded me how he preached and practiced the value of hospitality in evangelism. Some people who are not initially persuaded …