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 …
Thanksgiving to God for Dr. John Skilton
Dr. John H. Skilton (1906-1998) was my professor and friend in Philadelphia, PA and I remembered him again recently with gratefulness to the Lord. Moisés Silva wrote in appreciation: “Few and far between are those who combine, as Skilton has, an unshakable and fearless commitment to orthodox Christianity in its Reformed expression alongside a most gentle and patient spirit.” I …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 3)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …
Naomi: Hero of Faith
Return to your God, observe kindness and justice, and wait for your God continually….Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord….Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 2)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …
Under Jesus’ Wings (Part 1)
Psalm 91:1-4 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely He will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with His feathers, and …
Jesus-like Love (Part 6)
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, evil, or injustice, but rejoices with the truth….I was overjoyed to find some of you walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us….Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (1 Cor 13:6; 2 John 4; Rom 12:9) Love was so important to Jesus that shortly …