We are doing another 36 week class on Authentic Manhood at Jester III Prison in Richmond, TX. This is the fourth time we have taught this, each time with a new group of fifty or more men. Six weeks are given each to these topics: A Man + His Design (Manhood Realities; Create + Cultivate; Manhood Definition; King/Warrior; Lover/Friend; Seasons …
Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S)(Part 2)
Last time, we discussed the A-C-T-S model of prayer, devoting time to: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Here we complete that article. If you missed it, you can read Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S)(Part 1) Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is the attitude and activity of expressing appreciation and indebtedness to the Lord. Christ has blessed us so richly without our deserving anything. …
Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S, Part 1)
I wrote this on New Year’s Eve when I was remembering a watchnight worship service in Philadelphia. It started at 10pm and ended after midnight. We reviewed the old year together, confessed our failings, and prepared for the new year, seeking Jesus’ blessing and renewing our covenant to follow Him. We began with Psalm 141:1-2—“I call to you, LORD, come …
Joy in Jesus, Physician of Repenting Sinners
Remember, repent, and live for Christ. (Revelation 2:5, paraphrase) I love the Lord Jesus! When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is the way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. Jesus takes to heart the sufferings of His friends who …
Joy in Jesus: Savior with Four Names
It is Christmas Eve and here’s a favorite Scripture about Christ’s First Coming: To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He …
Joy in Jesus’ Incarnation (Scriptures & Quotations)
Christ’s incarnation is His “en-flesh-ment” (literally), the truth that God’s Son became human. Jesus did not pretend, He truly took on our humanity with all its problems and weaknesses, except for sin. “It was to save sinners that Christ came into the world, not to help us save ourselves, nor to induce us to save ourselves, nor even to enable …
Joy in Jesus’ Emptying Himself for Us
Used to answer questions at Belhaven University. Let us appreciate how sacrificially our Savior loves us and what He gives us now and in the future. Christ Jesus, though He existed in the unchanging essence of God, did not count equality with God something to cling to, but emptied Himself, by taking the nature of a servant, being born a …
Joy Before Jesus’ Awesome Throne
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) Even as a baby, Christ was fully God and fully human in one person. The Bible teaches that and I believe it and rejoice in it. Christ is my only hope in this life and in the world to come! He is the Creator God and the Sovereign …
Joy Because Hanukkah Points to Jesus
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) In Jerusalem near 30 AD, the Lord Jesus attended the Hanukkah celebration. John 10:22 calls it “the Feast of Dedication” and it’s also called “the Festival of Lights” by Jewish people today. In John chapter 10, Christ calls people to faith in God at a time when love …
Joy in Jesus’ Historicity
Adapted from Alisa Childers blog post. Used in response to questions at Jester III Prison and at Belhaven University in New Testament Survey. It may be helpful to you in evangelism and in defending the Christian faith. Christians believe in the Lord Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of sinners, and we receive and depend upon Him …