I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents… In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent… Remember, repent, and live for Christ. (Luke 15:10; Acts 17:30; Revelation 2:5) I love the Lord Jesus! When I fall, He lifts me up. When …
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 in Jesus’ Historicity
Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you, which you received, on which you have taken your stand and by which you are being saved, if you hold to the message I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I passed on to you as most important what I also …
Joy in Jesus: Christian Self Image
By grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship (masterpiece, handiwork), created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10) A Great Summary Our salvation in Christ …
Joy in Jesus’ Great Promises
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) Used in “Joy and Peace in Christ” taught at Christ E.P.C. and Jester #3 prison. Jesus’ promises are powerful medicine for our souls and awesome to grasp. Ask God the Holy Spirit to implant these truths deep in your heart and give you righteousness, joy, and peace in …
Thank God: Life is Not Puzzling When We Know Our Purpose
From “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Used also in counseling and prison ministry. Imagine trying to put together a puzzle without a picture to visualize what it should look like. It’s almost impossible to complete. Thankfully, the Bible teaches: Our primary purpose as human beings is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That single sentence summarizes many …
The Power of Prayer and Reality of Revival
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Beginning in 1857, a revival …
Being a “Deacon” to People Who Have None
The Book of Order (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) says: The office of Deacon set forth in Scripture is one of compassion, concern for needs, sympathy, and serving others. Christ Himself is our ultimate model of unselfish servanthood and said, “Even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve (diakoneo), and to give His life a ransom …
Boundaries: Building and Preserving Them
Adapted + expanded from Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. 1 “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Christ-glorifying boundaries are essential to healthy relationships and a healthy life. For some people this is new and challenging concept. Margarita Tartakovsky draws on the work of Dana Gionta (psychologist …
Manhood: Bringing Strength into Balance
Our prison class on Authentic Manhood draws on Stu Weber’s book, Four Pillars of a Man’s Heart: Bringing Strength into Balance. Biblical masculinity includes a delicate mix of being a king, warrior, lover, and friend. All Christians (male and female) need to grow in these Christ-like qualities in Christ-like ways and balance these roles as each situation requires. These character …