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 …
Christian Living Lessons from Golf
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him… You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 1:12, 5:11) It was sunny …
Jesus, Hurricanes, God’s Power & Peace
Christ will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, And a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain. (Isaiah 4:6) Hurricanes Hurricane Harvey in 2017 was an extremely destructive Atlantic hurricane that caused catastrophic flooding in southeastern Texas and Louisiana. Many areas received more than 40 inches of rain and Harvey is the wettest …
Celebrating God’s Reformation
Used at Belhaven University and other places to answer the question: “What do Protestants believe?” It’s not the whole answer, but it’s a start. In Old Testament times the Lord used King Josiah to launch a great spiritual reformation near 622 BC.1 This reformation was sparked by discovering the book of God’s Law (all or part of the Pentateuch, the …