Now you (Jesus’ followers) are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. (Romans 6:22 NLT) This post builds on Freedom in Christ & Juneteenth (Part 1) Nancy Set Free Before the U. S. Civil War, Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865) went to a slave …
Freedom in Christ & Juneteenth (Part 1)
At the beginning of His public ministry, Christ announced: “The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…” Then Jesus …
Perpetua: Hero of Faith in the Strong Savior
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me… My times are in Your hands. Deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me… Christ’s followers triumphed over Satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 6)
Jesus said: Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The One who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 5)
The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity… Plans are established by seeking advice. So if you [undertake important things], obtain guidance… A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 11:3; 20:18,24) Pastor Octavius Winslow (1808-1878) warns, “Beware practical atheism which excludes God from …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 4)
Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I… Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 3)
Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies. Make Your way straight before me… I will praise the Lord, who counsels me. Even at night, my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 5:8, 16:7-8) We continue our studies, building on my …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 2)
Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5) We contine our study on this important subject, drawing on my notes from J. I. Packer’s message years ago in Philadelphia. I have expanded upon his …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 1)
You are my rock and my fortress. Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3 NKJV) Many people ask about getting the Lord’s guidance on questions like: Who should I marry? Or shall I stay single? Which church should I join? Where should I live? What job shall I apply for? Should we have another child? …
Planning and Productive Paranoia (Part 1)
God is the Master Planner The Lord (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) maps out His eternal plans of creation, providence, and salvation and then He carries out those plans in His perfect way and timing. Scripture says: The plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations… I will instruct you and teach you …