I am grateful for your feedback that our last blog was helpful. Being a Christian means being a Christ-follower. We don’t follow the Lord to earn His salvation and favor. We follow Jesus because He has first saved us by His doing and dying and rising. Because we belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures us of eternal …
Following Christ in a World That Doesn’t (Part 1)
I used this in New Testament Survey class at Belhaven University and also in other teaching/training, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. Jonathan Goforth (1859-1936) was a Canadian missionary to China, serving with his wife, Rosalind. Goforth preached to large crowds and in small homes. He was stirred to serve Christ in China by the writings of Hudson Taylor. Jonathan was …
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 …
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 …
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 …