Excerpt from the class “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Also used in pastoral care, counseling, and prison ministry. In Christ all the treasures are stored (Colossians 2:3). Texas Tom was a billionaire who’s easily depressed. When he’s down, he doesn’t go to his pastor or a counselor. He goes to his banker and complains: “Nothing’s any good.” And the …
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’ 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 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 …
Joy in Jesus: Christian Self Image
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) For it is 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 …
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 …
The Blue Marble & Hurricane Harvey
(Excerpt from teaching and training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) If the Lord had not been on our side…the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away….Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 124:1-4,8) This …
Columbus’ Voyage Reminds Me of Christ
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) I used this story at a funeral service, pointing survivors to our eternal hope guaranteed by Christ’s resurrection. Jesus says: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; If it were not so, I would …