Jesus said: They will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake….But the one who endures (holds on, stands firm, perseveres, keeps their faith) to the end will be saved. (Matthew 24:9,13) A True Story In 1859, God the Holy Spirit brought Christian revival to Wales. …
Remaining and Abiding in Christ (Part 2)
Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at God’s right hand. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3) Let’s Live to Honor God Scottie Scheffler is a pro golfer and in April …
Remaining and Abiding in Christ (Part 1)
Jesus said: Remain (abide, dwell, continue) in Me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart …
Things to Pray For (Part 2)
Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray….The Lord has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord accepts my prayer. (Psalm 5:2, 6:9) Shallow Prayers? Fran Tarkenton is a former NFL quarterback who led his team to three Super Bowls. He wrote an article for The Wall Street Journal lambasting himself and other …
Things to Pray For (Part 1)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. (1 John 5:14-15) Need Help in Praying? Ross McCall of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ) loves to help people pray. …
The Miracle of Christian Conversion
We were therefore buried with Jesus through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4) Eden Chen Was Converted Eden Chen was a teenage shoplifter and competitive gamer. When God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) brought him to faith …
How Should We Think of Christ?
Come near to God and He will come near to you. (James 4:8) Help From Richard Sibbes Richard Sibbes (1577-1635) was an English pastor who loved to encourage Jesus’ people with reminders of God’s love and grace. In his book, The Bruised Reed, he wrote “We have this for a foundation truth, that there is more mercy in Christ than …
Why Do Christians Suffer?
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are …
The Lord and the Slow Oxcart
The Lord has established His throne in Heaven; His kingdom extends over everything….Your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. (Psalm 103:19, 139:10) God Spared Them Imagine 1945 in Japan and a man named Masaru who farmed a small piece of land with his elderly father, Isamu. Several times a year they loaded up their old ox-drawn …
Our Declaration of Dependence (Part 2)
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you….Do not be afraid….A gale will blow your enemies away. But you will rejoice in the Lord and glory in the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 41:13-16) This continues our earlier post on Psalm 62. …