Approved in Jesus: Preserved and Persevering

Bob RoaneJoy and Peace, Loving and Trusting God, Safety and Security in Christ

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test [having been approved by God], that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 1:12) This post builds upon our previous post Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification. In Romans 16:10, Apelles is approved in Christ (ESV). …

Approved in Jesus: Justification and Sanctification

Bob RoaneJoy and Peace, Loving and Trusting God, Safety and Security in Christ

Jesus will say: Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness! (Matthew 25:21) One of you asked: “Paul writes in Romans 16:10, ‘Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ.’ (ESV) What does that mean? Aren’t all believers approved in …

Hospitality Ministry (Part 2)

Bob RoaneLoving and Trusting God, Wise living

Note: I wrote this before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still need to find ways to practice hospitality in creative ways despite the current troubles. Social distancing cannot mean social disconnection. Jesus taught us: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.1 …

Hospitality Ministry (Part 1)

Bob RoaneLoving and Trusting God, Service, Wise living

Note: I wrote this before the COVID-19 pandemic, but we still need to find ways to practice hospitality in creative ways despite the troubles. Social distancing cannot mean social disconnection. My recent post about Dr. John Skilton, a life-long bachelor, reminded me how he preached and practiced the value of hospitality in evangelism. Some people who are not initially persuaded …

Thanksgiving to God for Dr. John Skilton

Bob RoaneLoving and Trusting God, Service, Wise living

Dr. John H. Skilton (1906-1998) was my professor and friend in Philadelphia, PA and I remembered him again recently with gratefulness to the Lord. Moisés Silva wrote in appreciation: “Few and far between are those who combine, as Skilton has, an unshakable and fearless commitment to orthodox Christianity in its Reformed expression alongside a most gentle and patient spirit.” I …

Christ our Treasure (Expanded)

Bob RoaneJesus Christ, Joy and Peace, Loving and Trusting God

In Christ Are Hidden All the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge. (Colossians 2:3) We can also appreciate Jesus’ value by studying His many names in Scripture. You may also like Christ’s Wonderful Names, Part 1 and Part 2 and God’s Wonderful Gift, Part 1 and Part 2. Jesus is Wiser Than Solomon In Old Testament times, King Solomon had God-given encyclopedic insight …

Celebrating the Lord Using Psalm 104 (Part 6)

Bob RoaneJesus Christ, Loving and Trusting God

Praise the LORD, O my soul….He stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of His upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. (Psalm 104:1-4) This continues: “Celebrating the Lord Using Psalm 104.” You can …

Celebrating the Lord Using Psalm 104 (Part 5)

Bob RoaneJesus Christ, Loving and Trusting God

Praise the LORD, O my soul….He stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of His upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. (Psalm 104:1-4) This continues: “Celebrating the Lord Using Psalm 104.” You can …