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 calls his …
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 …
Whiter Than Snow
Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah 1:18) Winter snow reminds me of Jesus’ precious gospel, announced 700 years ahead of His first coming by Isaiah, Christ’s prophet, in the Scripture above. Isaiah …
Looking Back, Up, and Forward to Christ
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: God’s Son appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. (1 Timothy 3:16) Many people feel lonelier at Christmas time and most counselors’ caseloads get heavier. No …
Hanukkah Points to Christ
In God’s Son was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all….I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will …
Take the Son: A Parable
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge….Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with inexpressible and glorious joy. (Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Peter 1:8) The Precious Son Dies. Imagine a wealthy man who collected rare works of art, everything …
Dying and Living in Christ
On the night when Christ was arrested in Gethsemane, before He was crucified in our place, Jesus withdrew from His disciples, and knelt down and prayed, ‘Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.’ Then an angel appeared from Heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, Jesus prayed …
Adopted into God’s Family (Our Responsibilities)
From “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Parts expanded from a sermon by Dr. Buck Oliphant. Parts also used at Belhaven University, evangelism, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. Galatians 4:4-7 NLT— 4 When the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. 5 God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were …
Adopted into God’s Family (Our Privileges)
From the class “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Parts adapted and expanded from Dr. Buck Oliphant. Parts also used at Belhaven University, evangelism, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. When the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent Him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, …