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
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 …
Naomi: Hero of Faith
Return to your God, Observe kindness and justice, And wait for your God continually….Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord….Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the …
Jesus-like Love (Part 6)
Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, evil, or injustice, but rejoices with the truth….I was overjoyed to find some of you walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us….Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. (1 Cor 13:6; 2 John 4; Rom 12:9) Love was so important to Jesus that shortly …
Jesus-like Love (Part 5)
When you pray, say: Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation….For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Luke 11:2-4; Matthew 6:14-15) …
Jesus-like Love (Part 4)
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35) Coca Cola, Apple, IBM, FedEx, Nike, and McDonald’s all have famous logos. These trademarks make them easily identifiable, even if we can’t read …
Jesus-like Love (Part 3)
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. (John 15:12-14) Max Dunn (1922-2017) was a retired executive and a committed Christ-follower. I never met Max, but what I’ve read tells me …
Jesus-like Love (Part 2)
We love because He first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And He has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister. …
Jesus-like Love (Part 1)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. …
Christ-like Love: Discuss Without Arguing
Used at Belhaven University and in the class: Christ-likeness—The Fruit of the Holy Spirit Anything which lacks love is worthless in God’s sight and displeasing to Him….This knowledge about which you Corinthians boast, is in the opposite camp to love, for it fills men with arrogance and makes them look contemptuously on their brothers. Love on the other hand moves …