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 …
My Brother and Sister’s Keeper (Part 2)
Last time, we introduced the topic of caring for one another in Jesus’ family. Here are some practical helps on how to do it. If you wish, go back and read My Brother and Sister’s Keeper (Part 1). Two are better than one….If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and …
My Brother and Sister’s Keeper (Part 1)
Used in “Helping Those Who Hurt” class at River Pointe Church in Richmond, TX. Also used in other teaching/training classes, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. Also helpful for building family unity. The LORD is your keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps. The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going …
Following Christ in a World That Doesn’t (Part 2)
I am grateful for your feedback that our last blog was helpful. Being a Christian means being a Christ-follower. We don’t follow the Lord to earn His salvation and favor. We follow Jesus because He has first saved us by His doing and dying and rising. Because we belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures us of eternal …
Following Christ in a World That Doesn’t (Part 1)
I used this in New Testament Survey class at Belhaven University and also in other teaching/training, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. Jonathan Goforth (1859-1936) was a Canadian missionary to China, serving with his wife, Rosalind. Goforth preached to large crowds and in small homes. He was stirred to serve Christ in China by the writings of Hudson Taylor. Jonathan was …
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 …
Joy in Jesus’ Great Promises
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) Used in “Joy and Peace in Christ” taught at Christ E.P.C. and Jester #3 prison. Jesus’ promises are powerful medicine for our souls and awesome to grasp. Ask God the Holy Spirit to implant these truths deep in your heart and give you righteousness, joy, and peace in …
Thank God: Life is Not Puzzling When We Know Our Purpose
From “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Used also in counseling and prison ministry. Imagine trying to put together a puzzle without a picture to visualize what it should look like. It’s almost impossible to complete. Thankfully, the Bible teaches: Our primary purpose as human beings is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. That single sentence summarizes many …
Thanksgiving: Give Me That Book!
(Excerpt from teaching and training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry. I used this first at Windsor Village Methodist Campus, then at other places. It is adapted and expanded from Wesley’s Preface to Standard Sermons.) Christ said: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, …
Boundaries: Building and Preserving Them
Adapted + expanded from Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. 1 “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7) Christ-glorifying boundaries are essential to healthy relationships and a healthy life. For some people this is new and challenging concept. Margarita Tartakovsky draws on the work of Dana Gionta (psychologist …