Listen, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; …
Christ’s Wisdom in Proverbs (Part 1)
Now then, my children, listen to me. Blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find …
Haughty or Humble?
For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? (1 Corinthians 4:7 NIV) The Corinthian Problem In this part of 1 Corinthians, Jesus reminds us that He sends us out to others and we are His servants, …
Seek First God’s Kingdom
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 24:4-5) Christ Still Teaches Jesus is the unique Son of God, fully divine and fully human in one person. He came down from His throne to save …
Loving Enemies and Forgiving
Jesus, teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but He (God the Father) who sent me is true. You do not know Him, but I know Him because I am from Him and He sent me. (John 7:28-29) Christ is Captivating …
Loving God and Neighbor
Nicodemus said, “Rabbi, we know we know without any doubt that you have come from God as a teacher and God is with you.” Jesus said, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” (John 3:12; 13:13) Sitting at Jesus’ Feet One day Christ and His disciples visited the home of two sisters, …
Jesus’ Disciples are on His Mission
Jesus said: As you (the Father) sent me into the world, I have sent them (the disciples) into the world….Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. (John 17:18, 20:21) Our English word “mission” comes from the Latin “missio” which means sending. God the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the …
Jesus’ Disciples are Salt and Light
A Coach Makes Disciples Amos Alonzo Stagg (1862–1965) was an American college coach in multiple sports, primarily football. He popularized the huddle, the Statue of Liberty play, onside kick, the T formation, the end-around, and the forward pass. People say that he practically invented football as we know it. He was a devout Christian and his biggest legacy was shaping …
Marks of Jesus’ Disciples
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” (John 8:31) Dave Was an Example I recently retold a story by Donald A. Carson, New Testament scholar and professor. When Carson was in college, he led an evangelistic Bible study. When he felt out of his depths and when skeptics asked the hardest questions, Carson would …
Human Plans and God’s Over-rulings
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails and will stand. (Proverbs 19:21) Our Plans and God’s The Lord expects us to make plans for work, education, family and finances. But often we are frustrated by detours. In traveling, construction and traffic can block our planned route. On a long-distance trip this …