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 …
Jesus: Our Wonderful Counselor
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) We hear these words in Handel’s oratorio “Messiah.” But long before Handel and 700 years before Jesus came the first time God spoke …
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 …
One Anothering, Part 4 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Jesus said—“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) This posting is Part 4. You can read One Anothering, …
One Anothering, Part 3 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Various Bible translations are used. Jesus said—“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) This posting is Part 3. …
One Anothering, Part 2 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Various Bible translations are used. Jesus said—“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) This posting is Part 2. …
One Anothering, Part 1 (Fellowship Among Christ’s People)
Used at Belhaven University, River Pointe Church, prison ministry, and pastoral counseling. Jesus said—“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) We will deal with our Lord’s commandment later in this …
Kaspar’s Experiment: Christian Joy and Contentment
To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy–to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 24-25) One practical way to remain cheerful in Christ, as we live …
The Bible’s Cleansing Power
Jesus makes us holy, making us clean by washing through His word. Christ prays: Make them clean by your true word and keep them for yourself. Your word is true. (paraphrase of Ephesians 5:26; John 17:17) Christ by His Holy Spirit changes us as we prayerfully meditate on His Holy Scriptures. We teach “Bible in 90 Days” in prison and …
Giving Others the Benefit of Doubt
Surely the human mind and heart are deep, mysterious, unsearchable, and complex. (Psalm 64:6 paraphrase) Christ-like Love Christian mercy includes giving people the benefit of doubt and not making assumptions about them. Various Scriptures lead me to this conclusion: “The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out….For who knows a person’s …