The Mission of Jesus Christ is the context for communicating Biblical truth today.

There are different aspects or phases of ministry that are well illustrated in the Book of Acts. I am not thinking of geographical phases of ministry but practical spiritual phases of ministry. One illustration of these phases is found in Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). These phases or “specifics” of ministry and mission can be viewed as functional contexts for communicating the...

I have been thinking a lot about endurance these days. This is partly because of the experience we all have had these past years of the pandemic. It certainly gives us a reason and context for endurance. Also, we have seen many wonderful examples of people serving under very stressful conditions and displaying endurance that is worthy of recognition and reward. Likewise, we know that many people are trying to endure as they struggle with the serious impacts that the virus and...

Singing A New Song

Text: Revelation 5:1-14

To get a better handle on our situation on earth, it helps to get a fresh vision of what’s happening in heaven.

We don’t do this to escape our responsibilities, we do this to gain a better perspective, a better of picture of God, and greater courage to face the present challenges of our world. Having only an earth-bound perspective can lead to pessimism and even despair.

Ultimately an “earthbound” perspective is...

I hope that you celebrated Christ’s resurrection joyfully this past Sunday. Resurrection is at the heart of the Christian life and message. If there is any doubt about the reality of Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ needs to be the focus of attention.

The Apostle Paul’s thorough presentation concerning Christ’s resurrection and the resurrection of all Christians was prompted by some in Corinth who denied that there was any resurrection for anyone. So, the...

Are you living in the Light?

Can you imagine a world without light? That is almost impossible, but how sad and dangerous such a world would be.

I remember the great so-called “Blackout” that occurred in New York City back in the 1960’s. (Yes, I am that old!) It was so strange to look across the streets and see ‘darkness’ instead of the usual lights. There was great concern during the blackout about the possible increase in...

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,….’ (1 Peter 5:5b-6 ESV)

Having called for submission to elders on the part of those younger, now the Apostle calls for humility among all the Christians. Humility is to be the clothing that is worn. And this humility is to be...

Texts:

“If we say………we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:6).
“He who says, …….. is a liar, and the truth is not in him (1 John 2:4).
“If someone says, ……… he is a liar” (1 John 4:20)

INTRODUCTION:

In this straightforward Epistle, The Apostle John presents himself as an authoritative eye-witness to the “Word of life.” Being a true witness to the ‘word of life”...

This Thursday in the USA is a national day of prayer. Many will gather across the country to pray.

Given the crises in our world as well as in the USA, this call to prayer (which is an annual event) is needed as much as ever. We know that many people are regularly meeting for times of special prayer these days.

This ‘day” of prayer should not be simply a “one-time” annual event, but a reminder and stimulus for further prayer in these days.

This is a great time to...

As the Apostle Peter is concluding his powerful Epistle, he writes what could be considered a passing remark. But, passing remarks can be very meaningful, not only in the Scriptures but in everyday life. And rather than seeing these words as a passing remark, I think we need to view them as a significant statement as the Apostle is closing his letter. 

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him I have written…”

(1 Peter 5:12)

The Apostle is recognizing...

One of the “great texts” of Scripture that stand like a “strong tower” is found in Hebrews 13:8

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."

(NKJV)

We can gain great strength from this text, even as it stands alone. Our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful, He never changes. What an encouragement and comfort in a world that is constantly changing!

At the same time, this precious verse was not written alone, nor...