Chapter Seven – The True Grace of God Calls for Glorifying God Together in These Last Days (4:7-11)

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks...

HOW A PERSON PREACHES ACTUALLY MATTERS

How do we (or does someone) preach today in an effective way? Some might question the need to ask this question in the first place.

The affirmation would be that God uses the preached Scriptures in the power of the Holy Spirit salvifically and sanctifyingly for His purpose and glory without the need for any analysis, adaptation or adjustments on the part of the preacher to any circumstance or audience: end of discussion!

Similar statements would affirm...

Read this scripture passage: 1 Peter 3:8-18, 22

INTRODUCTION:

The original recipients of the Apostle Peter’s letter were facing difficult and dangerous times. The apostle Peter is writing in the 60s AD to Christians scattered in various regions of the ancient world. He speaks of fiery trials and suffering, and it is evident that persecution was taking place or was right at hand. So, Peter writes a pastoral and passionate letter encouraging believers to stand firm in the true grace...

Dear Friend of Olford Ministries International and the Institute for Biblical Preaching,

Greetings in Jesus’ Name!

Thank you for your continued interest in this ministry. 

On January 31st I am traveling back to Japan. I say, “back,” because we have had many ministry trips to Japan over the years. This trip involves visiting four different areas of Japan and preaching at conventions for the deepening of spiritual life. Lord willing, I will be returning again to Japan...

The servant of the Lord is involved in a sacred ministry. This sacred ministry is to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, this ministry is a specific ministry that demands our focus and our work.

As we think about the months ahead in 2024, Lord willing, I think it is helpful to remember the Apostle Paul's encouraging and challenging words to his son in the ministry, Timothy.

The second book of Timothy is filled with exhortations and encouragements for this son in the ministry, who...

The Problem of Wrong Priorities Is Resolved by Putting God’s Will First

Read Haggai 1:1-15

“My life will be determined by pressures or priorities.” - Richard G. Lee

All of us face pressures and problems in life. This will be true in 2024 as well. We need to live according to God’s priorities for us rather than “caving in” to pressures, problems, or wrong desires.

We can find ourselves having the wrong priorities for many different reasons. In...

Introduction to Philippians 3:12-21:

I think it is safe to say that many people are concerned about the future. These concerns may be on their personal level, their health, their relationships, or their finances. These concerns may be on the local community level, the national level, or as we look at the various crises on our world scene.

Genuine concern is not a bad thing, especially if these concerns are brought before the Lord in prayer. But such concerns can easily move into despair and...

KEY TEXT:

“It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed,

but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body,

whether by life or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

(Phil. 1:20-21 ESV)

OPENING COMMENT:

This brief message is based on Paul’s testimony in Philippians Chapter One. The truths are relevant for all times. But, all truths need to be viewed within the whole counsel of God. I say this...

A Blessed Christmas to You and Yours, Rejoice!

In the midst of the darkness of these days, rejoice in the Light that is Christ, our Lord and Savior.

R – Rejoice the Savior has come, lived a perfect life, died an atoning death, was raised powerfully, ascended triumphantly, intercedes continually, and is coming gloriously.

E – Enjoy fellowship with Him and one another as we abide in His Word, His love, and live obediently and prayerfully in union with Him

J – Join with others...

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a...