Being a “PUT ON!”
The Christian life in a very real sense is a “PUT ON!” I remember during my days in Middle school which we called Jr. High, that we would sometimes label someone as a “Put On” when it seemed like they were acting superior to others, or acting standoffish. The idiom phrase “put on,” simply stated […]
“One Another” in the Bible
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32 The One Another statements and commands of God in the N.T. “Be kind – be tenderhearted – forgive, one another.” Paul wrote these words to the Ephesian church, challenging them how to […]
Christmas Musings – Bethlehem, Swaddling Clothes, and Lying in a Manger
Luke 2:17 “You shall find the infant wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger.” Swaddling Clothes The use of swaddling clothes, which were narrow strips of cloth, usually linen, or cotton, were a common method of caring for babies after birth. After washing, and oiling of an infant, this wrapping provided […]
Christmas Musings – “The Divine Coincidence”
Luke 2:1-6 1 And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from […]
Being Strong in Grace
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. – 2 Timothy 2:1 A liberating truth of the gospel is that Christ’s merit secured our favor with God. We’ve been justified by faith in Christ’s work on the cross, and we have resulting peace with God. (cp. Rom. 5:1) This was all […]
Abiding in Christ, Union with Christ – John 15:1-8
“I am the vine you are the branches.” – John 15:5 Understanding how to life a life of abiding in the vine with Christ (John 15:1-8) When Jesus taught these words, “I am the vine, you are the branches” in John 15:5, He used a powerful metaphor to convey the deep spiritual truth about our […]
Missionary to Burma: Adoniram Judson
Adoniram Judson (1788-1850) – Missionary to Burma July 1813, Rangoon, Burma (Yangon, Myanmar): One of the first things to capture the attention of the 25 year old Judson, was the 13 story Shwedagon pagoda. Covered with one inch of pure gold, and housing the “tooth relic” of Buddha, this temple built in 500 B.C. […]
Jesus: The Fulfillment of Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” – Psalm 23:1 The phrase “I lack nothing” is also translated in other versions, as “I shall not want,” or “I have everything I need,” as well as other similar statements. The idea of course is obvious, that when the Lord is our shepherd, He as a […]
“Feed My Sheep”
When Jesus told Peter to “feed my sheep” in John 21:15-17, he was entrusting Peter with the responsibility of caring for and leading Christ’s followers. This metaphorical language draws on the imagery of a shepherd caring for his flock. In simplicity, Jesus was calling Peter to do the work of a pastor concerning believers in […]
“The Eternal God is our dwelling place.”
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. – Augustine (354-430) The eternal God is our dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” – Deuteronomy 33:27 When God speaks to us that He is our dwelling place, He is telling us that He is […]