Standing in front of someone does not make you a good leader, but having a life of faith with fortitude, persisting in trial, withstanding scrutiny, yielding when possible, and being unyieldingly compassionate and gracious – living an example that stands – does.
No More Apostles
God only designated a specific group of men as apostles of Jesus Christ. These were the ones appointed by Him in Matthew 10:1-4 (See also Luke 6:12-16). Matthias was selected to replace Judas in Acts 1:26, and Paul was selected later, an apostle born out of due season (1 Cor 15:8-9).
Job’s Wish Granted
It has been argued that Job could have little to no understanding of God’s plan of bringing Jesus into the world to redeem mankind from our sins. Whatever knowledge Job may or may not have had, it is clear that it did not prevent his understanding and desire for some kind of a redeemer.
Unhypocritical Love
It is incontrovertible. We cannot love if we are hypocritical. While the imitation might make a convincing facsimile, there will always be a chink in the facade.
Mask or No Mask?
Hypocrite was a Greek word for “actor.” The word became synonymous with pretending of all kinds, good and bad.
The Tripwire
Many unsuspecting travelers have been ensnared, tumbled, and never risen again.
Faith and/or Works?
Doing something to be saved is not the same as being saved by what you do.
God’s Opus
God has a symphony. We define the word as an intricate composition of music. I imagine diverse parts that are coordinated into a whole and fit the composer’s design. We get our word symphony from the Greek word symphonia. It is made of two words that mean “together” and “sound.” That is much like how […]
Disciple
“Disciple” means “a learner,” but that definition leaves us with a weak picture compared to the reality of what it means to be a disciple. We see the root of this in our word “discipline.” Disciples were devoted pupils of a certain teacher. They followed him, practiced what he practiced, and identified themselves by his […]
Unwanted Grace
Do we see our difficulties as opportunities to show God’s greatness? Serving faithfully in these times is one way we demonstrate God’s grace to the world.