You also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. —Romans 1:6 Think the world is in worse shape now than it has ever been? It isn’t. In Old Testament days parents murdered their own children, sacrificing them by fire to their gods. Fathers cold-heartedly decided […]
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus. —Romans 1:1 When Paul wrote Romans, the first word he used to describe himself was “servant.” The Greek word for servant (doulos) is best translated “slave.” For a Roman citizen—which Paul was—to call himself a slave would shock his Roman readers out
On the first day of the week we came together to break bread. —Acts 20:7 Have you noticed that an increasing number of calendars, especially the week-at-a-glance genre, start the week with Monday rather than Sunday? God gave preeminence to two days of the week—the first
Two Important Days Read More »
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. —Acts 9:26 Paul wasn’t welcome in Jerusalem. Christians were scared of him, convinced that his reported conversion was a hoax. Barnabas was the only person who believed his story and went to bat for him. It was also
The Gift of Encouragement Read More »
His followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. —Acts 9:25 Infuriated by his conversion, a gang of Damascus fanatics plotted to assassinate Paul. They posted around-the-clock lookouts by the city gates,
We must obey God rather than men! —Acts 5:29 It is beneficial to be physically strong, but it is crucial to be strong in principles, morals, and allegiance. Be certain that your allegiance to God is non-negotiable. In a world of confusion,
Non-Negotiable Allegiance Read More »
Joseph … whom the apostles called Barnabas. —Acts 4:36 A nickname usually emphasizes a conspicuous feature. “Hey Red.” “How’s it goin’ Slim?” “Hi Lefty.” His name was Joseph, but you don’t know him by that name. You
What’s Your Nickname? Read More »
Simon son of John, do you love me? —John 21:17 Many a sermon has hammered Peter for his failures. He sank like a rock when fear trumped faith in his water-walking fiasco. He denied friendship with Jesus three times during the Caiaphas trial. Flip side.
Faithfulness and Failure Read More »
You did not choose me, but I chose you. —John 15:16 31/100 is a notation indicating that the item belongs to a limited edition. Like this. A famous artist creates an original painting; 100 prints of that piece are produced under his
You Are an Original Read More »
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13 Jesus loves me! This I know, / For the Bible tells me so. / Little ones to Him belong; / They are weak, but He is strong.
