You aren’t from here are you? This was a question I came to dread. My husband and I have served congregations in various parts of the country. At times, our upper Midwest accent gave our origins away. We were in an area far from home, and the locals hesitated to accept us. They assumed we …
Here is some background information on Peter’s first letter. The Apostle Peter wrote it. This is the same Peter whose original name was Simon. Jesus renamed him Peter. John 1: 42 Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John—but you will be called Cephas” (which means …
Paul reminded Timothy to work at telling the good news. Timothy had a challenging assignment in Ephesus, and Paul reminded him of the main thing. 2 Timothy 3:5Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. [1] The word work carries the idea that ministry is hard …
A recurring theme throughout the Bible is the Lord calling us to remain faithful despite the enemy’s schemes. Although life can be difficult, and our circumstances can be exhausting, there is something about pressing into God and relying on His strength, not our own. When we become weary of our circumstances, the enemy plants doubt …
Paul told Timothy that the word of God can’t be chained. Paul’s words are just as valid today as when they were written. Some people call the Bible the most dangerous book in the world. Yes, the Bible is dangerous to God’s enemies, and they know it! Throughout history, there have been attempts to silence …
As Paul penned his second letter to Timothy, he wrote a poem about dying to live. 2 Timothy 2: 11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. 12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 13 If we are …
Paul gives guiding words to the Thessalonians and us: stand firm in the faith. In the days Paul lived, the enemy would overcome a soldier who could not stand firm in battle. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you …
Paul speaks of the justice of God to persecuted people in his second letter to the Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians 1: 7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those …
Scripture tells us that God is just. This is a character of God, no matter what the circumstances look like in our world. There may have been a time in your life or at the present when you questioned God’s justice. As people, we don’t see what God sees or know what He knows as …
Living to please God may not be a thought for many people, while others may ask the Lord regularly what they must do. A life guided by the Holy Spirit and His word is a stark contrast to the culture that disregards the holiness of God. The Apostle Paul gives us insight into why people …