You can get yourself in trouble when you set out to confess the Word of God. Take Stephen, for instance (see Acts 6 & 7). He had a holy calling, yet it was pretty ordinary and mundane. He and six other men had been divinely appointed to relieve the Apostles of waiting on tables, so they could focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word.
Read MoreWhat is truth? How do you know it? Who gets to determine it? Where does it come from? From morality to mathematics people look for it. From Aristotle to Einstein people contemplate it. From detectives to doctors people are constantly searching for the truth.
Read MoreThat evening at sundown they brought to [Jesus] all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. (Mark 1:32-34)
Countless diseased, oppressed, and suffering people were healed and relieved. What was it like to receive instant relief? One moment your back is aching and throbbing, the next there is utter relief. One second your body is riddled by misery and disease, the next you’re healed and made well. One instant the devil is oppressing you, and the next you are free and at peace.
Read MoreBeloved do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Pet. 4:12).
“Beloved” is a strong word. It includes love, affection, protection, and compassion all rolled into one word. Peter wrote to those who were beloved by God, particularly because so many were enduring suffering on account of the faith and virtuous life they lived in Christ.
Read MorePaul’s letter to the Corinthians explains the deep truths of love for Christians. It ends with a familiar verse: Faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13:13). Have you ever wondered why he says love is the greatest? 1 Corinthians 13 is a profound chapter dedicated entirely to explaining the way of love. In it, Paul depicts, defines, and describes love. Specifically, according to God’s perspective, both what it is and what it is not.
Read MoreAdvent is a time of anticipation and waiting. The church year keeps us focused on the life of Jesus. Advent, the first season of the church year, brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ life, where He becomes incarnate—where He came into the flesh—to be born of a virgin, set in a manger, and reared in a family.
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