Devotional

By All Possible Means

By All Possible Means

The Apostle Paul was a pillar of strength who saw the ways of God more clearly than any other individual. He had a unique boldness in his message because he had received the gospel directly from God: “The gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any […]

Actively Wait

Actively Wait

In the message “God’s Perfect Will” we saw that God’s will is for us to live a life of thanksgiving and prayer, a life of contentment and peace independent of circumstances. It is also “God’s will that you should be sanctified {set apart, made holy}; that you should avoid sexual immorality” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). These […]

God's Perfect Will

God’s Perfect Will

Much of our Christian walk seems to involve searching for God’s will. We search for His perfect will for our job, home, school, church, and relationships; and we are often frustrated because God seems silent regarding the details of our life. But God is not silent! His Word reveals much of His will, and a […]

Intentional Discipleship

Intentional Discipleship

In the last two messages, we have seen how Barnabas was an encouragement in the lives of Paul and Mark. We considered how Barnabas must have seen the “Christ-potential” in others and discipled them at critical seasons of their life. Discipleship involves prayer, teaching, compassion, commitment, and the ability to lead by a Godly example; […]

Son Of Encouragement

Son Of Encouragement

In the message “The Example of Barnabas” we saw how Barnabas played an essential role in Paul’s ministry. He boldly introduced Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem (Acts 9:27), and then searched for Paul when he fled Jerusalem to his home town of Tarsus (Acts 11:25-26). After taking Paul to Antioch, Barnabas remained with him […]

The Example of Barnabas

The Example of Barnabas

Prior to meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Saul (who would later be known as the Apostle Paul) was one of the greatest enemies of Christians: “Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3). But Saul’s conversion to […]

Nothing Too Hard

Nothing Too Hard

Jeremiah had been a prophet for nearly forty years by the time Jerusalem came under attack by the Babylonians. He had long been proclaiming a message of repentance, but the people continued to ignore his words. Now, the enemy had surrounded Jerusalem and the end was near. In this time of great turmoil, God told […]

Spiritual Wisdom And Understanding

Spiritual Wisdom And Understanding

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to show that Jesus is sufficient to supply every need of the believer. In the opening verses, Paul wrote that the Colossians had a reputation for great faith in Jesus Christ – their love, hope, and hunger for the Gospel was bearing fruit and had been growing “since […]

The Good Deeds of Faith

The Good Deeds of Faith

In the last several messages we have considered the grace of God in relation to our Christian walk and also as the foundation for how we interact with others. However, the area which probably causes the most contention is the role of grace in Salvation. Unfortunately, this debate is largely due to various sides not […]

Grace In Others

Grace In Others

In the last two messages, we have considered the grace of God in our Salvation as well as in our daily Christian walk. Anytime we add requirements to genuine faith, we have strayed from the true gospel message. We certainly need to be challenged as to what faith really means and how a saving faith […]

His Amazing Grace

His Amazing Grace

In the message “Strong In His Grace” we considered God’s grace in the process of Salvation and saw we can do nothing to earn a right standing in His eyes. Our Heavenly Father freely gave and poured out His love when He sent Jesus; “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While […]

Strong In His Grace

Strong In His Grace

When we are brought to the point of belief – the point where we see our sin, desire to change, and acknowledge God’s Son as our only way to eternal life – we ask, in faith, for Jesus to forgive our sins and be our Savior. At that very moment, the grace of God abounds, […]