We generally think of “ministry” in terms of paid church servants or church programs. But isn’t everyone expected to have a ministry (Eph. 4:12)?
One of the most popular religious beliefs in the U.S. is “once saved, always saved.” Anyone who has had any sort of experience with Christ (no matter how shallow or fleeting) is guaranteed an eternal home in heaven. But the dynamic little book of Jude plainly says otherwise (Jude 1:4-7).
The Bible says that whoever claims to abide in Jesus “ought to walk in the same way in which he walked” (1 John 2:6). So how did he “walk” or live his life?
Overuse has diminished the meaning of the beautiful name Christian. People talk about Christian nations, Christian universities, Christian radio stations, and so on. But the word “disciple” has retained its freshness – and its challenge.
Luke 14: 25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot…
Jude intended to write a letter to the church about the salvation all Christians share in. But the Spirit of Christ vetoed his plan. An emergency situation called for a letter of a very different sort (Jude 1:1-4).
It felt like the worst day in their lives. Cleopas and his companion walked along the road to Emmaus, discussing the cross and looking sad. And then Jesus himself joined the two disciples (Luke 24:13-35)
Solomon assumed the throne of Israel when he was young and inexperienced. When he asked God for wisdom, the Lord abundantly blessed him with insight. But the king didn’t apply his great understanding to his own personal life.
The Philippian church seems to have been plagued by selfishness and pride. Paul addressed the issue by reminding the congregation of Christ’s humble mindset (Phil. 2:5-11).
In ancient Israel there were six cities of refuge (Josh. 20:7-8). If a man accidentally killed his neighbor, he could escape to one of these places and find protection. These cities make us think of the church.