For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8, ESV). The Greek word for “grace” is “charis,” meaning “benefit” or “favor.” In Christianity, we receive God’s grace as a gift; we do not earn it. Let’s add Ephesians 2:9 to Ephesians 2:8 listed above… […]
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I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet … Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me (Revelation 1:10a, 12a, ESV). At the beginning of the Book of Revelation, John sees Jesus and calls Him the “Son of Man.” The keyword
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Anyone who has died has been set free from sin (Romans 6:7, NIV). When I travel to the Philippines, I stay at a hotel in the Cebu IT Park, which consists of many high-rise towers mostly housing call centers. I walk the 70-acre Park’s perimeter a couple of times each morning for exercise. In two
Freedom from Addiction Read More »
Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5a, NASB1995). As I age, my hope grows; as you age, your hope should grow too. I will not be disappointed when I arrive in glory seeing the object of my hope — Jesus Christ. As Paul writes… For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope.
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Let’s ask a simple question: “Does your team need CPR?” There’s a simple model for diagnosing an organization’s missional health. I say missional, indicating a task that’s been discerned and understood, but will anything be accomplished? Will the task be finished? In the church, great teams envision an assignment meted by God, and move to
Does Your Team Need CPR? Read More »
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). I read a magazine called The Atlantic. It’s well written, and though I disagree with the
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Hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5, NASB). Recently, I spoke at the graveside service of an infant whose heart stopped beating in her mother’s womb. The obituary read, “(name withheld) was born silent.” A child conceived,
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I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10, ESV). Let’s discuss the key to understanding the Book of Revelation — the Holy Spirit. I believe that we depend too much upon intellect, study, and opinions, all of which cause endless debates about the
Saturday’s Revelations on Revelation #6 Read More »
A faithful person will be richly blessed (Proverbs 28:20a, NIV). Today is my wife’s birthday. She is 36 years old, at least she is to me! I remember the first time that I saw her (fireworks with me); our first date after she was baptized (I had made a promise to date only a believer,
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I have a predilection in my daydreaming for imagining differing Biblical and theological scenarios. I’ve spent time considering my first audience with the Trinity, discussing the proverbial how a mighty and loving God could allow evil, and I also want to know how I could have improved my prayer life. I want to discuss predestination
What Twelve Chapters? Read More »