The declaration that JESUS IS LORD has one meaning but many applications. This phrase encompasses all of history—past, present, and future—and reveals the power that orders the universe. When believers realize the vast dimension of the Lordship of Christ, they will live as Christ-like servants and anticipate their future life as joint heirs with Jesus throughout eternity.…
Guest article from The One Year Book of Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament Adam lived in the Garden, where God walked with him, provided for him, and infused his life with purpose and satisfaction. When Adam sinned, he lost his perfect intimacy with God and his enjoyment of a perfect world. He became estranged from…
2 Timothy 1:2 The Apostle Paul typically opened and sometimes closed his letters with at least two of the three words in the above verse. These three words—grace, mercy, and peace—are recognized by believers in Christ but often “brushed over” when these words are read in Scripture, heard in sermons, or spoken in spiritually oriented…
Hebrews 12:1-3 INTRODUCTION What motivates you in the daily race of life? If your motivation is anything that the natural world offers (riches, popularity, success, physical gratification, etc.), then you do not have God’s motivating factor at the center of your life. If your motivation is related to another person (earning respect, having them serve you,…
Who hasn’t heard of a church identified by the name of a well-known pastor? For example, “I am a member of Pastor Smith’s church” or “I visited Charles Spurgeon’s church when I visited London.” This identification is understood but, biblically speaking, is misleading and actually erroneous. Not realizing this error, those who identify a “church”…
By Thaddeus Williams, Adjunct Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at BIOLA The Peace and Love Hippie Hostel is one of Paris’ most budget-friendly, a dingy sanctuary for under-showered backpackers. It was there that I met Derrick. Derrick didn’t believe in organized religion. Derrick didn’t believe in unorganized religion. Derrick believed in marijuana, and that…
Teamwork, by its very nature, focuses on task accomplishment through the various contributions of each team member. God’s way, however, is not man’s way (Isaiah 55:8-9); so it should not be surprising that teamwork in the Body of Christ is more significant than simply a group effort to reach a goal. Biblical teamwork, like other…
Ministry of Discipleship / Counseling Condensed Version with Verse References The church of Jesus Christ is to be committed solely to the Old and New Testaments as the only written authority for faith and conduct. The biblical discipler/counselor’s faith and conduct, which includes discipling/counseling theory and practice, are established and defined only by the standards…
This article focuses on a three-word phrase that is central to the Christian faith. The phrase, JESUS IS LORD, has only one meaning but has innumerable applications. This phrase encompasses all of human history—past, present, and future— and reveals the infinite power that orders the universe. The reality of this phrase causes demons to tremble and,…
Is the Early Church Leadership Pattern for Today? Thus far, this series has reviewed various aspects of church leadership. Part 8 is the final presentation in this series. This study emphasizes that a plurality of elders – the New Testament plan for church leadership – remains the model for church leadership today. Some churches and denominations may…