When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; I am persuaded that in thee also.
As the Apostle Paul addresses Timothy in this second letter to him, he makes honorable mention of Timothy's grandmother and mother. Paul tells Timothy that his confidence in him is based upon the massive impact these godly women had on the younger man's life. Later in verse 13, Paul give Timothy some good advice: Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Paul is telling Timothy to "hang in there" through his life experiences. What Timothy has learned from his mother and her mother has brought him to learn from Paul. This leads to Paul's advice in 2:2: And the things that thou hast heard of me among the witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. From these verses I conclude that godly knowledge is best acquired when it begins at home. God bless all of our mothers. Pastor John
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Luke 15:10
Likewise, I say unto you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.
Have you ever lost anything of great value? Remember the relief and joy you experienced when you found it? God has placed great value on every person, everywhere, since time began. He considers each one of us His prized possession. We know that losing someone that you love is grievous. Think how God feels about His lost children - those whom He has adopted by the blood of His only begotten Son. Luke 15 echoes God's love and joy when just one of His sons or daughters comes home. Heaven throws a celebration and the angels rejoice! The Father gifts His returning child with acceptance, forgiveness and blessing. This alone should be enough incentive for every sinner to come to God. Pastor John
Have you ever lost anything of great value? Remember the relief and joy you experienced when you found it? God has placed great value on every person, everywhere, since time began. He considers each one of us His prized possession. We know that losing someone that you love is grievous. Think how God feels about His lost children - those whom He has adopted by the blood of His only begotten Son. Luke 15 echoes God's love and joy when just one of His sons or daughters comes home. Heaven throws a celebration and the angels rejoice! The Father gifts His returning child with acceptance, forgiveness and blessing. This alone should be enough incentive for every sinner to come to God. Pastor John
Luke 8:10b
Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
The kingdom of God, that Jesus refers to here is not some future realm where the saints all reign in perfection. Jesus is speaking of the here and now - the existing body of believers of which Christ is the head. It's the place where believers are subject to Him and His word right now. The followers of Christ were not totally wrong in thinking that He had come to set up His kingdom on earth; it's just that heir timing was off. Jesus was saying to them that the world did not understand Him or His teachings. The world did not know who he was or why He was here. He was telling them that simply by knowing Him, they could taste heaven in the now. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus said so! It will be a perfect place where all believers will one day assemble to reign with Jesus for eternity. But, isn't it good to know that we have a bit of Heaven available to us while we live here?
Pastor John
The kingdom of God, that Jesus refers to here is not some future realm where the saints all reign in perfection. Jesus is speaking of the here and now - the existing body of believers of which Christ is the head. It's the place where believers are subject to Him and His word right now. The followers of Christ were not totally wrong in thinking that He had come to set up His kingdom on earth; it's just that heir timing was off. Jesus was saying to them that the world did not understand Him or His teachings. The world did not know who he was or why He was here. He was telling them that simply by knowing Him, they could taste heaven in the now. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. Jesus said so! It will be a perfect place where all believers will one day assemble to reign with Jesus for eternity. But, isn't it good to know that we have a bit of Heaven available to us while we live here?
Pastor John
Luke 14:26
Anyone who wants to be my follower must love me far more than he does his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers or sisters - yes, more than his own life - otherwise he cannot be my disciple.
The love that God has for us is incomparable with any other love. If we use God's love as a gauge, earthly love seems insufficient - incapable of measuring up. It seems it's impossible for us to love at God's level. That is why God's grace is so precious. Through God's grace, our love is magnified. If we love God first, our love for others actually increases by divine amplification. Through grace, our love measures. up.
Pastor John
The love that God has for us is incomparable with any other love. If we use God's love as a gauge, earthly love seems insufficient - incapable of measuring up. It seems it's impossible for us to love at God's level. That is why God's grace is so precious. Through God's grace, our love is magnified. If we love God first, our love for others actually increases by divine amplification. Through grace, our love measures. up.
Pastor John
Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
This verse speaks of the spiritual integrity of those Christians in Rome. Paul thanks God for their faithfulness, Spiritual integrity should be the goal of every Christian. What is spiritual integrity? It is having the confidence of others that you will be strong in the Lord, faithful in His work, obedient to His call, and fruitful in your Spirit-led endeavors. Dependability is an important character trait, and it is a big part of spiritual integrity. In Paul's day, all of Christendom was aware of the Roman Christians' faith and devotion. As your pastor it's good to know that I can count on you, your prayers and your faithfulness. I encourage you to continue in these things.
Pasto John
This verse speaks of the spiritual integrity of those Christians in Rome. Paul thanks God for their faithfulness, Spiritual integrity should be the goal of every Christian. What is spiritual integrity? It is having the confidence of others that you will be strong in the Lord, faithful in His work, obedient to His call, and fruitful in your Spirit-led endeavors. Dependability is an important character trait, and it is a big part of spiritual integrity. In Paul's day, all of Christendom was aware of the Roman Christians' faith and devotion. As your pastor it's good to know that I can count on you, your prayers and your faithfulness. I encourage you to continue in these things.
Pasto John
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