It was common for the ancient Greeks, and some of us today, to love idleness. To be involved with physical labor was a sign of the lower classes—to be a servant. But it is for this “work” that Paul praised the Thessalonians before God. But what does “work of faith” mean? The relationship of faith … Continue reading Work of Faith Working
Invitation
How God Saves
"I planted, Apollos watered, and God gave the increase" 1 Corinthians 3:6 We often sing the words "I know not how the Spirit moves, Convincing men of sin, Revealing Jesus through the Word, Creating faith in Him." We can look to the Bible to see how God creates saving faith through the Word through His … Continue reading How God Saves
Priorities
What to do? What to do first? What is most important? What are our priorities? A priority is defined by Webster as "a thing that is regarded as more important than another." Jesus identified his proper priorities when he said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added … Continue reading Priorities
Lord, Help Me to Trust You–Salvation by Faith
Trust is the root of faith and the basis of our religion and life. We must learn to trust Him. We strive not just to trust him more, but to trust him completely. Mark 9 records a wonderful illustration of growing trust in Jesus. When they came back to the disciples, they saw a large … Continue reading Lord, Help Me to Trust You–Salvation by Faith
Holy, Holy, Holy
Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee. Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty, God in three persons, blessed Trinity! God is holy, but what does it mean to be holy? Holiness is a "chief attribute of God and a quality to be developed in his people. … Continue reading Holy, Holy, Holy
Make Me a Servant
"Make me a servant. Lord, make me like you." It's a great song and an even better prayer. Jesus himself said, "I came not to serve, but to serve." We should all pray to be more like Jesus by becoming servants of the church. Jesus has designed his church in such a way that, while … Continue reading Make Me a Servant
The Ministry of the Word
Professor Dumbledore said, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.” Words used powerfully and beautifully made J.K. Rowling a best selling author. But God's words are infinitely more important. Remember what the Bible says about God's word. In the beginning was the Word--John … Continue reading The Ministry of the Word
Need Some Rest?
Taking a little time away from work has been demonstrated to make individuals far more productive at their work. The Bible tells us a lot about rest. In fact, we have rest at the very beginning of creation. God worked for 6 days and "rested" on the seventh (Genesis 2:3). This "day of rest" God … Continue reading Need Some Rest?
My Anxiety
"Casting all your anxiety upon him, because he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). What an opportunity! Most likely, you know what it is like to suffer from anxiety. We have all worried about circumstances out of our control and circumstances we created ourselves. We may be one of those who struggle with an anxiety … Continue reading My Anxiety
How to Survive a Mediterranean Cruise and Hard Times
St. Paul's Bay is beautiful. Wouldn't it have been something to walk with Paul on the shoreline? But that's not exactly how the story goes. The final segment of the book of Acts records quite a struggle. Paul is arrested for preaching Christ in chapter 21. He then is tried before the Roman tribune, the … Continue reading How to Survive a Mediterranean Cruise and Hard Times
Donnie's Dogmatics 