1 Peter 4:1-11 ENDURE SUFFERING FOR A WHILE 1 Peter 4:1-6 ​Christians are to view suffering the same way Jesus did (4:1). Peter continues his discussion of the implications of Christ’s suffering for suffering Christians. Since Christ suffered, Christians should follow in his footsteps which lead to suffering. Suffering is a promise for those who … Continue reading SUFFER FOR A WHILE & LIVE IN GLORY FOREVER

Biblical unity allows for personal, spiritual, and evangelistic growth. Division kills desire, hope, and evangelism. Let us be a people united in Christ for the cause of Christ. UNITY REQUIRES YOUR PRESENCE. Cornelius spoke one of the greatest declarations in all the Bible: "Now therefore we are all here in the presence of God to … Continue reading WHAT UNITY REQUIRES

"The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though he had need of anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and … Continue reading THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

Jesus graciously invites us to "come learn of me" (Matthew 11:29). Google the name of our Lord and you will be directed to over 838,000,000 in .25 seconds. Go to a bookstore and you will find several shelves of books about Jesus. Turn on the television and you will find several channels devoted to teaching … Continue reading THE HOLY SPIRIT AS A TEACHER II CORINTHIANS 2:9-13

Jesus' story of the prodigal son is a favorite illustration of the consequences of sin and the glory of grace. The wayward son was welcomed back home. If we could have a record of the remainder of his life, hopefully we would have seen a life of purity and service motivated by the grace which … Continue reading BEING A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY OF GOD 1 PETER 1:18-2:25

There are ways to worship God: singing; praying; offering of our means; preaching; and the Lord's Supper. But what makes these things to be worship? Simply obeying a command does not necessarily make that act worship. Some may practice the form of "rituals" without ever having truly worshiped God. Jesus said, "God is a Spirit: … Continue reading WHAT MAKES WORSHIP WORSHIP?

One of the most terrible things in life must be to have a child wonder away and not know where they have gone. You would call the police, your friends, and everyone who would help find the young child. When the search team assembled, you would give them a description of the child: his face, … Continue reading HOW WOULD WE IDENTIFY CHRIST?

"Receive every day as a resurrection from death, as a new enjoyment of life; meet every rising sun with such sentiments of God's goodness, as if you had seen it, and all things, new-created upon your account: and under the sense of so great a blessing, let your joyful heart praise and magnify so good … Continue reading COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS Ephesians 1.3-10

What things were gain to me, those I counted as loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do not count them but dung, that I may win Christ … Continue reading Our Crucified Lives

Agony, despair, vengeance, worship, and hope are the streams of human emotion which pour forth from the Psalms. The Bible is generally a record of God speaking to mankind. However, in the Psalms we find the inspired record of men pouring their hearts out to God. The Hebrew title for the song collection is tehillim, … Continue reading PRAISES EXALTATION, EXPECTATION, AND INTROSPECTION IN THE PSALMS