Jesus The Word

I love the way the Gospel of John opens.  John talks about Jesus without referring to him by that name, instead referring to him as “the Word” (John 1:14).  This should remind us that there is no difference between God’s Word and Jesus Christ.  The writer of Hebrews opened his book by saying, “Long ago, at many times in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  It is through Jesus that God speaks to us today, and Jesus speaks to us through the Scriptures, His Word which will also judge us in the end (John 12:48).  We know this because the Holy Spirit inspired the writers of Scripture (2 Peter 1:19-21; Ephesians 3:3-5), and the Spirit received His message from Jesus (John 16:25).  This is why the apostle wrote, “If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 14:37).  So when the publishers of your Bible say that the words of Christ are “in red,” they should consistently print the entire Bible in red ink.… Read More Jesus The Word

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Growing Spiritually

I’ve come to realize that if I am to grow spiritually as I hope to and as God wishes for me, I’m going to have to persevere. This will require self-control on my part every single day. There’s a reason Peter said Christians are to had steadfastness to self-control (2 Peter 1:6). When self-control is practiced daily, over time one will become more constant in their Christianity. One will have more endurance. I will have to discipline myself to study my Bible and pray to God every single day. I will need to serve the church more on a daily basis, using whatever skills and abilities I have to function in the body of Christ. … Read More Growing Spiritually

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A Burning Fire Shut Up In My Bones

Jeremiah had reached rock bottom.  He was ready to surrender.  And yet he didn’t.  Instead, he chose to cast aside his fears, his despairs, his doubts and anxieties.  He chose to replace them with the courage of his convictions.  He couldn’t hold in God’s message.  One could say that even though it wore him out to preach to such a unresponsive, hostile people, it wore him out even more to keep God’s message to himself.… Read More A Burning Fire Shut Up In My Bones

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Biblical Unity in Diversity

There are some differences about which Christians must unite.  There must be unity among believers of diverse nationalities, social standings and genders (Galatians 3:26-28).  No matter who we are – Asian or Caucasian, black or white, employer or employee, rich or poor, man or woman – those who have “put on Christ” in baptism stand on equal ground before God and each other, worthy of being embraced as brothers or sisters.  Only the cross of Christ could bring this about (Ephesians 2:14-16; Philemon 15-16).… Read More Biblical Unity in Diversity

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