Promises for the Battle
Resurrection
Civility #7—Hopeful Civility
If you happen to suffer for doing what is right, you are fortunate. So don’t let it bother you. Rather, set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts, so you will always be ready to answer, with courtesy and respect, anyone who asks about the hope you possess. 1 Peter 3:14–16 Hopeful people can be … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Celebrating Easter
Easter has always been a religious observance. Two thousand years ago in what is now Great Britain people celebrated the arrival of spring, which was associated with the activity of the goddess Eastre. The rabbit was the earthly symbol of this goddess because its fertility spoke to people of the vibrant life that emerged at … Continue reading
Facets of Salvation #7—Glorified Body
Christ has been raised from the dead. … As all in Adam die, so also all in Christ will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 Resurrection makes eternal life really living! We have eternal life now … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Holding Fast to the Resurrection
The Apostle Paul writes: You are saved by the gospel if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I received: (1) Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; (2) he was buried; (3) he was … Continue reading
Comfort #6—Transferable Comfort
Blessed be the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our adversity, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any adversity with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 God is worthy of our praise because he works for our perseverance by … Continue reading
According to Plan—An Easter Prayer
Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds, wonders, and miraculous signs that God performed among you through him, … was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles. But God raised him up, … Continue reading
Mentoring #2—Mentor Service
The kings of the nations lord it over them. … But you are not this way; rather, a leader must become like a servant. … For I am among you as the one who serves. Luke 22:25–27 “Follow me!” is the legitimate call of leaders who have earned the right to lead. How do we … Continue reading
Transformation #8—Final Transformation
The Lord, Jesus Christ, will transform these humble bodies of ours into the likeness of his glorious body by means of that power by which he is able to subject all things to himself. Philippians 3:21. O Life-changing God, our hearts rejoice that you bring your transforming power to bear for us. We delight in … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About a Good Reason to Rejoice at Easter
Sometimes the answer to the question Why celebrate Jesus’ resurrection? focuses on the forgiveness of our sin. That is a good reason to celebrate. Knowing that God no longer holds our sin against us, because Jesus cleared God’s name of any charge of unjustly doing good to those who deserve punishment, should take a load … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About the Next Advent
“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” one of the many songs we enjoy during the Christmas season, is not really about the past. It begins there, but it quickly moves to remind us about how we should live while we await Jesus’ second advent. Since we live in the present so that we can enjoy … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 