Promises for the Battle
Trials
I Was Just Thinking … About Strength Through Adversity
Sometimes evangelists, in our desire to see people turn to Christ, lay such emphasis on the blessings believers will experience that converts may enter the Christian life without being fully aware of the suffering it necessarily involves. One significant emphasis in the apostles’ message to new Christians, however, was that they will indeed suffer. As … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Jesus’ Test on Palm Sunday
Shortly before the day that we now call Palm Sunday, Jesus walked into the village of Bethany and raised his friend, Lazarus, from the dead. This event did not go unnoticed. Word spread. This sign, as John’s gospel labels Jesus’ miracles, was the capstone of a series of signs that began when he turned water … Continue reading
Grace #5—Strengthening Grace
Jesus, our high priest, can sympathize with our weaknesses because he has been tested thoroughly, similar to our testing, but without sinning. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace in order to receive mercy and find helpfully timed grace. Hebrews 4:14–16 Three year old children love to say, “Do it myself!” Offering unsolicited … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #8—Jesus
Since he himself suffered when he was tested, he is able to help those who are tested. Therefore … take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, who was faithful to him who appointed him. … Jesus is the primary example and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out … Continue reading
Examples of Faith #4—Joseph
Joseph’s master saw that Yahweh was with him and that he caused all that Joseph did to succeed. … Joseph refused his master’s wife’s advances: “… My master has put all that he owns in my charge. … He has withheld nothing from me except you because you are his wife. How then could I … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Jesus’ Perseverance
Jesus taught that the those who wanted to follow him would need to persevere to the end (Matthew 24:3). So we began our series about persevering in faith by acknowledging that sometimes we feel like giving up. When the pressure seems so unbearable that we’re ready to cave in, we need to fine tune our … Continue reading
Perseverance #6— Sympathetic Grace
We have a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, One who has been tested according to all the things that test us, yet without sinning. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews … Continue reading
Perseverance #2—Way Out Endurance
If you think you stand, pay attention so you do not fall. No trial of faith is new or unique; and God is faithful, in that he will not permit you to be tested beyond your ability, but with the test will even provide the way out, that you may be able to endure it. … Continue reading
Thinking #6—Joyful Consideration
Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials, because the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its full effect, so you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2–4 In the best sense of the word James is a pragmatist. He is concerned that we survive long enough in … Continue reading
I Was Just Thinking … About Christmas Time!
Way back in 1965 I sang with four of my friends in the Oak Park and River Forest High School’s “Senior Follies.” One of the songs we performed was Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” But, as it turns out, Alphonse Karr was correct, “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” (the more … Continue reading
Promises for the Battle 