TEXT: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

THOUGHT: The risen Christ has been presenting Himself and teaching His disciples for a period of forty days. The “kingdom of God” was a main theme in Jesus’ instruction even as it was before He was crucified.  As the Apostles are assembled with the risen Jesus,...

Read this scripture passage: 1 Peter 3:8-18, 22

INTRODUCTION:

The original recipients of the Apostle Peter’s letter were facing difficult and dangerous times. The apostle Peter is writing in the 60s AD to Christians scattered in various regions of the ancient world. He speaks of fiery trials and suffering, and it is evident that persecution was taking place or was right at hand. So, Peter writes a pastoral and passionate letter encouraging believers to stand firm in the true grace...

The servant of the Lord is involved in a sacred ministry. This sacred ministry is to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit. Also, this ministry is a specific ministry that demands our focus and our work.

As we think about the months ahead in 2024, Lord willing, I think it is helpful to remember the Apostle Paul's encouraging and challenging words to his son in the ministry, Timothy.

The second book of Timothy is filled with exhortations and encouragements for this son in the ministry, who...

The Problem of Wrong Priorities Is Resolved by Putting God’s Will First

Read Haggai 1:1-15

“My life will be determined by pressures or priorities.” - Richard G. Lee

All of us face pressures and problems in life. This will be true in 2024 as well. We need to live according to God’s priorities for us rather than “caving in” to pressures, problems, or wrong desires.

We can find ourselves having the wrong priorities for many different reasons. In...

A Blessed Christmas to You and Yours, Rejoice!

In the midst of the darkness of these days, rejoice in the Light that is Christ, our Lord and Savior.

R – Rejoice the Savior has come, lived a perfect life, died an atoning death, was raised powerfully, ascended triumphantly, intercedes continually, and is coming gloriously.

E – Enjoy fellowship with Him and one another as we abide in His Word, His love, and live obediently and prayerfully in union with Him

J – Join with others...

I encourage you to write out a summary of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This summary will contain core truths that people should know to understand the gospel in its Biblical context. There are a number of good gospel “summaries” in the Scriptures. At the same time, the whole “story” of the Bible is the framework for understanding the gospel message.

I have written out a gospel summary below. Maybe this will encourage you to do the same. You may say things differently...

We are living in days that call for great and godly wisdom. This is true as we seek to live our daily lives and as we look at critical social and political issues that surround us. The Scriptures are filled with God’s revealed wisdom for us. There is a passage of Scripture found in the Book of Job that articulates the need to acknowledge God as the source of true wisdom.

“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12 ESV)

“From...

The Mission of Jesus Christ is the context for communicating Biblical truth today.

There are different aspects or phases of ministry that are well illustrated in the Book of Acts. I am not thinking of geographical phases of ministry but practical spiritual phases of ministry. One illustration of these phases is found in Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). These phases or “specifics” of ministry and mission can be viewed as functional contexts for communicating the...

I have been thinking a lot about endurance these days. This is partly because of the experience we all have had these past years of the pandemic. It certainly gives us a reason and context for endurance. Also, we have seen many wonderful examples of people serving under very stressful conditions and displaying endurance that is worthy of recognition and reward. Likewise, we know that many people are trying to endure as they struggle with the serious impacts that the virus and...

Singing A New Song

Text: Revelation 5:1-14

To get a better handle on our situation on earth, it helps to get a fresh vision of what’s happening in heaven.

We don’t do this to escape our responsibilities, we do this to gain a better perspective, a better of picture of God, and greater courage to face the present challenges of our world. Having only an earth-bound perspective can lead to pessimism and even despair.

Ultimately an “earthbound” perspective is...