evangelism

Grace Strength ~ Part Two

~ jma47 ~ Leave a comment

Hebrews 4:15 is another picture. It says, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

Since we do have Jesus as our High Priest, verse 16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Humility acknowledges we have a need. Pride seeks to figure out a way to navigate. Humility looks to our Navigator. Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus died on the cross, fulfilling the will of His Father. Hebrews 10:26 says, “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God…” Trials are endued with His grace strength to endure.

As You Go: Preach

~ jma47 ~ Leave a comment

2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” My dad’s motto was as you go ~ preach. He had a Scripture car up until he went into the rest home in June 2015. 

Still he lived his motto. He tootled around the facility in his wheelchair. His Bible was on his lap and tracks were in his pocket. This verse so typified him. I remember hearing him on many occasions say to someone, “Suffer an exhortation.” They would usually reply, “Am I in trouble?”

To exhort is to come alongside someone and strengthen them through encouragement. Barnabas was a great example. Acts 9:26-27. Acts 11:22-24. Exhortation is one of the gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8. 

2 Timothy 4:2 in the Amplified says, “…encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.” I needed this reminder with my two 8th grade mentees.