gospel

God’s Purpose Revealed ~ Part One

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2 Timothy 1:9 says that God’s plan for salvation was determined before time began. Verse 10 says, “But has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”

The One Who spoke ‘Let there be light’ is Light. John 1:3-4 says, “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

Verse 9 says, “That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.” 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The mystery remained in God’s heart until it was time for Jesus to be revealed.

As You Go: Preach

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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.

God Watches Our Hearts~Part Three

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Philippians 1:27 says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel.”

God’s goal is that we represent Him in every aspect of our lives. David wrote Psalm 86. Verses 11-12 say, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name. I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart…” David was asking the Lord to make him wholehearted and single minded. What an example for us.

James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” It is good to sit before the Lord and be real. He sees right through any act. He is looking for those whose heart is loyal to Him.

Praying With Joy ~ Part Two

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Philippians was written in AD 61. My heart  was captured as I thought about how much Paul loved the folks in Philippi. In verse 3 he said that he thanked the Lord every time he thought about them.

He joyfully prayed for them. Verse 5 clues us into the reason for that joy. It says, “For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” At the least, we are talking about a nine year relationship, though apart physically.

Verse 7 says, “…I have you in my heart…” Verse 8 says, “For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.” Paul loved the Lord. He loved the folks in Philippi with the same love, because of their fellowship with him in the furtherance of the gospel. Verse 4 awakened a desire to explore praying for others with joy ~ fellowship through the gospel.