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Bible Study: Titus 1:1-4

Titus is one of three letters known better as the Pastoral Epistles. The other two letters are both addressed to Timothy. It was written by the elder Paul to encourage the younger Titus. Titus was a pastor on the island of Crete. Paul leaves us instructions that are relevant to pastors and Christian leaders inContinue reading “Bible Study: Titus 1:1-4”

Studying God’s Word

Recently, I was asked how to get deeper into God’s Word. The inquiry came after a service where I started a sermon series on Jonah. The person was underwhelmed by the basic Sunday school storyline that had frequently been given and was made thirsty for God’s truth through a fuller look at this familiar narrative.Continue reading “Studying God’s Word”

Protecting ministers from narcissism

C.S. Lewis calls pride the “great sin” and “the essential vice.” Scripture teaches that through the “pride of life” (1 John 2:16) we can be tempted into sin. There are even more passages show a disdain for hubris (excessive pride and self-confidence) and the need for humility. There is a healthy level of narcissism thatContinue reading “Protecting ministers from narcissism”

Psalm 46:10

One of my favorite verses of Scripture is Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.” The theme of the entire Psalms is God’s abiding presence that gives us comfort and protection. In the middle of our chaos, weContinue reading “Psalm 46:10”

Access to the Throne

Our testimony is that we have access to the throne of God. Many believers have not taken advantage of this beautiful reality, though they should. Several passages in Scripture share this fact. “For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” – Eph. 2:18 “In whom we have boldness and accessContinue reading “Access to the Throne”

Is there not a cause?

One of the most loved narratives in the Bible is David and Goliath. A truly inspirational piece of history about the physical underdog proving to be a spiritual giant. One of the neglected parts of this section of Scripture is the conflicted interaction between David and his brothers. When David began to make an inquiryContinue reading “Is there not a cause?”

Gymnastics: a lesson in spiritual development

I am sitting, waiting on my five-year old daughter in her gymnastics class. She loves and it brings her a lot of happiness. At times, the activity is beyond her skill. Sometimes, she is distracted. There are also times when she forgets to do what she was taught. Hold your horses, that sounds like beliversContinue reading “Gymnastics: a lesson in spiritual development”

Colossians 3:5-4:6

You may be asking why are we are looking at such a large portion of Scripture? Is he in a hurry to get done? Nope! This passage the last major section of Colossians that deals with Paul’s teaching. He follows a typical format by giving rich theological truth first and then follows that up withContinue reading “Colossians 3:5-4:6”

Colossians 3:1-4, Bible Study

Where have you always wanted to go? Or, think back to a previous time when you travelled somewhere new and exciting. Did you find material on that place and read up on it? When you started packing, was it with excitement because of where you were going? Guess what? We are on our way toContinue reading “Colossians 3:1-4, Bible Study”

Colossians 2:16-23, Bible Study

If all we need is Christ, what about this other stuff? What is the purpose of the spiritual disciplines we are to observe? If they do not add to our salvation, what value do they have, if any? In Christ, we are complete. Religious practices are the outgrowth of our Christian experience. Colossians 2:16-23 “LetContinue reading “Colossians 2:16-23, Bible Study”