Tag Archives: Bible

The Pastor 

Filling the office of the pastor takes a genuine calling from God.  The prophets, judges, and teachings foreshadow it in the Old Testament, and the New Testament defines it.  Church history has validated it, and culture has tested it.  Now, the office of pastor is losing its influence through misunderstandings, a lack of clear purpose,Continue reading “The Pastor “

Preaching in the New Testament

John the Baptist was the last Old Testament preacher (Luke 16:16), and Jesus became the first New Testament preacher.  In fact, for preaching, John Stott (1982) wrote, “The only place to begin is with Jesus himself” (p. 16).  Jesus, the quintessential person, finds Himself in the preacher’s shoes according to scripture.  In relating God’s Word to us, it wasContinue reading “Preaching in the New Testament”

Preaching in the Old Testament

Preaching the Word begins with God.  The first chapter of Genesis is filled with God’s creative power through His Words.  Peter Adams wrote, “The basis for any true human speaking for God is that God is a speaking God…and it is clear that the God of the Bible is a God who speaks” (Adams, 1996, p.Continue reading “Preaching in the Old Testament”

But, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Lord will prepare us for what comes to pass in life.  Scripture even tells us that God will provide a way out of our trials and temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13).  In the sixteenth chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus was preparing the disciples for His departure.  He even prophesied that they would be scattered.  However,Continue reading “But, be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#40)

Have you ever had a crisis moment?  This seems to be an inevitable part of every person’s story.  Sometimes these crisis moments are external and beyond our control.  A person’s health, for example, can change in a moment and alter present and future decisions.  In our Scripture reading today, we find a crisis moment that challengedContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#40)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#39)

For many people, Ahab’s reign may have seemed like the end of any hope of a return to the worship of the true God.  Scripture pointed out that Ahab did more evil in the sight of God than any other king before him (1 Kings 16:30).  In fact, to some, the famine might have signaledContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#39)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#37)

King David’s dying request to Solomon was that he would be a wise king, fear God, and cleanse his house from those who shed innocent blood.  We read about how Solomon tried to do this wisely to ensure that no mischief befell his kingdom.  As you read this passage, it is vital to understand theContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#37)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#36)

There are situations that are beyond our control and happen without our permission.  However, there are many other situations that occur as a result of the choices we make.  David was a man after God’s heart.  He was a wise and efficient leader.  However, there was one choice that he made that would impact the restContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#36)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#35)

Shortly after Saul died, David was anointed as the new king of Israel.  Under his rule, Israel would be truly united as a nation.  God would bless David and David would turn those blessings back to God in praise.  David would have trials and make mistakes like any other person, but his faith in theContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#35)”

Scripture Reading Challenge (#34)

Have you counted your blessings recently?  It’s the beginning of November, and I have already seen several people posting what they are thankful for each day.  Sometimes it is hard to see God’s blessings because the fog of doubt and despair hamper our vision to God’s movement.  So, we may ask the question, “How can IContinue reading “Scripture Reading Challenge (#34)”