Tag: Christ Jesus

13 Powerful Ministry Principles Paul Gave To Timothy – 2 Timothy 2

Tagged Leave a comment

From my reading in 2 Timothy 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul passed on some powerful advice to Timothy that applies to ministry leaders.

1. Be strong through God’s grace

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1

2. Teach others, who can teach others, who can teach others…

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

3. Endure suffering

“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3

4. Focus on the mission

“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” 2 Timothy 2:4

5. Follow the rules

“And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

6. Work hard

“And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.” 2 Timothy 2:6

7. Remind people of the truth

“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2 Timothy 2:14

8. Work hard to correctly explain the truth

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

9. Avoid worthless talk

“Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” 2 Timothy 2:16

10. Keep yourself pure and usable

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

11. Run from temptation and run toward righteousness with others

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22

12. Don’t fight, instead be kind and patient with difficult people

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” 2 Timothy 2:24

13. Gently teach those who oppose the truth

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:25

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

 

Jesus Is Our ONLY Mediator – 1 Timothy 2

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in 1 Timothy 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus is the only mediator we need.

Not pastors. Not priests. Not saints. Not Mary.  Paul does not make this issue any more clear than he does here in his letter to Timothy.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

Jesus has purchased this direct access to God through His death on the cross.

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:6

Jesus mediates for us.  He is the only one who reconciles us to God. He is the way we communicate with God.

We don’t have to go through saints or Mary are anyone else. Jesus is enough. Jesus is the only bridge for us to get to God.

God provided us this way because he wants everyone to be saved!

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4

Jesus wants to be your only mediator.

He wanted you to be saved and understand the truth. Come to him because He is only way that we gain access to the Father.

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

How To Grow As A Christian – Colossians 2

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in Colossians 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul gives us some solid advice on how to grow as a Christian.

“And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6–7

We grow in the same way we were accepted Christ, by faith!

Faith is necessary not only for salvation, but for spiritual growth. Our growth depends on if we are continuing to follow Jesus by faith. We start and finish our relationship with God by faith!

We must develop deep roots in Christ.

A tree that has deep roots is strong and will be able to withstand harsh winds. As followers of Jesus we are to build our lives on Jesus. Getting to know Christ well is the best way to ensure you can make it through the hard things of life.

As you learn the truth your faith will be strengthened.

Going deep in God’s truth will help you weather the storms of life. Going deep in God’s word is another way to go deep with Christ.

The natural result of your growth will be a life of thankfulness.

If you are not growing in thankfulness you might not be growing in your walk with Jesus.  Thankfulness is a natural result of a rooted relationship with Jesus.

Are you rooting yourself in Jesus? 

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

What Is Life All About? – Philippians 3

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in Philippians 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul told us that there is one thing that matters infinitely more than anything else.

“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ” Philippians 3:8

Compared to knowing Jesus everything else is worthless!

Knowing Jesus is the most important thing in life. As the cheesy bumper stickers says,

No Jesus, no life.

Know Jesus, know life!

The value of knowing Jesus can not be overstated. That is why Paul said the “infinite value” of knowing Jesus.

Everything else in life is dog poop compared to the value of knowing Jesus! Ultimately when you get to the end of your life the most important question that you will have to answer is this..

“Did you know Jesus?”

Knowing Jesus is life long process and it is one of the most exciting things about life. If you don’t know Jesus personally then I encourage you to get to know him because in this relationship you find healing, hope, purpose and eternal life!

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

You Are God’s Masterpiece – Ephesians 2

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in Ephesians 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Before the creation of the world God knew he was going to create you.

And God created you with a  special purpose in mind. Paul said,

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

You are God’s masterpiece.

A masterpiece is an artist’s prized piece of art. When God created you he didn’t mess up. Not only that, but he made you the way you are for a purpose.

You are incomplete without Jesus.

God designed you to function best with a relationship with Jesus. You won’t realize your potential in life on your own. You won’t be fulfilling your purpose in life unless you give your life to Jesus and let him use you for his purposes.

God has given many people natural abilities, but until they are using them to serve God they won’t reach their maximum capacity.

God has good works in mind for you do to.

God has planned in advance what good works he wants you to do. When we are obeying Jesus and serving others with our gifts we are fulfilling our purpose!  There is not greater joy that to know that we are doing what we have been created for.

I want to encourage you, that if you have received Christ then you have been saved to serve others. You have a unique contribution to make!

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

3 Ways To Be A Person Worthy Of Honor – Romans 16

Tagged , Leave a comment

From my reading in Romans 16 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Often in the letters of the New Testament I have  tendency to skim over the greetings at the end.  In this chapter Paul greets many people for different reasons. The things he says about the people can teach us how to be a person worthy of such honor.

1. Be Helpful To Many

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.” Rom 16:1 

A helpful person will have many friends. When you help others you are also serving God. When you help a minister like Paul your helpfulness is multiplied because by helping him you are helping many others.

2. Sacrifice For Others & The Gospel

“Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.” Rom 16:3-5

Pricilla and Aquila risked their lives for Paul! Not only that, but they are willing to host a church in their home!  What sacrifice are you making to see the gospel advance?

3. Work hard for the benefit of others.

“Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit.” Rom 16:6

“Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord.” Rom 16:12

Hard work serving others and the Lord should be honored. When you work hard for God it is not in vain.

Ask yourself…

Have I been helpful to others, especially those serving in ministry?

Have I been making sacrifices for the gospel?

Have I been working hard for God and others?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

8 Life Changing Truths About Christians In Romans 8:1-21

Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

From my reading in Romans 8:1-21 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

If you are a Christian who is letting the Holy Spirit control your life, then these truths are for you.

1. There’s No Condemnation For You

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Rom 8:1

2. You Are Set Free From The Power Of Sin

“And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death” Rom 8:2

3. You Can Experience Life And Peace Through The Holy Spirit

“So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Rom 8:6

4. The Same Spirit Who Raised Jesus From The Dead Lives In You

“The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” Romans 8:11

5. You’re Not Obligated To Follow The Sinful Nature

“Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.” Rom 8:12

6. You Are An Adopted Child Of God, Not Fearful A Slave.

“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Rom 8:15

7. You Are A Heir Of God’s Glory

“And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” Rom 8:17

8. You Will Experience Freedom From Death And Decay In Heaven.

“The creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.” Rom 8:21

Which of these truths makes you most excited?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.

Summary Of The Bible In One Verse – Romans 6

Tagged , , Leave a comment

From my reading in Romans 6 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Can I take a minute and show you the summary of the Bible in one verse?

The Apostle Paul gave us a verse that summarizes the key points of the Bible in a few short words.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom 6:23

For the wages…

When I worked at Chickfila my wages were about $8 an hour and some free chicken. Wages are something you earn for what you do.

…of sin…

Sin is an archery term for missing the mark. When we sin it means that we have broken God’s commandments.

Everyone has sinned. One reason God gave us the commandments was show us that we are sinful. Because of our sin we deserve to be punished and the rightful punishment is…

… death…

Because of our sin we not only experience physical death but spiritual separation from God. Spiritual death is ultimately an eternity without God in Hell. BUT…

…the free gift of God…

Last Christmas when you unwrapped a gift I doubt that you opened it then pulled out $20 to pay there person for you gift! No!

A gift in it’s very nature is free. God knows our helpless state and gave us a gift that is 100% free. And that gift is…

…eternal life…

God offers us eternal life with Him starting now and continuing in heaven for all eternity! We don’t have to separated from from because of what has done through…

… Christ Jesus…

Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross the only way for us to be forgiven of our sin and receive the free gift of eternal life. In order to accept this gift we must make Jesus our…

…Lord.

Receiving Christ involves turning from our sin and turning to Jesus for forgiveness. It means that you are going to follow him as the Lord of your life. He gets to call the shots. When we make Jesus the Lord of our life we receive all that he as for us and will spend eternity loving him!

If you have never made the decision to follow Jesus then make it today!  What are you waiting for?

If you like this article share it on Facebook, Twitter or subscribe by Email.