Hanging On … After Tragedy Strikes and Strikes Again – Ruth 1:1-5
In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah, together with his wife and two sons, went to live for a while in the country of Moab. The man’s name was Elimelek, his wife’s name was Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Kilion. They were Ephrathites from Bethlehem, Judah. And they went to Moab and lived there. Now Elimelek, Naomi’s…
In the End — How to Live – Ecclesiastes 12:11-14
The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body. Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including…
Uprooted and Re-established for a Purpose – Romans 16:21-27 (emphasis mine)
Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. Now to HIM WHO IS ABLE TO ESTABLISH YOU in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about…
God’s Epic Build – I Corinthians 3:10-17
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to…
God’s Role Reversal – Romans 16:19-20
Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. –Parallel verses:Hebrews 11:32-38And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets,…
Remembering and Avoiding the Past Deceptions – Romans 16:17-18
I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. In this world we see many who promise one thing, but in their hearts, they plan on, and actually…
Recognizing God’s Provision of Ministry Assists – Romans 16: 6-16
Greet Mary, who worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow…
Close Co-Workers, Spiritual Partners, and Friends – Romans 16:3-5
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. –Parallel verses:Acts 18:1-4After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus,…
The Godly Rich – Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. –Parallel verses:Mark 10:24-27The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It…