A Living Sacrifice

The Christian life and service for the glory of God requires commitment and dedication. In his letter to the Christians at Rome, the apostle Paul wrote this: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present you bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans :12:1,2).  In this exhortation, Paul is drawing our attention to our […]

Resurrection of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is foundational to the Christian faith. Though some may think that the resurrection is a myth, the Holy Scriptures provides ample proof that Christ actually rose from the dead. Jesus Himself testified of His own resurrection prior to His death on the Cross. On one occasion Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19). The Jews thought that He was speaking of the temple building. “But He was speaking about the temple of His body” (John 2:21).  In Matthew’s gospel, we read: “Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of […]

Getting Along

“Getting Along” means unity, harmony, agreement, understanding, sharing, and having a “common mindset.” It is most important to get along with others. When the opposite is true, the human element raises it ugly head, and causes strife, setbacks, confusion, disharmony, and misunderstanding. The same is absolutely true in the Christian community.  The Lord Jesus Christ is the Christian’s pattern for getting along with others, generally and especially those of the “household of faith.” In his letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul writes: “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the […]

The Great Divide

What does the Cross of Jesus Christ mean to you? Have you ever given some thought to this important question? When Christians speak of the Cross, they mean the death and shed blood of Christ. For Him to die, He had to be nailed to the Cross in order to bear your sins and mine in His own body there. The Bible says, “He himself bore our sins His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). The word “tree” means the Cross. This was essentially God’s way to bring about the forgiveness for the sins of mankind. Sin is man’s rebellion against […]

Walk, Stand, Sit

The book of Psalms, in its first chapter opens, with a “wisdom” Psalm because the intent is to teach and instruct Christians how to maintain a Godly lifestyle in a world of evil, wickedness, corruption, and lust. Psalm 1 portrays the righteousness and fulfillment of the Christian life and the uncertainty, ruin, despair, and misery of the ungodly. The Psalm also contrasts two men, two ways, and two destinies. It cannot be over emphasized that the world is spiritually bankrupt, immoral, evil, and wicked. There is definitely no true peace, lasting joy, and satisfaction for Christians. Thats why we are in […]

Peace

There are many types of “peace“ that can be used in different ways. For in stance, there is “peace of mind,” meaning not worrying about something, “Rest in peace” as used to express that someone’s spirit has found peace after death. Peace can also mean the absence of war or conflict. Generally speaking, a broad definition of peace is tranquility, calm, quietness, freedom from fear.  And on and on goes the long list of meanings. It is also the Jewish custom to say “shalom” (meaning peace) when Jews are meeting or parting from each other. The greek word peace means tranquility […]

Relationship with God

God is the God of grace. Grace has been described as “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.” Grace is the method of God’s divine dealing in salvation and in the believer’s life and service. At the conclusion of the third chapter of his 2nd letter with the theme “Last Days,” the Apostle Peter exhorts Christians, “But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18). To “grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” means to mature as Christians. In doing so, we […]

Slave or Servant. Which?

In trusting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are no longer “slaves” but “servants,” because we serve a risen glorified Christ who is now seated at the right hand of His Father in heaven—a position of divine power and authority. There is absolutely no greater honor to serve the One who did so much for us on the Cross. It is indeed an unsurpassed joy and great delight to do anything for our Lord and Master, which is an essential part of holy living.  Prior to salvation, we were “dead in trespasses and sins” with our allegiance to […]

A New Year

A New Year dawns when the old year ends. It becomes a “calendar year” because it begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. Millions of people around the world enthusiastically welcome and celebrate the dawn of each new year. It’s a time for reflection and for many to make the traditional New Year’s resolutions.” A new year means different things to different people. Some are excited with intense, passionate feelings. While others with doubts, concern, and skepticism—not known how things will work out for them. Looking back at the old year, it is humanly impossible to remember every […]

Songs in the night

People the world over spend their nights in various ways, including those who earn their living by working at night. For many, night means sleep and rest. For others, troubles and sorrows seem to “plague” them more at night rather than during the day. And still for others, the night is is a great blessing that can be enjoyed because it provides an opportunity for “songs in the night.” Nights have far less distractions and more privacy than days. Hence, one can spend more “quality time” in God’s presence at night for reflection, prayer, and meditation.  In rebuking Job for […]