Under Authority Like Christ
Some of the most hotly debated issues of today are about issues of gender and authority. The three positions on gender roles are egalitarian feminism, hierarchical chauvinism, and complementarian chivalry.
Spiritual Gifts Part IV: encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, and hospitality
Week 4 of a 6 week study of the spiritual gifts. This week we depart from the book of 1 Corinthians to examine the gifts of encouragement, giving, leadership, mercy, and hospitality.
Spiritual Gifts Part III: Apostles, teaching, helps/service, administration, counseling
Week 3 of a 6 week study of the spiritual gifts. This week we examine the gifts of apostles, teaching, helps/service, administration, and biblical counseling/pastoring.
Power From Jesus
Paul’s sadness is revealed as his people had little regard for his teaching and little respect for his authority. Like most problems, the root of all the trouble in Corinth was simply arrogant pride.
Spiritual Gifts Part 1
Jesus said that one day Christians would do even greater ministry than He did by the empowerment and gifting of the Holy Spirit. This gifting, however, is often misunderstood. Paul provides clear teaching on the purpose, nature, and goal of “spiritual gifts”.
Pastor Jesus
Once Paul founded the church at Corinth he left to pursue other ministry opportunities in Ephesus. Although the church was likely small, perhaps only fifty people, it quickly turned into a crisis as supposed Christians sprinted into heresy and moral sin. Some church members were so distressed that they visited Paul to notify him of the mess and seek his counsel.
A Crash Course in People: Ecclesiastes 4:4-16
he world is filled with people, and it is tough to figure out which ones you should befriend, allow access to, take advice from, and do life with.
Empowered by the Spirit to Face Wolves
Christians are like sheep, pastors like shepherds, and the church like a pen of protection. What do you do when wolves come in packs, devour flocks, and attack shepherds? Trust that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, will empower us by his Spirit to face them, as he did for Stephen.
Jesus’ Tongue, Your Tongue
Once a fire gets going, it’s hard to stop. James says our tongue is a spark that can unleash hell. Though you may not intend to, you can boil your Christian brother or sister alive with your words.
Jesus’ Tongue, Your Tongue
Once a fire gets going, it’s hard to stop. James says our tongue is a spark that can unleash hell. Though you may not intend to, you can boil your Christian brother or sister alive with your words.
I Am Rewarded
Slavery is among the most difficult topics in the Bible. Paul exhorts Christian slaves to obey their masters, but does that mean the Bible condones slavery? To be sure, American slavery is condemnable. But in Paul’s day, fair practices could be found. Then and now, employees are to obey their employers, and employers are to care for their employees. Jesus is Boss—he sees, knows, and rewards all.
I Am Fathered
The most important person in your life is your father. He has more power than anyone to influence you—for good or for evil. Hearing the word “father,” does it conjure up amazing memories, or does it cause you to sense loss because he has abandoned, betrayed, failed you? What kind of father are or will you be? Strive to become like Father God and bless your children the way he has blessed you.