The Lord is near.
Summary: Do you ever wonder where Jesus is? He might be closer than you think!
Do you ever feel like Jesus is far away?
Continue reading “Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus”Philippians 4:5b – King Jesus
Philippians 3:19 – A Serious Faith
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
Summary: Paul’s words remind us of the importance of staying focused on God’s will.
The words in this passage sound like they belong in a courtroom.
Not just any courtroom, but a heavenly courtroom.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:19 – A Serious Faith”Philippians 2:8b – Our Selfless God
… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—
Summary: Examining Christ’s humility and obedience opens a fascinating line of inquiry into our Lord’s personality and the world we live in.
Arrogance is the opposite of humility.
Another way of putting it is that arrogance is “self-centered,” while humility is not.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:8b – Our Selfless God”Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God
… so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Summary: Paul’s use of the word “boast” allows us to take another look at our dual nature in Christ.
“Boasting” is an interesting word. The Greek word Paul used is “kaúchēma,” which can mean “boasting,” “glorying,” or “rejoicing” (Strongs G2745*). The Strong’s Concordance adds an interesting note about this word. It says it can be used in a “good or bad sense.”
Continue reading “Philippians 1:26 – Pointing to God”Galatians 2:19a – Walking Away
“For through the law I died to the law …”
Summary: The complexities of Paul’s logic can be difficult to follow. Here, we explore the meanings of life and death and how they relate to the laws of the old covenant.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:19a – Walking Away”1 John 3:4 — There is no “I” in heaven
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
Summary: In this meditation, we transition into a discussion of heaven. Interestingly, Jesus’ construction of the first two words of the prayer prepares us for understanding what heaven is all about.
Continue reading “1 John 3:4 — There is no “I” in heaven”2 Peter 2:1b — The First False Teacher
They will secretly introduce destructive heresies …
Summary: Peter begins his description of the false teacher by telling us what they do.
Continue reading “2 Peter 2:1b — The First False Teacher”