… and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.
Summary: Sometimes, the simplest thing is to tell it like it is.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:2b – Double Check”Galatians 1:6b-7a – In Search of Truth
… and are turning to a different gospel— which is really no gospel at all.
Summary: Searching for truth doesn’t have to be a long journey. In fact, the destination is probably close at hand. At worst, it is as far as the nearest bookstore or computer. Simply open the Bible and begin to read.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:6b-7a – In Search of Truth”Galatians 1:6a – Pocket Gospel
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ …
Summary: Paul’s letter to the Galatians is relatively short, yet in these few brief words, Paul outlines the message of the New Testament.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:6a – Pocket Gospel”Ephesians 6:19-20 – Prayer List
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Summary: Paul asks for the church at Ephesus to pray for him in specific ways. Today, Paul is with the Lord, but we can still pray in ways that honor his request.
Continue reading “Ephesians 6:19-20 – Prayer List”Ephesians 5:8a – Spiritual Light and Dark
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Summary: Paul has the unenviable task of explaining realities that we cannot see with our human eyes. To give us a picture of what he is talking about, he uses an illustration of light and dark.
Continue reading “Ephesians 5:8a – Spiritual Light and Dark”Ephesians 3:7a (II) – Serving the Lord
I became a servant of this gospel …
Summary: Being a servant is not a glorious occupation. In fact, it can be downright degrading and physically painful. Yet, being in the service of the gospel is serving the Lord, and isn’t that what we really need to be about?
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:7a (II) – Serving the Lord”Ephesians 3:7a (I) – The Power of God
I became a servant of this gospel …
Summary: Looking at the Greek roots of the word “gospel” leads us to a deeper understanding of what it means.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:7a (I) – The Power of God”1 Peter 3:15 (b) — Story Time
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.
Summary: Everyone who knows Jesus has a story to tell about their meeting with the Lord. Practice sharing your story so that you are prepared to give an answer to everyone who is curious about the hope that you have.
Continue reading “1 Peter 3:15 (b) — Story Time”Salt & Pepper – James 1: 18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
By now we have seen that James is a salt and pepper kind of guy. His writing is not bland or detailed. He is a man with a mission and he wants to fulfill that mission with as few words as possible. This sentence in James 1: 18 is a perfect example. Let’s unpack it a bit and look at all the treasures James has placed here.
Continue reading “Salt & Pepper – James 1: 18”