salvation – Three Minute Bible

March 14, 2026March 16, 2026

1 Timothy 2:1b – In the Game

Picture of a high school football player sitting alone on the bench (Grok)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

Summary: Christians don’t “fight” like normal people. Instead of trying to dominate others, we strive to submit ourselves to God’s will.

Christians “fight” in ways that are different than the ways of the world. Instead of knowing the best techniques for kicking and punching, we strive to be expert at “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”

March 11, 2026March 13, 2026

1 Timothy 1:19c – Sheets & Tillers

Picture of a sailboat on the open sea (Grok)

[…holding on to faith and a good conscience]…which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.

Summary: Paul uses a metaphor to help explain the importance of maintaining control over our thoughts and actions.

This passage brings up a sensitive topic for many people. They read these words Paul wrote and wonder, “Does this mean we can lose our faith?” Others take the question one step further and ask, “What about salvation? Does this mean we can lose our salvation?”

February 23, 2026February 24, 2026

1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home

Picture of St. Paul standing by the side of the road with a sign that says "This Way Home." (Grok)

…and receive eternal life.

Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.

Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.

February 21, 2026February 24, 2026

1 Timothy 1:16b – The Work of Believing

… believe in him and receive eternal life.

Summary: Believing in Jesus takes work. Not the kind of work that can save us, but the kind that it takes to resist jumping back into sin.

Once again, Paul includes the Gospel in its essential form. His “trustworthy saying” stated it this way:

November 25, 2025November 26, 2025

Philippians 4:7b – Safe Haven

A small chick is held in a protective hand (Pixabay)

… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Summary: As we look at the second half of Paul’s verse about peace, we discover the dangers that confront us and how incredibly important the peace of God is.

When Paul says “your hearts and your minds,” he is talking to you and me. Anyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ is entitled to this peace that Paul talks about.

October 1, 2025October 1, 2025

Philippians 3:4b – It’s All About Jesus!

Picture: I giant cross surrounded by thousands of people (GROK)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in…

Summary: The opening words of Paul’s statement about why people put confidence in the flesh provide a jumping-off point for us to consider what the true meaning of the Gospel is.

Before we begin with today’s meditation, Thank you to all of you who took the time to write and share your thoughts. I deeply appreciate the encouragement and the feedback! God bless all of you! — Jeff

Looking at this passage, it is easy to get caught up in the larger picture of Paul’s thought. His full sentence reads:

September 15, 2025October 1, 2025

Philippians 3:3c – Something to Boast About

AI image showing Christ standing at the foot of a large glowing cross (Pixabay)

[We] … who boast in Christ Jesus…

Summary: Sometimes, to appreciate what we have, we need to look at what we wouldn’t have if we didn’t have what we have.

As we read ahead in this chapter, we find that Paul is about to give us a masterclass on the art of boasting in Christ Jesus. But for now, before we get into the details, it might be good to take a minute and consider what boasting in Christ means.

September 9, 2025September 10, 2025

Philippians 3:1a – A Lost Art

Picture of woman with arms raised in joy. (Pixabay)

Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!

Summary: Rejoicing in the Lord sounds rather simple and straightforward. Unfortunately, even when we put our faith in Jesus, we are still able to take pride in ourselves.

Do Christians still know how to “rejoice in the Lord?” Sometimes I wonder if rejoicing has become a lost art.

August 23, 2025August 24, 2025

Philippians 2:21 – Self-Interest

Jesus or money? A man stands between both. (Grok)

For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are both a statement of fact and a warning.

Paul’s words in this passage are rather stark.

As a believer in Jesus Christ and one who has devoted a large part of his life to following Jesus, this feels like a slap in the face.

August 18, 2025August 18, 2025

Philippians 2:16b – Two Teachings or One?

a picture of a person studying the Bible. They have a puzzled look on their face. Their right hand is held up to their chest in an expression suggesting the question, "Does this apply to me?" (Grok)

And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Summary: Paul’s concern for his churches’ faithfulness invites deeper reflection on the nature of salvation.

Why would anyone in Paul’s line of work worry about the possibility they had run or labored “in vain?”