If we are to be faithful leaders, we must work diligently to develop a philosophy for ministry that is both strategic and biblical. This series will present the planks of an effective, biblical philosophy ministry. The first element of this foundation is a high view of God.

There are two realities of God that Isaiah highlights that affect how we approach ministry: that God is sovereign and a tender a shepherd.

A commitment to a high view of God keeps us on track as Christians -- and as a church -- and that reality leads us to the second element of our philosophy of ministry: a high view of Scripture. Psalm 1 is perhaps the most carefully developed expression of the idea of "two paths" to choose in life; it shows God's word as the "path to happiness."

Everything a believer needs for life and godliness -- the health of the inner man and living a life that is pleasing to God -- is found in Him and His Word.

Paul gives us two facts about lost man that help us understand just how grace his situation is -- and just how necessary it is for God to intervene to help man. Man lives in a state of spiritual death and bondage.

Only through a new birth can a spiritually dead person be made spiritually alive and be freed from the trespasses and sins in which he lives. The doctrine of regeneration is presented from four perspectives.

Being members of a church community brings responsibilities, including our relationships with one another in the body, and our activity in the body. Hebrews 10:24-25 examines some characteristics of the church and what we are called to be committed to.

True peace and unity is not possible for most of the world because true unity depends on some factors that the world doesn't understand, including the nature of man. However, God does expect Christian homes and evangelical churches to be existing in a state of peace and unity. Paul notes three facts about unity.

What happens in relationships when individuals don't share the same spiritual convictions? How are Christians supposed to relate to someone who holds a different conviction? A church body needs solid, biblical principles in order to handle our opposing convictions properly.

Paul gives us five general guidelines which will help us live out biblical love in the body, as well as help us avoid sinning against God, fellow believers, and even one's own conscience.

There are three primary purposes that the church exists: to exalt God, to edify the saints, and evangelize the lost.

Trusting in God’s sovereign care is the anecdote for fear.

Ruth is the kind recipient of love from a human redeemer—pointing to the great love of the Divine Redeemer.

This account of Israel’s sin reminds us that God hasn’t changed, people haven’t changed, and sin hasn’t changed. Our constant need is to know God’s grace and mercy as we genuinely put off sin and put on holiness.

If we faithfully proclaim the true gospel, we will experience persecution. This is to be expected—and it is a privilege.

The Apostle Paul’s ministry priorities should be ours—especially as churches start opening back up after a year of COVID.

It is clear in the New Testament that churches are to be led by a plurality of elders who are assisted by servant deacons so that they can devote themselves to the ministry of the Word and prayer. There are three aspects to this topic, including the necessity and function of elders.

God's standards for leadership in the church are high. The qualifications necessary to serve in the church in the role of an elder are summarized in this: he is to be a godly man.

An elder should have the qualifications of a godly general lifestyle, ability to influence, spiritual maturity, and giftedness to teach.

Colossians is impossible to read without realizing the glory that Christ possesses -- the theme of the book is the preeminence of Christ. In the salutation, we note three important observations that set the tone for the letter.

The Colossians were thankful for the power of the gospel. The gospel is God's one and only vehicle thought which men and women can come to find forgiveness for their sin, new life here on this earth, and life eternally in heaven when they die. It is effective for changing individuals.

The message of the sovereign work of God in saving man is brought to the forefront. Knowing that the gospel is truth in its very essence should give us confidence to proclaim and live it. It is not only individually effective, but universally effective.

The content of Paul's prayer for the Colossians reveals two requests that we likewise are to make when it comes to praying for the needs of others. We should pray for profound knowledge and suitable conduct.

After Paul prays for the Colossians' "suitable conduct," he begins to details what this consists of. He provides four marks of a pleasing, worthy life.

After Paul prays for the Colossians' "suitable conduct," he begins to details what this consists of. He provides four marks of a pleasing, worthy life.

This passage stands unsurpassed in its description of Christ. It is part of the core of Paul's answer to heretical teachings; it proclaims the unqualified supremacy -- the pre-eminance -- of our Savior.

The pre-eminence of Christ over every order of being is repeated in different terms. In the incarnation of Jesus Christ and His subjugation, the Father is well-pleased to offer the solution to the enmity of the world.

After identifying Christ's pre-eminence over life, we now see the relation of Christ to individual people. More specifically, this is a reminder of what was, is, and will be accomplished because of Christ's atoning work.

Though specifically about Paul's ministry, we discover in this passage the very heart of what ministry is about still today. It provides for us three non-negotiable characteristics a faithful minister must exhibit if he is seeking to be pleasing to the Lord.

Paul gives a great overview of what faithfulness in the ministry looks like. In particular, there are three main ingredients in shepherding with a sense of purpose.

We are told what the apostolic tradition is that was passed on to the Colossians, and we find what the heart of Christianity and the Christian message is: the gospel. Paul looks at this gospel tradition from two points of view.

The Colossian church was being endangered by Gnosticism. It, just like all forms of false teaching, deludes people into following an empty, sham religion. Whether it's Mormonism or Darwin Fish, the language is subtly deceitful, the system of reason logically compelling, and enticingly moral -- these are the hallmarks of the great cults today, and Paul gives three explanations as to why these types of philosophies are empty and deceitful.

After warnings about the empty deception and false claims of false teachers, attention is called to the freedom we have in Christ. In particular, we have all that we need to live a life to the glory of God.

Paul draws on the familiar practices of circumcision and baptism to highlight that when we are united to Christ, we experience freedom from sin.

Of all the events in human history, no event is more monumental, more immense, more titanic in significance than Christ's atoning death on the cross. Due to the value of the Christ's work at Calvary, we enjoy the tremendous benefit of freedom from guilt.

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul lays out the truth about Satan and his wicked ways. He makes it clear that we need nothing but Christ, for in Him we are free from the bondage that false teaching brings. We enjoy freedom from oppression.

Paul knew that the mixing in of legalistic, Mosaic Law-based practices with the message of the gospel was a terrible danger, that Christians would end up in bondage instead of enjoying their liberty in Christ. He gives a stern warning that Christians must guard their freedom, and two keys to successfully doing so.

We see another aspect of the false teaching in Colossia, that of mysticism. Mysticism is not the same thing as the recognition that certain aspects of our faith, or about God, are mysterious. We get a glimpse into it, and its forms in early church history.

How do we live our lives in such a way as to please God? This section of Scripture lets us know that our effectiveness is dependent upon certain important components.

Our effectiveness in living lives that count, that aren't wasted, that are pleasing God are dependent upon certain components. One such component is that we must have the right motivation.

In principle, the Colossians had, in becoming Christians, died with Christ. The Apostles Paul emphasizes that they need to now make this death to the old life real in every day practice. He presents two categories of sin that represent fleshly behavior associated with the old life... and that should therefore be abandoned.

With the encouraging reminder to grow spiritually, Paul is compelled to add further insight into sins aimed at fellow believers. Racial, religious and cultural differences can create sinful barriers.

If you are a true believer today, you have a unique identity. We ought to live out who we truly are. In the first of three aspects to our identity, Paul points out we are distinguished by Divine grace.

The Apostle Paul is helping us cement in our minds what our true identity is because he knows that understanding that is crucial to our effectiveness in living the Christian life. He distinguishes us by our Christian character, and our Divine affection.

The Christian life is understanding who you are, and then living out who you are. Paul continues on to tell us what this will look like by listing five Christian values.

The most important aspect of the peace that is mentioned in Scripture is peace with God, which is the result of a justified position. Then -- once a person has peace with God as a result of embracing the Gospel -- he also experiences an inner peace that results in living peacefully with others.

Most often, it is our attitudes that lead us into a time of spiritual dryness. One major attitude problem we have is that of complaining. Thankfulness is the attitude that perfectly displaces the sinful tendency to complain, and what releases joy and blessing into your life.

You can have peace when in your innermost being you, by God's sovereign grace, resolve to live in accordance with something objective -- the word of Christ. These rich verses comprise the result of fulfilling the command to let the word dwell richly in us.

What is the New Testament approach to living for the Lord? It gives us basic principles of Christian living which may be applied to all situations of life as they arise.

The Apostle Paul is putting forth the radical balance in familial relationships that is required to experience God-intended blessing and fullness in the home. The first two are the husband-wife and parent-child relationships.

As Paul discusses the master/slave relationship in his time, he gives us timeless principles that go beyond just that. We find a reminder of what our entire purpose in life is. Are you driven by a passionate desire to glorify Jesus Christ in all areas of your life?

Prayer is a crucial activity for the Christian -- it is the means of obtaining the meeting of needs for ourselves and others, both physical and spiritual. It is a spiritual weapon. It is a vehicle for the confession of sin. And it is the instrument of Divine adoration.

Paul is now concerned that what the Colossians are to further by their consistent prayer not be hindered by inconsistent conduct in daily life. He outlines what is necessary in order to impact "outsiders" for Christ.

God has given Tychicus to us as an example of what a true Christian looks like, of what a person becomes because of the Master's touch. Specifically, we find some mindsets that Christ develops in those He saves.

Onesimus is a prime example of what happens to a person when God saves him: he is converted, revolutionized by God's grace! Repentance from dead work is the first principle of the doctrine of Christ, and the focus of this conversion.

Epaphras was a big-hearted leader of a tiny house church in Colosse. This church had been overflowing with the joy of the fullness of Christ -- but a desolating philosophy endangered to beguile them away from their fullness. Paul sums up his letter with a reminder that everything flows from the fact that Christ is the One who fills everything in every way -- and that we, too, can know this fullness in our own hearts.

In this introduction to Romans, Paul sets the stage by introducing himself. He lets his readers know Whom he serves, his apostolic credentials, and the gospel message he proclaims. Rather than drawing attention to himself, however, this gospel is presented as God-given and is the springboard for the rest of the letter.

Paul begins his introduction to the Romans by explaining further the gospel which he represents. It is an eternal gospel, being preached since the writing of the Old Testament; and it is a message focused on one person: Jesus Christ.

The gospel is further elaborated upon by highlighting two successive phases of the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world: He is the eternal Son incarnate, and the eternal Son exalted.

Paul's brief summary of the gospel by bringing it to its natural conclusion: that Jesus Christ sovereignly commissions His servants and calls His saints. This commission is one of obedience and is ultimately for His own glory.

The introduction to Paul's letter to the Romans with his expression of thanks to the God he serves. We get a glimpse into Paul's heart (and an example to follow) by looking at this gratitude and its natural outpouring love, prayer, worship, trust, humility, and perseverance.

We gain further insight into Paul's missionary heart for the Romans by analyzing his indebtedness and his climatic statement of what his mission is: to preach the gospel to the glory of God. He is overwhelmingly concerned with displaying the gospel's power unto salvation.

The God-centered nature of the gospel is expounded upon. The power of the gospel is revealed by His declaration of the sinner's innocence. This declaration is only possible by imputing to him that which he most needs: the righteousness of God. God's righteousness denotes His activity of "establishing right" and intervening to save His people; this includes judging those who oppose Him.

Paul begins a discourse on how ignorance of God's Law provides no excuse, and how privilege provides no exemption when it comes to God's wrath. The message of God's wrath is actually a precursor to presenting the gospel. This section of Romans deals with the reality of God's wrath, and the revelation of it.

God's wrath is the dreadful consequence to man's sin. This wrath is revealed against ungodliness -- the pervasive attitude of a lack of reverence -- and unrighteousness -- the intentional violation of God's law.

Is God being too hard on people? No -- rather, God's wrath is vindicated and necessary since the order and arrangement in the heavens and on earth bear witness to God. Most importantly, man naturally perceives we are accountable to Him.

The idea that mankind is without excuse is further developed. Paul provides us with two summary choices that man consciously makes -- choices that illustrate that he is on a downward course. He dethrones God, and replaces God.

Paul presents the reality that, because man has dethroned and replaced God, he is experiencing retribution from God. This retribution has three main features: its nature, grounds, and manifestation.

Paul lists the types of things he has in mind when he speaks of the depravity that God judges. Each nuance of these terms portrays an aspect of moral depravity that cries out to heaven for God's retribution.

Beginning with chapter 2, Paul's attention is now turned towards the Jews, many of whom believed that their heritage and covenant relationship with God ensured their Divine acceptance. Discover why the hypocrisy, presumption, and complacency of the "moralist" makes him just as guilty as the pagan.

Both Jews and Gentiles stand guilty before God and deserve punishment because neither are able to live a persistent lifestyle of godliness. As such, God's judgment of man is an individual, objective, impartial matter.

How can it be that God is an impartial judge towards both Jews and Gentile? Both have a form of the Law, yet have failed to live it out.

In this section, this Apostle Paul provides more detail in the case he is making against the Jew -- really, any "moralist" -- by describing how moralism leads to a false sense of security and an attitude of superiority.

For the Jew, trusting in the Law and circumcision for salvation was dangerous grounds. Paul provides more details about the inherent dangers of moralism, including a lifestyle of hypocrisy, the potential of blasphemy, and an absence of true spirituality.

After establishing that all men -- both Jew and Gentile -- are guilty before God, Paul begins to answer counter-questions that the Jew would have. But bigger than the answers themselves are what God has revealed about Himself, namely His own faithfulness.

Romans 3:1-8 gives two very good reasons why God must judge sin and, in the course of doing so, two very important attributes of God are presented: His faithfulness and justice.

Paul re-emphasizes that Jews are also held accountable to their Law, while covering what the Law can and cannot do.

After stating a rather overwhelming case for the judgment of all men, Paul now shows that God has intervened to inaugurate a new era. This is the light of the glorious gospel, the very heart of the book of Romans. Paul presents two sides to the transaction we call "justification."

There are two facts that summarize the doctrine of justification; really, that summarize the message of the entire Bible. Man has a problem... and God has the cure.

We expect a judge to be just in all his decisions. So is God the Divine Judge unjust when He forgives sin? Paul provides the answer in the doctrine of propitiation. These two verses ought to make people tremble as they behold the majesty of the Divine Judge who sits in the heavens and establishes His justice through the cross of Christ.

The way in which God justifies an individual -- the way of faith alone -- is nothing new, and Paul wants to prove this. He argues his point utilizing two vitally important case studies from the Old Testament: Abraham and David.

We see in Scripture that God justifies and forgives people based upon their faith -- this is true of both Jews and Gentile. Paul makes a shocking statement by describing Abraham as the father of all men of faith. He discusses the timing and purpose of his faith. An overview of circumcision and baptism is discussed.

Thus far, Paul has given an exposition about faith by way of contrasts: apart from works, apart from circumcision -- and now, apart from the Law. He points out two disturbing realities concerning the Law: it invalidates God's promise and eliminates His grace. He emphasizes particularly how it was faith that secured what God has promised, not Law.

A person's eternal destiny is determined by their response to Jesus Christ. And there are only two destinies possible—eternal life or eternal judgment.

Saving faith is trust is the true Jesus—the One described by John as the divine, sovereign, Creator of all things; the One who is completely victorious over spiritual death and darkness.

John the Baptist was a unique messenger on a very specific mission—to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming of the Messiah. We, too, have been given the mission of pointing people to Christ.

Though Christ is the true Light, and though His truth has shown on a lost world, most people have responded with ignorance (which is inexcusable) and rejection (which is scandalous).

Not all people are children of God—only those who have, by God’s sovereign grace, received Christ and believed on His name.

The Incarnation is a crucial doctrine: Jesus is fully God and fully man; two natures in one person. This truth is central to the gospel and must be affirmed in order to be saved.

In the concluding verses of the Prologue, the Apostle John provides 3 important declarations of the preeminence of Christ.

When interrogated by a fact-finding delegation from the Jewish leaders from Jerusalem, John the Baptist stayed true to his mission—pointing people to Christ.

Jesus effects internal change through the baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The first two followers of Jesus were originally disciples of John the Baptist. In the account of their choice to attach to Jesus, we find some basic ingredients of discipleship.

Jesus is manifests His sovereign omniscience in the calling of Nathaniel to follow Him. And He promises all His followers that they would come to understand more and more who He is.

Jesus’ first miracle—transforming water into wine at a wedding—pictures the transition from the incompleteness of the old covenant to the joy of the new covenant.

Christ exemplifies the necessity of genuine reverence for God in worship, and as well confirms that He Himself is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament Temple represented.

Not all belief in Jesus is an expression of true saving faith. And Jesus knows the difference.

God alone is able to give life to a spiritually dead person—and this is what we all need in order to be in God’s kingdom.

Genuine trust in Christ as Lord and Savior is the evidence that someone has been regenerated by God.

It is God’s pity and compassion for lost mankind that is the basis for Him sending His one-of-a-kind Son on His redemptive mission.

Spiritually speaking, people either love darkness (sin and error) or love light (Christ and truth). Those who love the darkness, which means they reject Christ, will face eternal judgment and condemnation; those who love the light, which means they trust in Christ, have joy and the promise of eternal life.

In John the Baptist we find an example of humility, contentment, a Christ-focus, and trust in God’s sovereignty.

What a person makes of Jesus and His teaching is the great 'spiritual dividing line’—acceptance results in eternal life; rejection results in condemnation remaining forever.

Only in Jesus is the thirst of the soul completely satisfied.

Genuine Christians are those who worship God sincerely from the heart, who worship according to the truth of Scripture, and who worship in Christ.

Devoting ourselves to fulfilling God’s will, along with devoting ourselves to sowing seeds of the gospel, are evidences of being born again.

Jesus' healing of a royal official's son ended up prompting saving faith in this father. This passage is a reminder therefore that genuine faith is the indispensable element of the gospel, and that proclamation of the gospel is at the center of Jesus' mission on earth…which means it is the church's mission.

Jesus' healing of the invalid by the pool in Jerusalem confronted the legalism of the Jewish leaders.

Jesus shocked the religious leaders by claiming to be equal with God. That Jesus is divine must be affirmed to have a right view of Him.

Jesus makes the claims about His true identity—claims that must be believed in order to have a right view of Him.

A person's eternal destiny is determined by their response to Jesus Christ. And there are only two destinies possible—eternal life or eternal judgment.

The resurrection of the body is a certainty for both the saved and the lost. But their two destinies are not the same: both heaven and hell are real.

Jesus claimed to be equal with God the Father. To back up His claim, He provided His Jewish opponents three corroborating witnesses.

Jesus makes it clear to the Pharisees that their zeal in searching Scripture was misguided—they should have discovered the truth about Him in all their studying, since all of Scripture does ultimately point to Him.

Though the Jewish religious leaders should have been an example of a genuine walk with God, they were deceived. This was evidenced in their reverencing of people over God, and in trusting in their own self-righteousness instead of trusting in Christ.

The miracle Jesus performed to feed a large crowd of people pointed to the fact that He is the True King—the One who is the Son of God and the promised Messiah of the Old Testament. As the True King, Jesus is to be loved, obeyed, followed, and worshiped.

By walking on the water, Jesus manifested His deity and lordship over the laws of nature. He also manifested His wisdom and love in how He cares for His sheep.

Jesus is the source of true spiritual nourishment that satisfies the soul.

Jesus is the only One who can satisfy the longing and hunger of the human soul.

Jesus makes it clear that He is confident His earthly mission will succeed. Nothing can thwart the redemptive plan of God and His people coming to salvation.

In His sermon to the crowd at Capernaum, Jesus articulates two aspects of the Father’s will related to the plan of redemption—the Father’s will for the Son, and the Father’s will for His people.

Jesus makes clear two important biblical doctrines: His deity, and man’s inability.

Jesus’ sermon makes it clear that only through faith in Him can someone find a solution to their sin problem, and thus have a relationship with the Heavenly Father that brings meaning and purpose to life.

We ‘eat His flesh’ and we ‘drink His blood’ when we come to Jesus in saving faith—and the result is that He is in us and we are in Him.

Many of Jesus’ followers could not accept what He taught. They therefore did not want to associate with Him anymore—proving they were never truly saved.

In explaining what motivates him in ministry, the Apostle Paul also provides three distinctives that are true of every genuine Christian.

True disciples are committed to following Christ, no matter what.

Upon his call to ministry, Moses delays obeying God and presents several common excuses. For each excuse God graciously responds, allowing us to learn four assurances that pummel excuses and promote obedience.

Jesus teaches us that personal vengeance and retaliation are not to characterize His true followers, but rather we are to deny ourselves and trust in the God who judges righteously.

Jesus tells His disciples that our love must surpass the self-love of the scribes and the Pharisees who love only those who love them in return. We are to love like God loves by loving our enemies.

In Jehoshaphat’s and Judah’s response to invading armies, we find important reminders of how to face difficult circumstances in life.

In response to God’s great salvation in the Exodus, Moses and the people of Israel sing praise to God—and provide a template for why we should praise God.

Jesus submitted to the Father’s perfect timing in all things. His followers should also submit to and trust God’s perfect timing.

Jesus explains the source of His authority, and the purpose of all that He did. The truth He teaches is from God the Father; His purpose is to bring glory to the Father.

Hearts that are not spiritually healthy will manifest particular evidences, such is hypocrisy and the inability to make sound ethical decisions.

The most tragic thing in life is to miss the truth about who Jesus is. This passage emphasize that reality, along with the significance of the sovereignty of God.

This passage provides three necessary convictions to be a disciple of Christ.

The opportunity of coming to Jesus will not last forever—we must seek Him while He can be found (Isa 55:6).

Even in a city that was progressively becoming hostile toward Jesus, the Lord extended the most important invitation in history—to come to Him for salvation. Only He can satisfy the spiritual thirst in the soul.

The crowd of people, including the religious leaders, were divided in their opinions about Jesus. The same is true of the world today.

Babel (Babylon) serves as the prototype of what the world is like still today. It is this reality that makes biblical ministry a challenge—and also what makes it necessary.

Many passages of the New Testament present Christ as a compassionate Savior. The grace we receive from Him should prompt and drive our obedience of Him.

True Christians are those who have come out of the darkness of the world, and who are followers of Christ as the Lord of their lives.

Just like the Pharisees did, people today still come to wrong conclusions about Jesus as they seek to make Him fit their own goals and agendas.

The reason people reject Christ is because they are ‘of this world.’ Christ and His followers are not ‘of this world.'

An important evidence that someone is truly saved is that they persevere in loving, knowing, and obeying the truth of God’s Word.

Jesus makes it clear that His true followers have been set free from the power of sin.

In this passage, Paul warns the church about the empty philosophy of the false teachers and elaborates about the ‘fullness’ that Christians have 'in Christ.'

Unbelievers are living in light of their rejection of Christ and His Word. In doing so, they are just living according to their spiritual father’s ways—Satan himself.

Jesus told the truth about His relationship with His heavenly Father, and the listeners concluded He was insane. The world still thinks Christians who stand on the truth to be crazy. So what should we do?

Unlike the disciples, Jesus was motived by a sense of priority and a sense of urgency.

The opposite of a grateful heart is a heart that is focused on what we do not have as opposed to what we do have. This is the sin of covetousness.

When the man born blind washed in the pool of Siloam, he was a living parable of a sinner being cleansed of their sin by Christ.

The Pharisees were committed to thoroughly investigating the blind man’s healing so that they could find an explanation beside the obvious one: that Jesus is the Divine Messiah and has the power to heal.

True believers' loyalty to Christ is seen in their trust in and submission to Him; those not in Christ are loyal to themselves, the world, and darkness.

The beautiful passage is a hymn that provides Christ’s true identity.

There are only two responses possible to the gospel—humble, submissive worship of Christ, or prideful, stubborn rejection of Christ.

There is a great contrast between true and false shepherds (false teachers). And true sheep listen to and follow true shepherds.

Christ is the true Shepherd. The exclusive message of the gospel is that salvation, and satisfaction of the soul, is found in Him alone.

In Psalm 36, David traces the pervasiveness and pathology of sin, praises the preciousness of grace, and prays for the preservation of the righteous.

In Christ we have true intimacy and genuine unity.

Christ presents marks of His true sheep that are the difference between them and those who are not His.

Conducting a symphony with four movements, David stirs himself—and all believers—to bless the Lord and forget none of His benefits.

Regardless of circumstances, God promises to use all things for good. But there are some important clarifications of this promise.

In Jesus’ last times of public ministry, we find His opponents once again rejecting His claims to deity. But we find some of God’s true sheep believing in Him. This is the way it still is today as we proclaim the gospel, and as we proclaim the authority of Scripture.

The unknown psalmist encourages us to love, trust, and obey the Lord during any difficult or dangerous situation.

From this account of the sickness and death of Lazarus, we are reminded of God’s love for His own people. But it is a love that brings about what we need, not always what we at first want.

Jesus proclaims that He alone is the source of eternal life, and that He alone resurrects the bodies of His followers.

Both Jesus’ humanity and His divinity were manifested in the emotions He expressed in response to the death of Lazarus’ and the mourning by the people.

Jesus demonstrated His power over death when He raised Lazarus from the grave.

The answer to sinful fear and anxiety is a different fear—the reverence of God in the heart. This will be evidenced in joyful worship and patient confidence…even in trials.

In Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with an expensive perfume, we find a challenging example of extravagant devotion to Christ.

Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, which represented His humility and graciousness. This public act also forced the religious leaders to finalize their plans to kill Him.

Though the cross might appear to be the defeat of Christ and a victory for Satan, in reality the cross was a great defeat for Satan and a triumph for Christ.

The only solution to spiritual darkness according to Jesus is to walk in the light—which means trusting in Him as Savior and Lord, and then living a lifestyle that matches that belief.

The sobering truth about unbelief is that, in addition to people choosing to reject Christ, God also sovereignly hardens hearts.

In Colossians 1:28-29, Paul reminds us of the convictions we need to guard ourselves against mission drift in our Christian life and ministry.

The author of Hebrews urges believers to run the race of faith with endurance—by calling them to look back, look around, and look up.

Ascending the heights of Psalm 145, David calls believers to see four truths about God that compel praise for God.

The act of foot washing by Jesus depicted both a theological and a practical lesson. The practical lesson was one about humble, sacrificial, loving service by one Christian to another.

Jesus provides more insight into the betrayal by Judas. Most important is that this painful defection was predicted in the Old Testament, and therefore it was not going to impede God’s redemptive plan.

Instead of the cross being an instrument of Jesus’ humiliation and defeat, it manifested the glory of both the Son and the Father.

In His final teaching to His disciples, Jesus emphasized that their love for one another would be what causes the world to know they were HIs followers.

Peter was over-confident in his own strengths. Therefore, Jesus humbled Peter by lovingly warning him of his upcoming denial.

A consistent theme throughout Scripture is that God demands exclusive loyalty to Himself, a devotion that will evidence itself in a lifestyle of worship and obedience.

God gives the true picture of people who are outside of Christ—they are spiritually dead and are in spiritual bondage.

Jesus gives effective counsel on how to live with calm hearts, regardless of our circumstances.

Christ brings comfort for troubled hearts by pointing His followers to His future return, and our life in heaven in intimate fellowship with Him.

In this psalm, we learn how amidst 3 perilous situations, God is a mighty fortress.

Jesus Himself is the only path to heaven. And that is because He is the source of truth and life that lost sinners need.

We ‘see’ God one way—by growing in our knowledge and love of Jesus. He is enough!

It is in the incarnation and the crucifixion that we can learn what love really is.

Regardless of circumstances, God’s people can live with abounding hope when they trust Him.

Jesus teaches us that the commitment to following Him is costly, primary, unwavering, and appropriate.

We preach a ‘has done’ message when we proclaim the gospel—it’s the news about what Jesus has done. And the proclamation of that message is the ‘greater work’ Jesus said all His followers could do.

We get the support we need for our mission through praying ‘in Jesus’ name.’ But what does that actually mean?

These two verses make it clear that there is no contradiction between the Bible’s teaching on love and grace, and the Bible’s teaching on law and obedience. In fact, true followers of Christ will obey God’s Word.

In this passage, Paul gives us two prerequisites to faithful evangelism: (1) our prayer life and (2) our way of life.

In the familiar parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector, Jesus warns of the danger of trusting a spun web of self-righteousness, and instead describes who will go to heaven.

The Holy Spirit indwells all believers from the moment of their conversion. So no matter what situation we face, we never face it alone.

The Triune God dwells with and in His people. They are the ones who love and obey Him.

The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of God's Word. It is therefore inerrant, and the final authority for all true Christians.

We are commanded to pray; but we also believe in God’s sovereignty over all things. Can this tension be resolved?

Only in Christ and in His Word can we find true inner peace—the peace OF God. And this depends on first having peace WITH God.

Jesus provides four insights into what the crucifixion, and all its intending events, meant to Him: joy, vindication, victory, and love.

In His Word, God gives us the counsel we need to live a truly happy life.

Paul outlines 5 devastating consequences if Jesus was not raised from the dead.

God removes those who are not true believers; He prunes those who are.

True Christians bear fruit by abiding in Christ. And that fruit is proof of being saved, as well as evidence of spiritual growth.

David answers the perennial question—What is Man?—by explaining God’s greater glory and man’s lesser glory.

Young men are encouraged in this poem to look for a wife who fears the Lord—this is at the heart of what it means to be an ‘excellent woman.'

David models biblical confession of sin, asking God three requests.

The Church cannot fail because it is connected to Christ, it is protected by Christ, and it is elected in Christ.

The 2nd Commandment demands that we refrain from making any literal or virtual images that are intended to represent deity, or that are aids to worship.

In Christ, our two greatest needs are met: peace with God, and love from God.

In two verses, the Apostle Paul provides a short summary of Christianity. This includes a summary of both Christian belief and Christian living.

In 4 short verses, the Bible summaries how a family can know God’s blessing on their home and relationships.

Our relationship with Christ is not something moralistic or legalistic or mechanical—it is one characterized by love and by joy.

Though we submit to Christ as our Lord, Christians are also called His friends.

We are partners with the Holy Spirit in evangelism, which is our mission in this world. We are responsible for ‘casting the gospel net’…and the Holy Spirit is responsible for opening the hearts of God’s elect to believe.

Jesus makes it clear that spiritual fruit is the evidence of saving faith.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches His disciples what a life of evangelism looks like with two word pictures: Salt and Light.

Mt. Sinai represents an approach to acceptance by God based upon human merit and performance; Mt. Zion represents acceptance by God based upon His grace. What mountain do you live on?

The ultimate focus of all ministry is God Himself.

On any matter not directly encouraged or forbidden in Scripture, we are to make decisions based upon the convictions of our conscience. This includes the decision to accept or refuse a vaccination of any kind.

Jesus provides the insights into persecution that will enable His followers to persevere and not 'stumble.'

The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts the world that its views on sin, righteousness, and judgment are wrong.

The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of the Bible, which insures its infallibility, inerrancy, authority, sufficiency, and effectiveness.

The Apostle Paul presents three non-negotiable characteristics of a faithful shepherd in the Lord’s church.

In our story of suffering, vitally tied to God’s story of salvation, we learn of an ordinary family and are confronted by three facts about the suffering they faced.

No matter the situation of sorrow or grief we might face, God’s people can have hope and joy.

Jesus encourages His followers with the promise of clarity in understanding truth, and the promise of intimacy with a loving Heavenly Father.

The Glory of God’s Word is manifest in three ways, to stir up courage and help one continue in every good work.

Paul said 'one thing' had his undivided attention: pressing on to grow in his knowledge of Christ, to grow in fellowship with Christ, and thereby to be increasingly conformed to Christ, to grow in his sanctification. Here, Paul calls every believer to this 'one thing' and gives pastoral advice for that pursuit.

We need saving faith to have peace WITH God; we need sustaining faith to experience the peace OF God.

God completely disregards worldly standards when it comes to calling sinners to Himself, and giving them a new identity and a new purpose for living.

Believers and the Lord both have a role in spiritual growth.

As they work our their salvation, Christians must avoid being characterized a certain way. At the same time, they must embrace their true identity and live accordingly.

Joseph is told by an angel that the Messiah, Jesus, will be miraculously conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit.

We must persevere in our commitment to Jesus, for He is the final and supreme source of Revelation.

Jesus made one request in this unique inter-Trinitarian conversation.

In praying for Himself, Jesus affirms the delegated authority He has from the Father, and the singular message He preached.

Jesus prays for the 11 disciples because they were genuine believers. In His prayer for them, Jesus articulated the evidences of their genuine faith.

As Jesus begins His intercession for the 11 faithful disciples, He voices why it was a restricted prayer, a confident prayer, and a necessary prayer.

Jesus prayed that the Father would protect the 11 faithful disciples in some important categories.

In addition to praying that the 11 disciples would be protected from going astray theologically, from disunity, and from despair, Jesus also prayed for their protection from worldliness.

Jesus concludes His prayer for the 11 disciples by asking the Father to consecrate those men so that they would grow in holiness and in devotion to the gospel mission.

Jesus commends the humble faith of a Roman centurion.

The primary burden on the heart of Jesus was the unity of all His followers in the centuries to come — the church.

Five attributes (or actions) of God found in this psalm are an encouragement and comfort to His people.

In the final part of His priestly prayer, Jesus requested that the church would come to experience the consummation of God’s plan of redemption—the experience in heaven of Christ’s eternal glory and the Father’s intimate love.

Serving the Lord, regardless of the role, is to be characterized by humility and sacrifice for others.

God doesn't just forgive sin—He cancels the very record of it so that it can never condemn us.

Jesus defeated Satan and his demons through His death on the cross. This victory was proven publicly by Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.

Jesus gives us five principles for Christian prayer.

Paul portrays the perfections of love—a diamond that has 9 glorious facets to it.

Paul finishes his description of the jewel called love and paints a portrait of love’s nine facets perfectly.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, we find Jesus in complete charge of all that happened with His arrest.

We are not to allow apathy or complacency encroach into our lives, but are to always be striving to mature in our knowledge and love of Christ.

Despite the pressure and injustice, Jesus remained courageous and composed during His trial before Annas.

Peter succumbed to the fear of man, sought to blend in with worldly people, and disavowed knowing Jesus three times.

Jesus’ trial before Pilate was part of God’s sovereign redemptive plan, insuring that Jesus was crucified by the Romans.

Jesus clarifies the nature of His kingdom and the nature of His kingship. His kingdom and rule are based upon truth.

Right thinking about God produces joy and confidence in ministry, whether in a missions context abroad, in the local church, or at home and work.

The trial of Jesus before Pilate took an ugly turn when the Roman governor had Him beaten, and the crowd demanded that He be crucified. Yet, Jesus endured all this as the substitute for God’s true people.

The final moments of Jesus' trial before Pilate were characterized by ignorance, manipulation, and hypocrisy.

James cautions about presumptuous planning because of the fickle, fleeting nature of life, and calls believers to prayerful planning—and the right assumption that gives rise to it.

Ministers in Christ's church must recognize themselves as accountable to God to be good stewards of whatever ministry opportunities God gives them.

The Apostle John gives an account of the crucifixion of Jesus in brief and direct terms. Though unjust from a human perspective, the cross proclaimed the glory of the one true King.

Even while suffering to pay the penalty of our sins, Jesus still showed compassion for His earthly mother.

On the cross Jesus cried, ‘It is finished,’ because He had completed ALL that is necessary for His people to be saved from their sin.

Jesus’ burial proved His death, and set the stage for His resurrection.

Three of Jesus’ followers faced the disturbing discovery that Jesus’ body was missing from His tomb.

Mary Magdalene had the great privilege of telling the Apostles that she had seen the risen Jesus. And her announcement included the news about the ascension, and their status as ‘brothers’ of Jesus.

Jesus miraculously materialized in the room where His followers were hiding out. There He proved His identity, and commissioned His followers to the gospel mission.

The gospel mission requires the Spirit’s empowerment, so Jesus gave the disciples an object lesson about the Spirit’s eventual coming on the Day of Pentecost.

As David walks through his own experience, he provides personal testimony and practical teaching concerning blessed forgiveness from God.

Jesus tenderly deals with Thomas—a man who was a sincere and loyal disciple—to help him put his gloom and pessimism aside and to clearly confess that the Risen Christ was his Lord and his God.

Jesus confirms that He is sovereign, and that He will continue to care for His followers.

Jesus not only forgave Peter for his three denials, but also restored him to ministry and service.

In this final segment in the Gospel of John, Jesus gives instructions to Peter about his future, and the author gives final explanations concerning his writing.

God miraculously intervened in history by infusing the Eternal Son of God into the womb of an insignificant, humble woman named Mary.

A valid New Covenant ministry is distinct from the self-focused ministries that deceive, manipulate, coerce, and abuse people.

Though the gospel is a treasure of inestimable value, those who proclaim it are relatively unimportant by comparison.

Hosea uses four creative images that help us see sin from God’s perspective.

Jesus provides the antidote for anxiety, that His children are to self-administer.

Anything we trust in for salvation besides Christ alone will never cause God to accept us.

In the short salutation, we find the very heart of the gospel.

The Thessalonians gave clear confirmation of their saving faith — they were known for their active faith, their tireless love, and their enduring hope. And the Apostle Paul gave thanks to God for those evidenced.

Paul was thankful for God’s sovereign choice of the ones in Thessalonica who believed the gospel. This statement surfaces the biblical doctrine of election.

Christians are the chosen and beloved by God, and thus part of a family of other chosen and loved ones. This is our identity.

A healthy church can be recognized by its commitment to preaching and applying the truth. One way this will be manifested is joyfulness in suffering.

A healthy church is known for its mission-mindedness, as well as it evidence of true repentance.

Longing for the Lord to return is evidence of salvation and spiritual health. And the resurrection of Jesus is the ground for the return of Jesus.

Behind the occasion of any conversion—whether ordinary or extraordinary—is always an extraordinary Savior, who came to seek and to save the lost, like Zacchaeus.

Biblical spiritual leadership requires avoiding sinful heart motivations that result in manipulating people, indulging self, and craving attention.

Using the metaphor of a nursing mother, the passage emphasizes that gospel ministry should be marked by tender care and loving sacrifice.

True believers desire to live holy lives in submission to Christ and His Word. In this way we bring glory to the Lord and live lives worthy of our calling to salvation.

To become a Christian is the same as accepting and submitting to the word of God. When people love the truth, ministers are happy and grateful.

A minister is thankful when believers endure trials. And all true believers do persevere in faith, no matter the circumstances.

In this instruction to slaves and masters, we find timeless principles by which to evaluate our own priorities and passions. Fathers should lead out in this personal evaluation.

Christians must oppose all forms of prejudice and hatred, including antisemitism. The Apostle Paul loved his fellow Jews, but he did need to confront their rejection of the truth.

Church leaders must be examples of love for fellowshipping with God’s people, and love for ministering to God’s people.

A faithful pastor's great burden is the stability of the faith of his people — which means faith that survives both trials and temptations.

The good news about the Thessalonian believers comforted Paul’s heart, revived his soul, and put joy in his prayers. Christians today can still move from anxiety to joy when they prioritize the needs of others above their own.

All Christians should be committed to regular prayer. But ministers especially must pray for God's blessing on their ministry for it to be effective.

Paul offers a sweeping, yet simple sight of salvation.

Christians must never settle for the status quo in their walk with Christ, but must always be seeking to grow in their spiritual maturity.

We do not receive signs from God, nor does He speak to us to give guidance so that we know His sovereign will ahead of time. The Lord does, however, give us direction and wisdom through His Word, the Scriptures.

True believers have a glorious promise from God that can give much encouragement in times of trial and difficulty and grief.

Love of other Christians is one of the evidences of salvation. It must be expressed in practical ways, and is an element of our witness to the world.

At the Rapture, God will resurrect the bodies of all true believers who have died. Therefore, there is no need for Christians to grieve like those who don’t have this promise from God.

On the path facing the age-old problem—why do the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer—Asaph points to three sure signs when his faith slipped—the trial of faith, the turmoil of faith, and the triumph of faith.

Christians look forward to the future rapture, when all followers of Christ will be reunited and will meet Jesus in the air.

Three major views on the timing of the rapture are discussed. But some cautions are given about overemphasizing this topic.

The timing of the future intervention of the Lord in history is uncertain, but the devastation coming upon unbelievers is inevitable.

God will show Gideon—and all His true servants—that weakness is the way, an opportunity for dependence on God and a display of His power.

Scripture clearly warns of God’s wrath being poured out on a rebellious and wicked world — wrath that will get progressively worse during the future 7-yr Tribulation period.

Believers are thankful to God for His faithfulness, His condescension, and His purposes.

God's people are to be faithful and persistent in prayer.

True believers have been rescued from the domain of darkness and placed in the domain of light.

To be spiritually prepared for whatever might come in the future, God's people need to be spiritually vigilant and spiritually equipped.

True believers have nothing to fear about the future due to our union with Christ and our possession of eternal life.

The coming of Jesus into the world is the very center point of all history.

As adopted children, Christians have the great privilege of calling God their Father. And our Heavenly Father is perfectly loving, gracious, kind, generous, and just.

It is crucial that members of the church understand and respect the role elders have in the church. And it is also crucial that church members promote peace in the body.

Every member of the church has the responsibility to minister to other members who struggle with sin, discouragement, and weakness.

Christians are to never retaliate when sinned against. Instead, we are to do good to those who oppose or attack us.

The normal Christian life is one of rejoicing in all circumstances.

True believers have the great privilege of talking to God in prayer. And we are to do that throughout the day as we go about our lives.

We should pray in a certain manner. And we should remember to make certain important requests.

Living with an 'attitude of gratitude' for all things is what fits God's people.

Moses presents three realities related to God's eternality, His judgment on sin, and our need for His grace.

The crowd that 'praised' Jesus when He entered Jerusalem had a totally wrong understanding of Jesus and His mission.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is an important element of the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit is one of the three divine members of the Triune God. He is God in every sense, just as the Father and Son are.

To live effectively for Christ in this fallen world, true Christians need to remember who they are.

Christians can quench or resist the Spirit's work in their lives.

Though the spiritual gift of prophecy is no longer in operation, we despise God's truth if we despise Scripture.

Christians must grow in their ability to discern truth vs error, right vs wrong.

God gives all true believes the enabling grace they need to obey Him.

As Paul concludes this letter, he draws attention to four timeless needs of all believers.

Colossians 1:24-29 teaches that the task of all missionaries is to mirror the Apostle Paul’s missionary work. It begins with gospel proclamation but it must continue by maturing believers into the likeness of Christ within the soil of a biblical local church. Therefore, the missionary task is carried out not only by vocational ministers but by each member of a church.

Missions and evangelism are to be a normal part of every Christian's life, as they live in light of their doctrine until the Lord returns.

All Christians — including husbands and fathers — should seek to live their lives according to spiritual priorities.

In Jesus we find deliverance from fear and forgiveness of sin.

No matter what trial or temptation we face, Jesus provides the strength we need.

From David's example, God's people learn how they are to respond in all times of difficulty and trial.

True Christians are trophies of God's grace, they outsiders compared to the world, and pilgrims looking for heaven.

A biblical philosophy of ministry is based upon right thinking about God.

A true believer is someone who has been changed from a rebel against God to a worshipper of God. Worship is our high calling.

There are only two categories of human beings — those called a 'natural man' and those called a 'spiritual man. The natural man is devoid of the Holy Spirit and thus spiritually dead; the spiritual man possesses the Holy Spirit and is spiritually alive.

The true believer lives with a new sense of obligation. a biblical worldview, and with a Christ-centered identity.

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant, authoritative, sufficient truth from God.

Another biblical doctrine surfaces because of something that transpired in the life of Mark: the doctrine of reconciliation. There is a need for reconciliation both by God to man, and between men.

If we have benefited from God's willingness to reconcile us, and if we have experienced His gracious work in our heart to seek to reconcile to Him -- then it is only right that we would seek to reconcile with another brother who has also benefited from the cross of Christ.

John stops and marvels over three spiritual blessings every Christian enjoys- and calls us to behold them, to remind us who we are and how we are to live.