Enslaved by Sin
Read: John 8:34-47 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.” (v. 34 NLT) The word sin in Greek (hamartia) means wrongdoing, usually any act contrary to the will and law of God. Sin is personified in this John 8:34 as a cruel master. Paul used the same illustration […]
Christ’s Blood Frees Us
Read: Zechariah 9:9-13 As for you, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will free your prisoners from the waterless pit. (v. 11 NIV) Evangelist John Wesley was stopped one night by a highwayman. This thief robbed the Methodist leader of all his money. Wesley said to the man, “If the day should […]
Trusted and Firm
Read: Galatians 5:8-12 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. (v. 10 NIV) Have you ever been trusted by a person in authority concerning what you are, what you speak, and what […]
Diversions of Faith
Read: Galatians 5:7 You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? (v. 7 NIV) Have you encountered anything that is a stumbling block to your faith? Or do you know of anybody who has a wavering faith? In Galatians 5:7, Paul poses a challenging question to […]
The Law and Christ
Read: Galatians 5:3-6 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. (vv. 3-4 NIV) The Jewish believers in Jesus thought that circumcision would […]
Freedom to Serve God
Read: Galatians 5:1-26 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (v. 1 NIV) The pastoral letter to the Galatians is the charter of Christian freedom. Paul talks about the reality of our liberty in Christ, freedom from […]
Why Jesus Rejoices
Read: Luke 10:17-24 Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! (v. 23) When mission groups return, the participants often give a report to the congregation that sent them. Stories are shared of how much was done and how lives were changed. The joy of the journey is shared among all. In our reading today, […]
Rejection Isn’t Failure
Read: Luke 10:10-12 The kingdom of God has come near. (v. 11) Most people love affirmation and fear rejection. That’s why Facebook and Instagram have a button for “like” but not for “dislike.” Posting on social media involves risk. Others might not like us. Rejection feels personal. It’s also why we might be cautious in sharing […]
The Work of Mission
Read: Luke 10:8-9 Eat what is set before you. (v. 8) Many mission trips focus on work. The participants want to get things done, concentrating on the results: the number of houses built, teeth fixed, cataracts removed, or decisions for Christ. Having only a week for ministry, the teams rush to the healing and preaching of […]