They Think It Strange (Part 1)

Text: 1 Peter 4:1-4 In these verses, Peter described how the life of a Christian is to be different from the world. However, we did not always behave in this way. Every Christian has sins in their past, yet we gave them up. Those around us notice the difference and are surprised by our behavior […]

Renewed Day by Day

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:16 Many see the start of a new year as a time of renewal. The idea is good; however, as with all things, it is important that we think about it Biblically. There are a few passages in the New Testament that talk about being renewed. Let us consider what these passages […]

Seek the Welfare of the City

Text: Jeremiah 29:4-11 In this passage, Jeremiah sent a letter to the exiles living in captivity. The letter contained instructions about how they were to conduct themselves while in exile and explained what they could hope for in the future. Today, we live as exiles in the world. The basic points in Jeremiah’s letter are helpful for us as well. […]

Be Subject to One Another in the Fear of Christ

Text: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Paul talked about being “subject to one another” and the various relationships in which we do this. This is the idea of placing ourselves “under” someone – not by force as if we were defeated, but willingly. Ultimately, we do this because we are subjecting ourselves to the Lord as it is done “in […]

Making the Most of Your Time

Text: Ephesians 5:15-21 In our culture, people are constantly busy with obligations and responsibilities. Some of these are placed upon us, others are self-imposed. This has led to a huge interest in time management and productivity. These can be helpful IF our priorities are right. Paul gave the Ephesians instructions about how to make the most of […]

The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 3)

Text: Galatians 5:22-23 In these verses, Paul talked about the fruit of the Spirit. Several character traits are listed. They are the natural product of the Spirit’s influence on our lives. This affects our conduct as we “walk by the Spirit” (v. 16) and our decisions as we are “led by the Spirit” (v. 18). The […]

The Fruit of the Spirit (Part 2)

Text: Galatians 5:22-23 In these verses, Paul talked about the fruit of the Spirit. Several character traits are listed. They are the natural product of the Spirit’s influence on our lives. This affects our conduct as we “walk by the Spirit” (v. 16) and our decisions as we are “led by the Spirit” (v. 18). The […]