A CHRIST-mas Message

Friends, it’s that time of year where we rejoice and celebrate the birth of the most important person this world has or ever will experience; and that is the birth of the CHRIST, our Lord and Savior Jesus of Nazareth. This season marks the 2013th year of celebration since Jesus was born a baby. Unfortunately, just as His birth went barely noticed, with the exception of Mary, Joseph and three shepherds in a distant land, from a worldview perspective, His birth still goes largely unobserved. Continue reading →

What Is Your Addiction?

Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. This same verse in the King James Version reads they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints. I urge you to put yourselves at the service of such people and of everyone who works and toils with them. (1 Corinthians 16:14-17, New Revised Standard Version)

The text says that the household of Stephanas’ focus was ministry. To minister is to serve. In essence, Stephanas’ entire household was committed or devoted to serving saints. I don’t think the words committed or devoted are strong enough which is why I presented also, the KJV’s wording “addicted” I believe Paul used the word addicted because he wanted us to understand the strength, and potency of their desire to serve. Continue reading →

It’s a Good Day for me!

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7)

As Good Friday approaches, in just a few days, I can’t help but reflect on the name of the day, Good Friday. Somebody once asked is there anything good that can come out of Nazareth. I pose the question today can anything good come out of what appears to have been such a terrible day? Continue reading →