“These are the only Jews among my co-workers
for the kingdom of God,
and they have proved a comfort to me.”
Colossians 4:11 (NIV)
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One of the most needed yet rare ministries n the church today is the ministry of comfort. To comfort means to give strength and hope and to ease the pain of suffering. People who know how to perform this work are precious in the church of Jesus Christ.
The term for “comfort” in Colossians 4:11 is only found here in all of the New Testament. It is used in medical contexts and means to alleviate pain. Paul had suffered greatly for the sake of the work of the Saviour. He seems glad to talk about a number of men who “alleviated the pain” he was enduring for the sake of the Gospel.
Continue reading 'Comforting God’s People'»
“Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.’”
Matthew 22:21 (NIV)
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“Then the whole assembly rose and led him off to Pilate.
And they began to accuse him, saying, ‘We have found this man subverting our nation. He opposes payment of taxes to Caesar and claims to be Messiah, a king.’” Luke 23:1-2 (NIV)
I am certain that most of us, if not all of us, would never wish to be alongside a lion in his natural world. As long as we have iron bars between us and the lion we feel safe and are willing to get to within a few feet of him. Take the bars away and we run for our lives.
Continue reading 'Lions And Hatred'»
“Then the Pharisees went out
and laid plans to trap him in his words.”
Matthew 22:15 (NIV)
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“So from that day on they plotted to take his life.” John 11:53 (NIV)
It is tragic to read of how the hatred of the religious leaders fuelled their hostility toward Jesus. Many times they sought to make Him stumble in His words. Sometimes they would pose a trick question to Him. One time they asked Him if it was lawful to pay tax to Caesar or not.
If Jesus said it was right to pay taxes to Rome—they would accuse Him before the Jews of supporting the much despised Roman occupational forces. If Jesus said the Jews should not pay taxes to Rome—they could then go to the Roman authorities and accuse Him of being a traitor Who was teaching the people to rebel against them. They were not looking for an answer, just an opportunity to create problems for Him.
Continue reading 'Don’t Quit'»
“Your word, Lord, is eternal;
it stands firm in the heavens.”
Psalm 119:89 (NIV)
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There is nothing as old as yesterday’s news. Yesterday’s newspaper is today’s garbage. We cannot imagine that there is anything of interest in the newspaper that we read with great interest yesterday. The newspaper we eagerly consumed yesterday is discarded today.
However, ask a Christian if the Bible is like yesterday’s newspaper and they will insist it is not. The Bible is ever fresh. We come to it again and again—and it feeds our souls in a new way every time.
The Bible stories we have heard for many years seem to grip our attention as we read them once again. We never tire of hearing the wonderful stories about Jesus and His love for us.
Continue reading 'Newspapers And Bibles'»
“My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household
have informed me that there are quarrels among you.”
1 Corinthians 1:11 (NIV)
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“What I mean is this: One of you says, ‘I follow Paul’; another, ‘I follow Apollos’; another, ‘I follow Cephas ‘; still another, ‘I follow Christ.’” 1 Corinthians 1:11-12 (NIV)
There is no doubt that all Christians have found over the years that certain preachers are easier to understand, they apply the truths of Scripture better, their stories are more helpful and so on.
In the church at Corinth there were divisions among the congregation concerning which preacher was the best. Paul was writing to urge upon them unity—and not to be divided about who they thought was the best preacher and why.
All of the preachers mentioned in our verses dearly loved the Lord Jesus and preached Him according to their specific gifts. Paul did not wish Christians to have “favourites” among the men who preached Christ to them.
Continue reading 'Types Of Preachers'»
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