Shine Like Stars Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky. Philippians 2:14-15 Jesus Christ is the light of the world, the light...
The Gospel of John in a Word Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may...
Death Swallowed Up in Victory He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 A wise, veteran pastor once said, “When...
Washed in Blood So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man's blood; see to it yourselves.” And all the people answered, “His blood be on us...
Newer Isn’t Always Better, But this Time It Is Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. Jeremiah 31:31 Old is not necessarily bad, nor is new necessarily good. When God promises to...
God’s Workmanship For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 After his beautiful description of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, Paul then describes us as God’s workmanship. The Greek word here is the word “Poema.” It is...
We Preach Christ Crucified For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:22-24 The...
God’s Love for Sinners But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 In Romans 5, St. Paul describes our condition at the time at which Christ died for us. Weak, ungodly, sinners, even enemies of God are the...
A Broken Heart for Valentine’s Day (Ash Wednesday) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 Valentine’s Day falling on Ash Wednesday provides a great opportunity to teach about the condition of the human heart. On this...
God’s Care for Older Adults Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent. Psalm 71:9 Congregations invest a lot of time, energy, and financial support in caring for children and youth. Schools and youth groups, staff members and teachers...