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Matthew 28:18-20 is often thought of as a missions passage. Instead, it's a plea from Jesus to his disciples to reject their prejudice for the sake of the gospel. Throughout Christ's earthly ministry the disciples lacked the ability to see ALL people as worthy of Christ's message; however, after this interaction they not only change their disposition, but preach and teach the unity of the gospel.

Today is the third message in the series, "Wisdom Literature Introductions." It is from Ecclesiastes, a book which may come across as depressing and discouraging, but which teaches an important lesson about life "under the sun." Satisfaction and significance will not be found in any pursuit "under the sun" except for a life ordered by a fear of God and obedience to His Words. (Ecclesiastes 1)

Psalm 1 serves as an introduction to the book, and a warning of consequences for two different ways of life, each based on the "sea" of thoughts and influences in which a person may choose to "swim." You need to let your thinking "swim" in the clean sea of God's words, rather than in the cesspool of man's thoughts in order to find the place of blessing in life and eternity.

Accountability is something which causes many "free-spirits" to chafe and feel uncomfortable. And when we are corrected or limited by an authority we too may feel "uncomfortable." However, God has chosen to put both civil and spiritual authorities in the world for His purposes and our benefit. Our text challenges us to obey and pray for those spiritual leaders which God has placed in our lives....

We have meters and gauges for temperature, air pressure, humidity, our speed, and how much gas is in our tanks. But we don't have any "joy-o-meters" to measure joy. In the New Testament joy is associated with rejoicing in the Lord and pleasing Him. This includes offering praise and thanksgiving. If our joy is to be found in Him, we need to redirect our eyes and energy to doing what pleases Him....

Psalm 71 was written by a man who was old, weak and frail, and who was being hunted, threatened and harassed by some very serious, very deadly enemies. But, he was overflowing with faith, joy and purpose. Typically, these do not go together! This old man is not oblivious to the threats, but he knows some other things too, which are powerful lessons for us, especially those of us who are old. [S...

Paul becomes the spiritual father of Onesimus and effectually substitutes for his wrong doing. Paul show us how to be a giant in spiritual warfare for a new brother in Christ. The love and faith of Philemon refreshes the saints. Are you intentionally refreshing the saints with your love and faith? (Philemon)

Philemon, with a sterling spiritual character and effectual living continually refreshes the saints. Philemon will continue to do some spiritual heavy lifting. Paul appeals to Philemon to treat Onesimus like himself. He will refresh the apostle Paul by forgiving Onesimus and elevating him to brother. In doing so he will refresh Paul Himself. (Philemon)

Hebrews 12 closes with a challenge for us to show gratitude to the Lord and offer acceptable service with reverence and awe. Chapter 13 opens with three ways that acceptable service is demonstrated in our lives. It shows in our love for our fellow believers, our marriages, and our relationship to the physical world. (Hebrews 13:1-6)

Hebrews is full of contrasts, usually showing the superiority of Christ to some aspect of the Old Covenant. Today's passage presents two different contrasts. First it contrasts where God met Moses at Sinai in contrast to the virtual meeting place we have with Him in the City of God. The second contrasts the shakeable with the unshakeable. Praise God! What we have now is superior in every respec...

In the previous paragraph Hebrews 12:4-13 describe how God disciplines us, his children, out of love to produce holiness and righteousness in us. As his children, we now have the obligation to diligently chase after holiness, and to strive to live in peace with all while watching out for what can trip-up any of us. (Hebrews 12:14-17)

Parenting requires many elements, and absence of any element will have an adverse effect. One necessary element is training discipline. We recognize that children are "in process," and need this. But discipline is really necessary for all of us, since we too, are "in process" until God calls us home. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father continues to discipline us to mold and mature us toward godline...

Hebrews 11 gives testimony to the men and women who walked in faith before us. Each one witnesses to the worthiness of pressing on in faith. After calling attention to them, the writer turns to us. He challenges us to set aside every encumbrance, for each of us to run his or her respective race in faith, and as an antidote for weariness, to keep our eyes on Jesus, who endured the cross for us.

There are times that we need words of encouragement, especially when on the verge of giving up. The writer of Hebrews wove many such encouragements into his letter. And in our text he gave examples of people who didn't give up, who endured, and who acted in faith. He also interspersed insights into what living by faith could look like. We can learn from those who walked in faith before us. (Heb...

Endurance and Faith

Worship With Your Brother

We Have a Better Covenant!

O Death, Where Is Your Victory?

The Coming Death of the Conqueror

Christ's Superior Priesthood

An Anchor for the Soul

Being Diligent to Press On

Enter the School of Abiding

Appointed by God

Where to Turn in Your Time of Need

Any One of You

When Can Departure from the Faith Happen?

Jesus Had to Be . . .

Listen to the Message of the Son