2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!              The phrase “in Christ” utilizes two of the greatest words one could use to describe life. Eternity’s destination and all of life’s motivations hinge on the significance they bear. “In Christ” is…

Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra was a biblical scholar who was addicted to God’s Word. He feasted on God’s Word, and this led to a greater depth of understanding and a deeper…

The most powerful tool we have as Christians is prayer. Last week we looked at how Daniel prayed and how his consistent prayer life helped him to live a godly life in an ungodly world. That was personal prayer. There is also great power in congregational power. In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he addressed…

Over the last couple of weeks one of themes in our lessons on Daniel has been God’s patience with Nebuchadnezzar. Eventually, Nebuchadnezzar came to acknowledge God as the one true God. In Daniel 4:37 we  have these words from the once ruthless king: Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven,…

Judges 6:14 The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?” Judges 6:15 tells us that Gideon was from the weakest clan in Manasseh and that he was the weakest in his family, yet God called on him to do…

In our teen class on Sunday mornings, we are studying the Book of Ezra. In Ezra chapter 3, we read of how the returning exiles built an altar and began offering sacrifices to the Lord. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals…

Over the last few weeks we looked at clothing ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are all good attributes that should mark the life of every Christian. But as important as it is to display these character traits it is just as important that we never compromise our faith in God or…

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. What does it look like to clothe yourself with patience? I’m probably the last person you would look at to see what being clothed in patience looks like. If we read further, we see in verse…

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Philippians 4:5 reminds the church: Let your gentleness be evident to all… Gentleness as spoken of here means Christ-like consideration for others. We are to be gentle (reasonable, fair-minded) to those outside the church as well as to one another. Paul,…

Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. Here, Paul, inspired by God, is warning against the pride, self-centeredness,…