Category Archives: Pastor’s Desk

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The Scriptural Argument – Continued. James now observes that faith and actions (deeds or works) can’t be separated. Faith which is only in the mind is not yet complete; faith starts there, but doesn’t finish there. … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The Theological Argument. Such a strong example as James has given the readers, calls for a defense. James then proceeds to give it. He brings in an imaginary person to argue with him. This opponent treats … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: James 2:14-26 The term for ‘mercy’ referenced in the verse preceding our text is often related to that for giving to the needy. One form of mercy I’d like to discuss in relation to faith and works, is … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:11-14 The Cross – A Sign of Our Hope of Heaven – Continued That cross is a sign of our hope of glory. If, (and I say that rhetorically) there is any tomorrow, if there is any … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:11-14 The Cross – A Sign of Our Hope of Heaven Third, the cross is a sign and an emblem of our atonement and our salvation, our hope of glory. Christ died. How did He die? Why … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:11-14 The Cross – Speaks of Man’s Universal Depravity Second, the cross is a sign and an emblem of the universal depravity of the human heart. If one would see what humanity is really like, look at … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:11-14 The Cross – An Emblem of the Christian Faith – Continued The cross of Christ is not a mythical, romantic idea, symbol, or story. It is historical and factual. If we think of the reference to … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:11-14 In the text of our Scriptural reference, Paul makes a contrast between the Galatians who glory in the flesh (the original Greek word means to “glory,” “boast,”) and his own humble, spirit that forbids that he … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Acts 6:1-8 Steadfast The church needs leaders that are steadfast. When the early church selected their leaders, the Bible says, “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 6:4). This is God’s … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Acts 6:1-8 Sincere The early church sought men of good reputation to be their leaders. The Bible tells us that they were to be “seven men of good reputation” (Acts 6:3 NKJV). They had to have a good … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Acts 6:1-8 Select The kind of leaders that the church needs must be very carefully selected. The disciples instructed the early church to pick out from among themselves the leaders needed (Acts 6:3). Here we learn that the … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Acts 6:1-8 Saved No one is qualified to hold an elective office in the church until that individual has received Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior. This basic requirement for church leadership is stated in Acts … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Acts 6:1-8 The life of any church cannot rise above the level of its leaders. Someone once wrote, “Like pastor, like people; like teachers, like students.” In my experience over the years it is the same in business. … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18 PREVENTING CASUALTIES – Continued From Last Lesson: Most Christians agree that studying and knowing God’s Word is valuable. But we often fail when it comes to actually using the Word in warfare. This … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18 WEAPONS OF WARFARE – Continued We are in a war like no other. Because it is spiritual warfare, the weapons that we use cannot be the normal weapons of this world. The devil … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18 HIT OR MISS Why did Jesus pray? Was it simply to change Himself? Or did Jesus know that prayer was the way His Father had chosen to work on this planet? Jesus didn’t … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-18 One of the key reasons for prayerlessness in the Christian life is a theological one. Deep inside, many Christians believe that prayer really doesn’t matter; God is going to do whatever He is … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Mark 1:14-45 Bringing In the Outcast – Continued Please read Mark 1:40-45 for the background to this section. The man Jesus healed of leprosy sounds like it all ended for everyone happily, a wonderful story; the ravages of … Continue reading →

Scripture Reference: Mark 1:14-45 Bringing In the Outcast – Continued Please read Mark 1:40-45 for the background to this section. From Last Lesson: If you did recover from leprosy, only the priests could declare that you were “clean” once more. … Continue reading →