Consider this

When trying to understand a concept, sometimes a comparison or a visual can be very helpful. The inspired writers of the New Testament used that technique a great deal, especially when talking about the people of God. For example, Paul says that we are the “family” or the “household of God” (1 Timothy 3:15). A household in those days included everyone; mother, father, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and even those who worked for the family. It was a broad and inclusive idea. Everyone had a place and everyone belonged. Continuing that idea of belonging is the concept that we are “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:12-20). Just as in our physical bodies, each part contributes to the whole and makes things better. In God’s kingdom, there are no unnecessary parts. Everyone has a place. Other word pictures stress the closeness that we have with God and his son. Revelation 19:7-9 tells us that we are “the bride of Christ...

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows…Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:7-9). This passage is often quoted to teach the importance of focusing on spiritual things, but I believe that these verses teach other lessons as well. For example, notice that effort is often required before the reward is seen. Oddly, many people seem to think that blessings should come without requiring anything from them beforehand. In reality, it does not work that way. In marriage counseling, couples are often told to “act as if you are in love”. Why? Well, when each person takes responsibility to “Go first” and to treat the other with love, then that attitude will likely grow in the relationship. However, if both sit back and wait for the other to treat them well, nothing good happens. This “Go first” principle applies in any rela...

The Bible college I attended had a “Sunday morning dress code” (Guys had to wear a shirt and tie and the girls had to wear dresses or skirts). Considering the range of backgrounds and opinions about what constituted “acceptable attire”, the dress code was appropriate and necessary. Did you know that the Bible specifies a “Christian dress code” that applies, not just to Sunday morning, but every day of the week? As you may suspect, this dress code does not have to do with physical clothing. Instead, it is focused on our attitudes, actions and how we represent Christ. A quick tour through the New Testament yields an entire list of things that are to “Put on”. That list includes things like: truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the word of God, prayer, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love and a quiet spirit (see Ephesians 6:11-17; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Peter 2-4). Fo...

Here is a strange question for you: If Jesus dropped by and told you to do some very specific things, would you do them? I do not know what your response would be (I mean after you woke up from passing out at the sight of Jesus), but I do know this: The first time Jesus was here, he heard lots of excuses. Just for interest’s sake, I made an “Excuses tour” of gospels last week and noted every excuse that people used in order to get out of doing what they were asked to do. Some said that it was too difficult (Mark 10: 17-22). Others said that they would do it later (Luke 9:57-62). Others said “yes”, but later found reasons not to bother (Luke 14:16-20). One decided that his business was more important than listening to God (Luke 12:13-21). Still others wanted “just a little more proof” that Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 15:29-32). I could fill this whole article with excuses. Then John records that, “Many of his disciple...