'believers' Tagged Posts (Page 4)
Daily Devotions
You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” vs. 40 Luke 12:37-40 Believers are familiar with admonitions to be prepared. They occur regularly in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in those relating to the coming apocalypse. Disciples were warned that the Son of Man would be coming at an unexpected hour and that they should be ready. Early Christians taught that Jesus would be coming again, likely within their lifetimes, and even…
Daily Devotions
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” vs. 1 Hebrews 11:1-3 Whenever a loved one dies and we proclaim with conviction that they rest in peace or are safe in the arms of Jesus, we’re making an important statement of faith. We have no way of proving what we say and rationalists would likely scoff at our words, but we keep on making the claim because it’s the core of our faith.…
Daily Devotions
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” vs. 1 Colossians 3:1-7 Sometimes we’re told that we need to accept ourselves as we are, and not spend our lives trying to be something that we are not. There is truth in that advice, but it’s not the whole truth, because the way we are is not always the best that we can be–in fact,…
Daily Devotions
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!” vs. 15 Galatians 6:11-16 Some of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem didn’t get what the new life in Christ was all about, and they drove Paul to distraction. Their representatives had followed him into the cities of Galatia and were telling new believers that they needed circumcision–baptism wasn’t enough. This conflict within the ranks of the newly formed Church provoked real anger in Paul, and he didn’t…
Daily Devotions
I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” vss. 20-21 John 17:20-23 John reports that Jesus spent his last evening with his disciples praying for unity, not only in their little group,…
Daily Devotions
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” vs. 27 John 14:25-27 World peace has proven to be elusive. There’s a dismal rhythm in human history–devastating wars are fought, peace conferences are held, participants are hopeful, some years pass… and then we’re ready to fight again! Tens of millions of casualties in one…
Daily Devotions
When they heard this, they were silenced. And they praised God, saying, ‘Then God has given even to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life.’” vs. 11 Acts 11:11-18 Luke leaves us with the impression that this one conversation was enough to change the minds of the Jerusalem believers and open their hearts to the uncircumcised. Of course we know from Paul’s letters that it took years for the gospel to be seen in an inclusive way. Judaizers dogged…
Daily Devotions
When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, the skin of his face was shining, and they were afraid to come near him.” vs. 30 Exodus 34:29-35 The Aaronic benediction is dear to the hearts of believers. Those who worship hear it at the close of the service as a blessing from their pastor. The words are familiar and come to us from thousands of years ago. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to…