Great Expectations
What do you do when God's will seems contrary to the desires He gave you? How do you continue to move forward in your service for God when He keeps closing doors? The apostle Paul wrestled with some of these same questions. In Romans 15, he confides in us his expectations for the future of his missionary work, but these great expectations never become reality. What will he do when his way does not match God's will?
The Magnification of the Master
An obsession with holy living must first begin with an obsession with the Holy One. Paul's passion to become like Christ was the natural overflow of his deep, intimate walk with Christ. How do we develop a passion for holiness? It begins getting a better picture of our great and holy God.
Gripped by Grace
What motivates you? Have you ever asked yourself that question? There is no doubt about what motivated the apostle Paul. Until his encounter with the risen Christ, Paul was not only a blasphemer, he was also the number one persecutor of the church. Yet the grace offered him by Jesus Christ changed him, empowered him for service, and ultimately motivated him to live a life of holiness. It can do the same for you too!
Three Radical Refusals
The life of the apostle Paul was indeed an extraordinary one, but what was so extraordinary was not his natural gifts and abilities; it was his whole-hearted devotion to God. In Paul's letter to the Romans, we get a glimpse of his commitment to holy living and discover that holiness demands that we are willing to say "no" as often as we say "yes".
Interrupting the Dead
Over 150,000 people die every day. Despite technological advancements and progress in medicine and science, men have not been able to find a remedy for death. That's why Jesus' claim to be 'The Resurrection and The Life' is such good news! He didn't just claim it either; He proved it. He did what no other philosopher, rabbi, guru, doctor, or scientist could do: He cut to the very heart of our sinful, human condition and weeded it out from the roots.
A Cure for the Incurable
Over 150,000 people die every day. Despite technological advancements and progress in medicine and science, men have not been able to find a remedy for death. That's why Jesus' claim to be 'The Resurrection and The Life' is such good news! He didn't just claim it either; He proved it. He did what no other philosopher, rabbi, guru, doctor, or scientist could do: He cut to the very heart of our sinful, human condition and weeded it out from the roots.
Decorated with Stars
The Apostle Paul doesn't give us black and white answers when it comes to issues of Christian liberty. But how could he? There was no such thing as internet and movies and alternative music back in those days! Instead, he supplies us with Biblical principles that transcend every social context generation. He doesn't tell us how to act . . . he tells us how to think.
Impersonating the Savior
The Apostle Paul knew of no better way to make it through the fog of life than to follow Christ's footprints . . . step by step. Do you?
Living on Three Levels
Contrary to polupar belief, Christian liberty does not say, "I have the freedom to do anything that makes my life better." Instead, Christian liberty says, "I now have the freedom to do whatever Christ wants me to do." So many people get this wrong today. Don't be one of them!
Guarding Stradivarius
Did you know you are a priceless enterprise of God? We are all "under construction" and God wants each of us to treat each other as a work in progress. Stephen calls this the "principle of consideration" and instructs the believer to live it out each day.