“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them” (Rom. 12:14). As we continue our reading on the marks of a true Christian, we encounter yet another difficult thing to do. The concept of blessing those who persecute you is deeply rooted in the teaching of the New Testament, and even Jesus called
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Rom. 12:13). This is definitely not the easiest of instructions to follow faithfully. I have heard people in the church bemoan that they must help someone else, even if that someone is a fellow Christian. I remember being in a church long ago
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). In the previous article, we studied the first two phrases, and today we are going to look at the third one, “…be constant in prayer.” If there were ever wise words, those have to be them. Let me ask you a question:
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word “hope?” Most would define it as a desire for a certain outcome. For example, you hope your favorite team wins the Super-bowl or that some person you
Rom. 12:11, “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Notice how the first of the three clauses is negative while the other two are positive. There is no disputing Paul’s intentions—to draw the reader’s attention to the importance of what he is saying. He says Christians should never be
Rom. 12:10, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” The word “love” is taken from the Greek word “phileo,” which denotes brotherly rather than romantic love. It consisted of a combination of two words; “philos” (friend or beloved friend) and “adelphos (brother). The phrase “brotherly affection” translates from the Greek
Gen. 1:1, “…the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Today, April 8, 2024, millions of Americans will look to the heavens and witness a rare celestial spectacle. Many will travel hundreds of miles to enjoy it, and some visitors will come from other countries to experience the extraordinary beauty of a Lunar Eclipse.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good” (Rom. 12:9). As part of a larger passage in which Paul encourages his readers to live as transformed followers of Christ, we come upon this triad of Christian characteristics. First, we are told our love should be genuine. That word is
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mat. 28:18-20). Simon Peter was crucified upside
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Pph. 4:8-9). Paul’s words are striking because they are something we should all purposely say to anyone we know. But what would the point be if we don’t exemplify what we want