Category Archives: ministry
a day in the life of heaven’s king
Matthew 14. Herod celebrated his birthday by murdering John the Baptist. It was a tragedy for the kingdom of heaven brought about by the lust and fear of one of earth’s kings. Later, when Herod learned of the success … Continue reading
Posted in courage, deliverance, dependence upon God, discipleship, faith, grace, ministry
Tagged Matthew 14
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mission and heaven’s king
Matthew 10. Chapter 9 had concluded with Jesus commanding his disciples to pray for more harvesters. Chapter ten begins with commencement day. Jesus calls his twelve disciples and tells them “You know those apostles you have been praying for? – … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, destruction in hell, enemies, gospel, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 10
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expectations and heaven’s king
Matthew 9. In this chapter, Matthew reveals how much Jesus challenged the status quo as he ministered in Capernaum. He was not what people expected of the Messiah. Questions emerged everywhere he went – some out of opposition, but … Continue reading
Posted in discipleship, enemies, faith, humility, kingdom of God, ministry, pride
Tagged Matthew 9
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others and heaven’s king
Matthew 7:1-12. The theme that ties together the varied instructions in this section of the sermon on the mount is others. The disciples will be tempted to look around at others and see their need for correction. Jesus warns them … Continue reading
Posted in compassion, discipleship, grace, love, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 7
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light from heaven’s king
Matthew 4:12-25. Jesus moved from his home town of Nazareth to the great city of Capernaum. From there he launched his year-long great Galilean ministry. The region had a reputation of spiritual darkness and physical danger. It was the perfect … Continue reading
Posted in church, discipleship, gospel, Holy Spirit, ministry, missions, witness
Tagged Matthew 4
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it’s who you know
Philemon 23-25. Paul concludes his letter to Philemon with a short list of associates who were probably well-known by the believers in Colossae, or at least by Philemon himself. Epaphras had been a messenger for Paul, bringing his letters to … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, courage, friends, gospel, ministry, missions
Tagged Philemon
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mission: send, support, serve
Titus 3:12-15. Paul’s final instructions to Titus give a job description for the church and explain how each local church can continue to be involved in the mission of reaching the lost world for Jesus Christ. He instructs Titus that … Continue reading
mission: do not go quietly
2 Timothy 4:9-22. Paul’s final words written to Timothy are not the words of someone resigned to rest upon his accomplishments. He knows that he will soon die for his faith, but he will not go quietly. Many of his … Continue reading
Posted in commitment, faithfulness, gospel, ministry, missions, mortality, perseverance
Tagged 2 Timothy 4
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mission: continue in what you have learned
2 Timothy 3:10-4:8. Paul knew that he was “already being poured out as a drink offering” and it was time for him to depart this life (4:6). He expected to be raised to life again, and to get his reward … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, faithfulness, ministry, missions, perseverance, resurrection, scriptures, second coming
Tagged 2 Timothy 3, 2 Timothy 4
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mission: avoid the opposition
2 Timothy 3:1-9. Paul’s picture of the last days is frighteningly accurate. He describes difficult times that will come because of ungodly people. These people are: lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, … Continue reading
Posted in church, commitment, discernment, faithfulness, hypocrisy, leadership, ministry
Tagged 2 Timothy 3
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Devotions 