In Ephesians 4:17 we read that Paul urges the believers in Ephesus to stop walking like sinners do; in other words, stop sinning willfully. Then, in Ephesians 4:22 & 23 he urges them to “put off the old self…and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” Now in Ephesians 4:24 Paul writes, “and … [Read more…]
In Ephesians 4:22 Paul urges the believers in Ephesus to put off their old selves, which belongs to their former manner of life, and was or is being corrupted by deceitful thoughts and desires. Now Paul commands them “to be renewed” (Eph. 4:23). The term “renewed” implies that Paul is urging them to star over … [Read more…]
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he writes for them “to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” (Eph. 4:22). First, we need to understand what Paul is saying here is not optional for the believers in Ephesus. What is an imperative? An … [Read more…]
In Ephesians 4:17 Paul writes, “you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.” We know Paul is speaking to believers in Ephesus here. But when I read this I have three questions: 1) what does Paul mean when he uses the word “walk”? 2) Who are the Gentiles? … [Read more…]
One of the hallmarks of Christmas is the exchanging of presents, especially if you are a child. In 2018, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF), the average household in America spent $1,536 for Christmas. This year, according to the NRF, the average American household plans to spend $998 on gifts, food, and decorations. In … [Read more…]
The Psalmist wrote, “I will extol you, my God, and King, and bless your name forever and ever” (Ps. 145:1). The 145th psalm is one my favorite psalms. I read it at least once everyday. It is twenty-one verses proclaiming the unsearchable greatness of Almighty God. Truly God is worthy of our praise every single … [Read more…]
“For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Those are the words of the angel Gabriel when he foretold of Jesus’ birth. We often celebrate his birth, and we should, but we do not often consider the prophecies surrounding it. Do you know how many messianic prophecies there are in the Old Testament? Some … [Read more…]
June 26, 1870. That is the date that the United States of America recognized Christmas as a federal holiday. It is the date that the United States of America officially recognized the birth of Jesus. Since then many have celebrated Christmas, and many still do. In fact, according to Pew Research, nine in ten Americans … [Read more…]
As you know it is Christmas time. A time for giving and exchanging presents. But there is one gift or gifts we often do not think of this time of the year: the spiritual gifts. The aim of this blog is to help the reader understand six basic principles about spiritual gifts. Principal #1: There … [Read more…]
It’s Christmas time! The time of year we Christians celebrate the birth of the Messiah. But did you know that the Messiah is referred to in more than one name? This time of year you are likely to here the Messiah referred to in six different names, perhaps by song or Sunday School or preaching … [Read more…]