What Does it Mean That Jesus Humbled Himself? | April 4 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, unpacks Philippians 2:3–8 and the Westminster Catechisms to help us understand the deep significance of Christ's humiliation. Jesus, though fully God, emptied Himself, took on flesh, and willingly endured suffering and death for the salvation of His people. This profound act of humility not only secured our redemption but gives us a pattern for how we are to live. You'll hear a clear reading of Scripture, thoughtful explanation, sound Reformed theology, and practical application for everyday life. Whether you are struggling, growing, or seeking truth, this episode will encourage and challenge you to live with the mind of Christ. Key topics covered: The meaning of Christ's humiliation How Philippians 2 connects to Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms Practical implications for Christians today Encouragement to walk humbly and love sacrificially Subscribe to Strength for Today for gospel-rich, Scripture-rooted devotionals that help you grow in grace. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian or to contact Pastor John. If you're in the Knoxville area, we invite you to worship with us this Sunday at 9:30 am. #ChristianPodcast #Devotional #Knoxville #Pride #Humility

How Is Jesus Our High Priest? | April 2 In this April 2 episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, unpacks the powerful truth from Hebrews 9:24-28 and the Westminster Standards about Jesus as our High Priest. Discover how Christ's once-for-all sacrifice fully satisfied divine justice and how He now intercedes for His people in heaven. This episode will encourage you with gospel clarity and deepen your understanding of the priestly work of Jesus. In this episode: • Full reading and explanation of Hebrews 9:24-28 • Westminster Larger Catechism Question 44 and Shorter Catechism Question 25 • Real-life application for believers facing sin, suffering, or spiritual discouragement • Gospel hope for those feeling distant from God Whether you're new to the Christian faith or deeply rooted in Reformed theology, this devotional brings you the truth of God's Word in an understandable and life-giving way. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian and to connect with Pastor John. Subscribe for daily biblical encouragement and Christ-centered teaching to strengthen your walk with God. #StrengthForToday #Hebrews9 #JesusOurHighPriest #WestminsterConfession #ReformedTheology #ChristChurchKnoxville #DailyDevotional #ChristOurMediator #BibleTeaching #GospelHope

How Does Jesus Rule as King? | April 3 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN explores Isaiah 33:22 and the Westminster Catechisms to answer the vital question: How does Jesus rule as King? From the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition, this devotional unpacks the biblical and theological truth that Jesus Christ is not only Savior but King. He calls His people out of the world, governs them by His Word and Spirit, protects them from enemies, and reigns over all things for His glory and their good. Key Themes in this Episode: • Christ's present and active rule as King • Isaiah 33:22 as a declaration of God's royal authority • The comfort and challenge of Christ's kingly office • Westminster Larger Catechism Q.45 and Westminster Shorter Catechism Q.26 • How Christ's kingship applies to our daily lives Whether you are discouraged, struggling with obedience, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your understanding of Jesus' kingship, this episode offers gospel-centered hope and clarity. Subscribe for more daily devotionals that combine the Bible with historic Reformed theology to build up believers and call the lost to faith in Christ. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more. Listen daily to grow in grace, truth, and strength for today. #ReformedTheology #Isaiah33 #JesusIsKing #WestminsterCatechism #ChristIsKing #ChristianPodcast #StrengthForToday #DailyDevotional #Presbyterian #GospelTruth #Knoxville

What Did Christ Purchase for His People? | April 1 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN unpacks the rich truth of Ephesians 1:3–14 and Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 8.5. Jesus Christ, through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death, fully satisfied the justice of God and secured for His people both reconciliation and an everlasting inheritance. You will discover how God planned your salvation before the foundation of the world, how Christ accomplished redemption through His blood, and how the Holy Spirit now seals believers for the day of glory. This episode is a clear and encouraging reminder of the full work of Christ on your behalf. Bible Passage: Ephesians 1:3–14 Theological Focus: Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 8.5 – Of Christ the Mediator Theme: Christ's work purchased our reconciliation and our inheritance If you are looking for a faithful, Bible-believing explanation of salvation through Jesus Christ rooted in Reformed theology, this episode is for you. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Pastor John, Christ Church Presbyterian, and how to get connected. Subscribe for daily devotional episodes grounded in Scripture and the Westminster Standards. Share this with someone who needs to be reminded of the riches of God's grace in Christ. Tags: Christian podcast Reformed theology Westminster Confession Ephesians 1 Jesus Christ Gospel truth Daily devotionals Presbyterian preaching Strength for Today Christ Church Knoxville

Why Did Jesus Willingly Lay Down His Life? | March 31 Why did Jesus willingly lay down His life? In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, unpacks John 10:17–18, where Jesus declares His divine authority to lay down His life and take it up again. This powerful truth is paired with the Westminster Confession of Faith 8.4, which explains how Christ undertook His mediatorial work willingly, perfectly fulfilling the law and enduring suffering for our salvation. This eight-minute devotional helps everyday Christians understand and apply the gospel with clarity and conviction. You'll hear the full Scripture reading, doctrinal teaching, practical explanation, and life-giving encouragement grounded in Reformed theology and the Westminster Standards. Key Topics Covered: The willing sacrifice of Jesus Christ The authority of Christ over life and death Christ's fulfillment of the law and His suffering Insights from the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 8.4 How Christ's obedience and resurrection shape your daily faith Perfect for: Daily devotional time Understanding Reformed theology Learning the Westminster Confession Encouragement for Christian living Preparing your heart for rejoicing in the resurrection Listen now and be strengthened by God's Word and grace. Visit www.cometochrist.church for more resources and information about Christ Church Presbyterian. Be sure to subscribe, like, comment, and share to help others grow in grace and truth. #DailyDevotional #John10 #ReformedTheology #WestminsterConfession #StrengthForToday #ChristChurchKnoxville #JesusChrist #GospelTruth #Bible

How Does Christ Reveal God to Us? | March 30 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, explores how Jesus Christ fulfills the role of Prophet by revealing the will of God for our salvation. Drawing from 1 Peter 1:10–12 and the Westminster Larger and Shorter Catechisms (Questions 43 and 24), this devotional unpacks how Christ declares God's truth by His Word and Spirit across all ages. This episode answers the essential question: How does Jesus reveal God to us? Discover how the prophets of old pointed forward to Christ, how the Spirit empowered them, and how Jesus Himself is the final and fullest revelation of God's redemptive plan. This daily devotional podcast will encourage you in your walk with Christ and deepen your understanding of God's saving and sanctifying grace. Subscribe for biblical truth and gospel-centered encouragement each day. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church or connect with Pastor John. Share this episode to encourage someone today. Keywords: Jesus the Prophet, Christ reveals God, Westminster Catechism, 1 Peter 1 explained, Reformed theology devotional, Christ Church Presbyterian Knoxville, Strength for Today podcast, daily Christian encouragement, gospel truth, God's will revealed, Bible and theology devotional, reformed Presbyterian teaching, catechism devotional, understanding Christ's offices, salvation through Christ

What Are the Three Offices of Christ? | March 29 In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins from Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, explains the significance of the three offices of Christ—Prophet, Priest, and King. Drawing from Philippians 2:8–11 and the Westminster Larger Catechism Question 42 and Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 23, this devotional helps you understand how Christ perfectly fulfills each role. As Prophet, He reveals God's will. As Priest, He offers Himself for our sins. As King, He rules and defends His people. This rich biblical and theological teaching will deepen your confidence in Christ and strengthen your faith. Key Topics Covered: The meaning of the name "Christ" Christ's threefold office in Scripture The connection between His humiliation and exaltation Why you can trust Jesus in every aspect of life Subscribe to Strength for Today for daily Bible-based encouragement that glorifies God, exalts Christ, and equips you to live as salt and light in the world. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville and explore past episodes. Tags: Jesus Christ Prophet Priest King, Reformed theology devotional, Westminster Catechism explained, Philippians 2 devotional, Reformed Presbyterian podcast, Daily Christian encouragement, Strength for Today podcast, Christ Church Knoxville, biblical teaching podcast, Gospel-centered devotionals #ChristIsKing #Devotional #ChristianPodcast

Why Is Jesus Called Christ? | March 28 What does it mean that Jesus is called "Christ"? In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN walks through Hebrews 7:15-22 and Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 8.3 to explore why Jesus is called the Christ and how His anointing as Prophet, Priest, and King fulfills God's plan of salvation for His people. Discover how Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit to reveal God's truth, offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, and reign forever as King. Learn why the title Christ is not just a name but a declaration of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish. This episode is part of our March devotional series on God's covenant with man and the person and work of Christ as Mediator. Tune in for deep biblical truth, Reformed theology, and real-life application. In This Episode: Full Scripture Reading: Hebrews 7:15-22 Full Reading of Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 8.3 Explanation of Christ's anointing and His threefold office Encouragement to rest in Jesus as your Redeemer and King Application for daily life and spiritual growth If you're looking for biblical teaching rooted in Reformed theology that helps you grow in grace, be sure to subscribe and share. This devotional podcast is for anyone seeking to know Christ more deeply and live faithfully for Him each day. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville and to contact Pastor John Blevins. #ReformedTheology #ChristTheMediator #WestminsterConfession #Hebrews7 #DailyDevotional #Christian #ChristIsKing

Why Is Jesus Called 'Jesus'? | March 27 Why is the Son of God named Jesus? In this episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins of Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, walks through Matthew 1:18-25 to unpack the meaning and significance of the name Jesus—"for He will save His people from their sins." Rooted in Scripture and historic Reformed theology, we explore Westminster Larger Catechism Question 41 and its profound truth that Jesus is not just a name, but a declaration of God's saving purpose. This episode will deepen your understanding of Christ's role as Savior and strengthen your trust in His finished work. If you've ever wondered how God planned redemption or why Jesus came into the world with that specific name, this devotional will ground your faith and renew your hope. Strength for Today offers daily encouragement from the Bible and the Westminster Standards to help you grow in grace and live with gospel confidence. Subscribe to stay rooted in sound doctrine and daily hope. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian and explore more episodes of Strength for Today. Help us get the word out by sharing the episode and podcast with everyone you know. #Devotional #Knoxville #Jesus

Why Is It Necessary for Jesus Christ to Be Both God and Man in One Person? | March 26 Who can reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God? Only someone who is both fully divine and fully human. In today's episode of Strength for Today, Pastor John Blevins from Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN, unpacks the rich biblical truth of 1 Peter 2:4-8 and Westminster Larger Catechism Question 40 to answer this vital question: Why is it necessary for Christ to be both God and man in one person? We explore how Jesus, the cornerstone rejected by men but chosen by God, is uniquely qualified to offer a perfect sacrifice, represent us before God, and be the foundation of our faith and salvation. The unity of His two natures—without confusion, without division—is essential to the gospel message and your hope today. Whether you are seeking clarity on the person of Christ, assurance of salvation, or encouragement in your walk with God, this episode will strengthen your faith and equip you with gospel truth. Subscribe for daily Reformed devotionals that combine deep biblical truth with pastoral encouragement. Visit www.cometochrist.church to learn more about Christ Church Presbyterian in Knoxville, TN. Tags: Why Jesus is God and Man Hypostatic Union Explained Reformed Daily Devotional Christ Church Presbyterian Knoxville Strength for Today Podcast Westminster Larger Catechism Devotional 1 Peter 2:4-8 Explained Jesus Our Mediator Christology Podcast Reformed Theology Made Simple