Principles for Effective Service (Philippians 2:1-11) Ecclesiastes 10:10 states, “If an iron ax head is blunt and a workman does not sharpen its edge; he must exert a great deal of effort.  Effectively serving Christ isn’t always about doing more. It’s learning to be more effective in what we’re already doing – sharpening our edge.  Paul helps us to do […]

Following Christ in the Last Days (Daniel 12) Paul informs us in 2 Timothy 3 of the unique challenges that will face believers in the last days.  Daniel 12 is the Old Testament equivalent of Paul’s teaching.  Daniel 12 teaches us how to live as faithful exiles in a world that is not our home.  It […]

The Signs of the Times  (various Scriptures) The Bible states that no one knows the hour or day of the Lord’s return.  However, Jesus says this – His followers should be aware of the season of history leading up to His return and the signs of the times that signal His return is near.  We will […]

A Collision of Worlds (Philippians 1:22-30) Paul reminds Christians that we possess dual citizenship.  We are citizens of earth to some degree but more importantly we are citizens of heaven and we are already part of Christ’s Kingdom.  Therefore, there is also a collision of good and evil taking place all around us and this […]

Priorities Shape Perspective (Philippians 1:12 – 21) The Philippians are so concerned about Paul and have so many questions as to why God would allow his imprisonment.  Yet Paul takes this opportunity to remind them that our priorities in life will shape and mold our perspective on each and every situation in which we find ourselves.  […]

Jesus Makes All the Difference Everyday  (Philippians 1:1-11) How could a prisoner be so thankful and joyful?  How could one bound in chains be so confident and composed?  Paul wants to let his dear friends know that it’s all because of Jesus.  Jesus makes all the difference in our lives everyday and this kind of […]

The Great Shepherd Of The Sheep (Hebrews 13:20-25) This passage is designed to teach us that God has not left us to live the Christian life on our own.  God will equip us with everything we need in order to live the life that He has called us to live.  God supplies us with the […]

Hebrews 13:8-14 The author of Hebrews is telling us in this passage that Jesus Christ is the secret to the Christian life;  that Jesus Christ is the key to living the Christian life.  Jesus will supply and furnish us with everything we need so we must keep following Him no matter what the cost.  To quit following Jesus […]

“Be Prepared!”  (Hebrews 12:12-17) The Christian life is a long distance marathon through a difficult course. In order to be prepared for this rigorous journey, we must enter into serious training and do so as part of a dedicated team of believers.

Encouragement for the Weary:  It’s All About Jesus  (Hebrews 12:1-4) The author tells us in Hebrews 13:22 that this letter is a word of exhortation.  We could also use the word encouragement.  “Now I urge you brothers and sister, bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact, I have written to you briefly.”  So in this […]