How we are not only to seek peace with others, but actually actively pursue it. Why some people don’t get that peace.  How God answers our prayers in the manner of how someone might weave a beautiful tapestry. A future joy will be to see how the answers were woven into ours and others lives.  How … Continue reading 1 Peter 3:8-12 (Part 4) (Podcast) →

Christians do not reach sinless perfection in this life. But Christians do walk in righteousness. According to John, those who claim the name of Christian but who continue to live a life of sin are lying. Christians have already experienced a radical internal change. At the resurrection, Christians experience a radical external change.  When it … Continue reading 1 John 2-4 Christians Don’t Continue in Sin (Part 1) (Podcast) →

If our faith and salvation are genuine, we will show evidence of loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Love is much more than just talk. “He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” (Jim Elliot, Martyred Missionary to the Auca Indians of Ecuador) The … Continue reading 1 John 2-4 Christians Don’t Continue in Sin (Part 2) (Podcast) →

In these verses, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, quickly lists 13 commands that are important for all believers, especially when we are going through tough times (when it’s easy for us to get too self-absorbed.) This study is the 3rd of 4 looks at these 5 verses. Topics: How Proverbs are to be taken as general … Continue reading 1 Peter 3:8-12 (Part 3) (Podcast) →

Jeremy’s Memorial Service. Ken Harrison, Chaplin of the Southern Dawgs MC, officiated. I added a few words directed toward Kaylee and Austin at the end of the service.

What does God mean when He tells us to “love not the world?” Why are Christians tempted to love the world? Does the danger of entanglement with the world have anything to do with Christian involvement in politics? Is there a danger of identifying too closely with one political party? Why do unbelievers call Christians … Continue reading 1 John 2:15ff (Part 1) Love Not the World (Podcast) →

How Christians can get in trouble trying to tease apart “Trusting Jesus,” “Loving Jesus,” and “Obeying Jesus.” Coming to grips with the fact of the rapid passing away of this life. Strong evidence for the security of the believer (or, perhaps better,  “the perseverance of the saints”).  The problem of “little antichrists.” The great danger … Continue reading 1 John 2:15ff (Part 2) There are Many Antichrists (Podcast) →

These are words that I spoke  to Kaylee and Austin at the end of Jeremy’s memorial service, on Monday evening, June 8, 2015.

Introduction to 1 John. Overview of the later years of the Apostle John. Why God engineered it into His plan for John to die as an old man. Why the other apostles needed to die as martyrs.  A brief look at the life of Polycarp, Ignatius, and Irenaeus. The importance of young people understanding some of … Continue reading 1 John 1:1-4 Why Did John Live So Long? (Part 1 of 2)(Podcast) →

John was an eyewitness to the Incarnation. As an eyewitness, he presents powerful evidence to the truth about Jesus. The profound meaning of the word “fellowship.” What it means to remove fellowship. How our joy in the Lord can be full, even during times of intense grief. Stay in the Battle! Steve Hall To find … Continue reading 1 John 1:1-4 (conclusion)(Podcast) →