Advent means coming. The first coming of Jesus is celebrated beginning the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Four candles are typically used, symbolizing Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. The first candle is lit on the first Sunday. Each following Sunday a another successive candle is lit with it. The spiritual focus of worship and preaching follows … [Read more…]
Gifts of the Spirit Paul began this teaching: “Fellow Christians, I want you to know about the gifts of the Spirit” (1 Cor 12:1). He concludes: “But try to have the better gifts. And now I’ll show you the best way of all (1 Cor 12:31 AAT). Cultivating love is the best way to function … [Read more…]
Paul wrote a letter to Timothy and to us, full of edifying, exhorting and comforting words. Both Paul and Timothy were in constant danger of being put to death by the Romans for proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. They needed and we need a spirit of power, love, and self-control. 3 I thank God, whom … [Read more…]
Love is the more excellent way, superior to spiritual gifts, as Paul wrote in his teaching on spiritual gifts. “But desire earnestly the greater gifts. And moreover a most excellent way show I unto you” ( 1 Cor 12:31). He is teaching in the context of an agape feast. The Lord’s Supper was a love … [Read more…]
God has made us what we are by His blessings. God’s blessings are what He has done for us, what He is doing and what He will do. God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Messiah Jesus in the heavenly realm (Eph 1:3). God has poured His love into our hearts by His Spirit … [Read more…]