“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). Then, Paul presents the love chapter of the Bible (1 Cor 13). Cultivating love is the … [Read more…]
God’s blessings are what He has done for us, what He is doing in and through us 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 (Ro 5:1-5). God is enlightening … [Read more…]
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…]
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…]