Steve's Blog
Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. Jude 3 (NIV)
In Jude’s short letter, he gets right to the point: “contend for the faith.” As with other references in the New Testament, we find a strong allusion to athletics. To contend is to strive or struggle with intense effort in the arena. He had the intention of writing about the “...
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (CSB)
This verse presents a daunting challenge, “live at peace with everyone.” We don’t always live at peace with those who are closest to us, let alone everyone. It begins with the condition, “If Possible.” What makes it possible? After all, Christ-followers don’t always have a good relationship with each other, so how can we expect to live at peace with everyone?
The words of Jesus come to mind: “Ever...
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15–16 (NLT)
Is it better to be hot or to be cold? When I was coming-of-age, I understood this text meant that to be cold was bad, and that to be hot was good. We can make a case that either hot or cold can be desirable. However, to be lukewarm is repulsive, not to mention, dangerous.
...
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
In previous articles, we have covered growing and glowing. In this concluding post we will examine Christ’s Great Commission to the church to go. While most of us do not have any objections to the concept of growing and even glowing, the thought of going is likely to bring apprehension. We may agree in principle, but reality is daunting.
An exami...