When I am teaching a Bible study or preaching a sermon, I keep three things in mind. They help to guide me during my preparation, study and delivering the message. AIM #1: That people will leave saying, "That's exactly what the Bible says." Since I don't believe that I can say anything better than God … Continue reading Three Aims When I Teach the Bible
Author: Derek Spain
Grace & Peace
Our world needs peace. Our world needs grace. God offers both. Paul wrote a letter to the church family in Colossae, and rather than beginning the letter with the typical greeting of the first-century Roman Empire which was "Greetings," he took a different, distinctly Christian approach: To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are … Continue reading Grace & Peace
Main Characters
Who are the main characters in the story of your life? Pause for a moment to reflect on that question. Make a short list in your mind. Think about why you consider these people main characters in your life to this point. There have been a lot of important people in your life. Who are the … Continue reading Main Characters
A Life That Makes a Difference
God has a purpose and plan for your life. He wants you to make a difference in the world, and He wants you to make a difference in the lives of others. The Bible tells us that Jesus (aka, the Word) came to earth to make a difference in the world, and to make a difference … Continue reading A Life That Makes a Difference
What does true love look like?
The Bible says that Jesus is God-in-the-flesh. The Bible says that God is love. To say it another way: Jesus = God God = love Jesus = love Here are some descriptive words to show us what true love looks like: Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is … Continue reading What does true love look like?
The Roar of the Crowd
The game is on the line. It's fourth and goal inside the five-yard-line. The quarterback takes the snap, fakes a run to the fullback, looks up, and passes the ball to the tight end for a game-winning touchdown! The home crowd erupts as one, the cheers heard inside and outside the stadium in thunderous applause. The … Continue reading The Roar of the Crowd
Driving Tip #237
Driving tip #237: An easy way to avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights at night So here's the scenario... You're driving along a dimly light road at night, and a vehicle approaches you headed in the opposite direction. You both remember to make sure your headlights are dim, so that is not a problem. What … Continue reading Driving Tip #237
Amazed
Unclean. Out of control. A mad man. Living in the tombs. Shackled. Bound. Smashing the restraints. Crying out. Cutting himself. These are some of the words to describe the man who was tormented by demons, a man who lived in an area to the east of the Sea of Galilee, the region of the Gerasenes. But … Continue reading Amazed
If You Are New To Reading the Bible, Start Here:
I get fired up when people who have not really read the Bible very much begin to read it. Because I know that God will speak to them through the Bible. The Bible is the Word of God. So when you read the Bible, you can be sure that God is speaking to you. God's … Continue reading If You Are New To Reading the Bible, Start Here:
The 3 Main Roles of Spiritual Leaders
Last Sunday evening, I had the privilege to meet with nine men from our church who are sensing a call into pastoral ministry. God is working in each of their lives. They are growing in their personal relationship with Jesus. They have a desire for people to come to faith in Christ. They are serving … Continue reading The 3 Main Roles of Spiritual Leaders