Note: Beginning this month, we are making a change in our ministry. Its focus will be adjusted to primarily encourage and edify women in their many roles to understand, apply, and teach others the Word rightly divided. Brian has decided not to write any longer but will continue to edit and be an integral support.... Continue Reading →
As we read through the Gospels, then into Acts we realize they are a continuation of God dealing with the Nation of Israel. However, something significant happened in Acts. As explained in the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9, God gives Israel one more year to produce spiritual fruit. (Acts 1-8) The Little... Continue Reading →
As a believer, God says He will reward us for the works that abide the fire. “Everyman’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall berevealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (I Cor.3:13) The passage further teaches how: “If... Continue Reading →
1. How do we ‘put on’ and ‘put off’ things in our walk as believers?A simple example: A saint who has been walking after the flesh can ‘put off’ the flesh by ‘putting on’ God’s way of thinking, to manifest Christ. The mind is renewed and transformed with godliness by thinking on wisdom. This sound... Continue Reading →
Rightly dividing saints often understand the basics of grace doctrines. However, toprogress in the walk of faith, do we know the outworking of them in life situations? Forexample, when an old friend or your 21-year-old daughter engages in ungodlybehaviors, how do you apply verses in grace? “But now I have written unto you not tokeep... Continue Reading →
What is an idol? It is anything on which we set excessive attachment, usurping God andHis Word. This is the exaltation or elevation of something in our minds and hearts in thehighest position, taking one’s time, thoughts, and affections. There is “One God andFather of all, who is above all, and through all, and in... Continue Reading →
Could you clarify Titus 2:4… how to love my husband and children? The term love has two aspects. One is to have godly care, devotion, and affection and the other is charity, which is love in action. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly... Continue Reading →
Life can be messy and regularly comes with pop-up challenges or brush fires. These canbe as simple as spilling your coffee on your work papers to being notified your husbandor wife has just been arrested for a DUI. Sometimes we are bombarded and have manyunmanaged brush fires all around. We need time to step back... Continue Reading →
Consider that it may be contrary to God’s will for us to pray difficulties away or thinkGod doesn’t care or is mad at us when our loved ones aren’t miraculously healed. Weare under grace today and not promised Israel’s (healing) blessings for faithfulness.God’s will for the Body is to use sufferings to manifest His power... Continue Reading →
Paul uses this phrase in his instruction to the advanced Churches, those who alreadylove one another… but why? He encourages them to keep growing in this key godlycharacteristic. One reason is that as the doctrine of selfless love continues to workin them, they will increasingly develop godliness, a fruit of the Spirit, which has itscenter... Continue Reading →
Learning to see someone’s heart and soul, rather than focusing on their flesh is beneficial as we minister. I call it having ‘love eyes’ for others. Godly love is unconditional love and kindness, yet we are to remember: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Col. 3:23)... Continue Reading →
We are to understand sound doctrine, be motivated by godly love, and separate from those causing discord: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17) This is not a license to be grace quality control inspectors, scrutinizing other saints... Continue Reading →
Faith is something unseen, invisible to human eyes: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) So, sometimes what we believe can feel allusive, especially during difficulties. Our view of God can be limited by what we know, but also what we trust in the depth... Continue Reading →
Who are the “aged women” referred to in Titus 2? The most obvious answer is those who are older physically and have had a lifetime of opportunities to experience the stages of life: a child, youth, adolescence, middle age, and the older years. This gives occasion to apply sound doctrine in various roles, exper-iences, and... Continue Reading →
Most saints don’t understand how the doctrines actually work with sufferings for our benefit. They’re specifically designed to be ‘for us’ in this dispensation: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) Difficult situations are humbling... Continue Reading →
A card game has similar aspects to our faith walk and can help us think about choices. Will we decide to be a player? In the game of life, sometimes we sit it out because of fear, setting aside all the wonderful resources God has provided and what He desires for us. Saints may resist... Continue Reading →
Satan has designed an effective plan (Eph. 2:1-2) to detour, silence, or shut us down, making saints unaware or too busy to help and support one another. Our journey can be shrouded by day-to-day responsibilities and difficulties. This can affect our awareness of needs in our local assembly or circle of influence. Ask yourself: ‘Are... Continue Reading →
Why do we sometimes feel as if we are held captive and do things we don’t want to do? The reason is we still have the flesh, which has lust and sin. This will not change until we get our glorious new bodies. Satan is temporarily the god of this world (II Cor 4:4), but... Continue Reading →
Do I really need to pray for more help, more strength, and more insight from God? As you ponder this, ask yourself if you really need more from God. II Corinthians 12:9 says, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I... Continue Reading →
““And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;” I Thesssalonians 4:11 In this society and time, saints seem to have the tendency to stay in a state of busyness. This is a focus on the issues of this life,... Continue Reading →
SUPPLY OF GRACE 