Category Archives: Discipleship

Our ministry of Bible teaching, training, and discipleship

Short Bible Study: Proverbs 16:3

Man praying with his hands on the Bible

Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

To commit one’s works to the Lord does not mean to relinquish all responsibility and to “let the Lord take care of it.” One’s works are his own works. Committing them to the Lord would mean that such works are given over to God as He is the Maker and Master of man and his life.

The establishment of plans, as a result of committing one’s works to the Lord, also means that there is an exchange, prayer, communication between man and God. It is a process of “committing” and then the plans are the “feedback” from God. But these plans are now established.

Often, we don’t fully commit our works to the Lord because we want to keep control. Then things do not go so well. In our human pride we feel that it is us who know best how our works should be performed. However, if we humbly say to God: “Lord, these are my works. Do what you have to with them!” then His intervention, in response to our humility, will make our plans stand. Our work will have a direction, shaped in heaven.

It is a relationship in which we must acknowledge that without God we would be able to do nothing of value, even if activities abound.

A Short Bible Study: Matthew 5:10

tied hands and a cross

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

This verse is part of the Lord’s teaching known as the Beatitudes. It is an encouragement to those who are under an oppressive, unjust, and cruel treatment because of their faith in Jesus.

Without such a great promise — to be blessed for being subject of persecution — one would ask himself “Why am I suffering? Is it in vain?” But the words of Jesus are a promise that standing for the righteousness of God in this world has a great reward — the kingdom of heaven. In God’s kingdom eternal righteousness and justice reign. Those persecuted on earth will inherit this kingdom — it is theirs, it is their home, their inheritance. Those formerly mistreated for being citizen of this eternal kingdom will now live in it, they will be its rulers.

Standing with righteousness against the unrighteous, and paying a price has a great reward in waiting.

A second notion is that wherever there is a kingdom there is a system of justice. The justice of the eternal kingdom of God is founded on the just and eternal God. The suffering of those who stood for the name of God and His Son, under the persecution of the wicked kingdoms of this world, will be redeemed with the reward of heaven. For those who are faithful justice will mean their sacrifice will be their badge of honor before the King of kings.

Answers to Questions in a Worldly, Post-Christian Culture

Holy Bible

Bible

Who shapes our outlook on this life and the life to come? God and His Word, or the words of the culture around us, dominated by the prince of the air?

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” When we don’t want to listen to the truth of Scripture we have ways of reasoning faith away by simply ignoring the Biblical teaching or by twisting it to mean something different from what it actually means. Christians have an obligation to teach those who accept the Gospel of Christ to obey all that He has commanded (Matt. 28:16-18). The Great Commission mandate is not just to listen to and marvel at the Lord’s teachings, but to instruct the nations to obey these teachings.

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Slander and Efficient Christian Ministry

Charles H. Spurgeon

Charles H. Spurgeon

“The more prominent you are in Christ’s service, the more certain are you to be the butt of calumny [slander]. I have long ago said farewell to my character. I lost it in the earlier days of my ministry by being a little more zealous than suited a slumbering age. And I have never been able to regain it except in the sight of Him who judges all the earth, and in the hearts of those who love me for my work’s sake.”

— Charles H. Spurgeon

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Lord or Sir? Borthers or Sisters?

Christ meets Saul on the road to Damascus

Christ meets Saul on the road to Damascus

It is critically important that Bible translations remain true to the original text. The truth will set us free if it is presented…truthfully. Unfortunately, throughout the ages, as well as today, translators play with the cultural perception of the biblical message. Such playfulness often goes beyond the bona fide search for proper and adequate communication of the Word and changes the meaning of certain passages of Scripture. Such changes can confuse the reader or worse — lead to error and apostasy.

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