The Persuasion among Persuasions
The Beauty of Salvation (8) No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. John 1.18 The Oxford Dictionary of English defines “persuade” as “induce to do something through reasoning or argument”. That’s not bad, but it’s not enough for proclaiming the Gospel of […]
Devoted to Mission
Kingdom Values (6) Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we remain silent. If we wait until morning light, some punishment will come upon us. Now therefore, come, let us go and tell the king’s household.” 2 Kings 7.9 Swallowed up in graceBy […]
Preparing Our Hearts for the Season
Advent 2025: Day 2 Opening Prayer “Eternal God, in your providence you made all ages a preparation for the kingdom of your Son. Make ready our hearts for the brightness of your glory and the fulness of your blessing in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” (UMC Book of Worship, 1992) Scripture Reading 2 Peter 1:3-11 […]
A Just Man
The Coming Kingdom: Matthew 1.18-25 (1) Pray Psalm 119.57-60.You are my portion, O LORD;I have said that I would keep Your words.I entreated Your favor with my whole heart;Be merciful to me according to Your word.I thought about my ways,And turned my feet to Your testimonies.I made haste, and did not delayTo keep Your commandments. Sing Psalm 119.57-60.(Leoni: The […]
No Other Explanation
Why are some Christians so generous? So encouraging and positive? Why are they so ready to help a colleague, comfort a friend, listen attentively to someone’s story, or seek excellence in everything they do? Why do they seem so joyful? There’s only one Explanation. Today’s reading from Joy to Your World! is from page 23: “If we […]
When God Calls
Acts 18:7–17 (ESV) And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were […]