Our Blog
Purchased by Christ's Blood
Read 1 Peter 1:18-21
“Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (vs.18, 19).
When someone shows up at church in a chic new dress or an obviously trendy new suit, the question that rises mentally (though unexpressed if properly filtered by cultural norms) — “How much did it cost?” Paul laid aside linguistic niceties to communicate his inspired assess-ment of the value of our redemption. He is saying in effect what some are tempted to say in response to the question here illustrated — “Never mind, you could never afford it!” And, we truly had no resources to purchase redemption from our predicament. There is little to nothing that diminishes the perceived value of our redemption more than the perception — real or imagined — that we were good enough, wealthy enough, moral enough, and sufficiently pedigreed or holy enough to deserve it. The songwriter, Augustus M. Toplady, nailed it with the assertion — “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.” In this — in Him — lies our hope, our confidence, our faith, and our future. You better believe it! (Wayne Sams)
Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!
Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb;
Redeemed through His infinite mercy,
His child and forever I am. — Fanny Crosby
“The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).
This devotional is the Saturday, March 4, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
Teachers Must Be Teachable
Teacher, we appreciate you for your dedication and hard work in making God’s Word come alive for your students each week. The good teacher spends much time in preparation and delivery and too infrequently gets credit for the investment made.
This quarter of “Tips for Teachers” will focus on various ideas you can use to create variety in your teaching. It is understandable that different teachers will use different methods and styles to present their lesson, and that over time a teacher may find the style most suited to him or her and use it almost exclusively. There is a danger, however, that stability may create boredom. Therefore, the ideas presented are offered for your consideration and experimentation.
While the teacher is expected to regularly instruct the student - to teach him or her what God’s Word says and how to apply it to one’s life, there remains the need for the teacher also to remain teachable, ready to learn, so that he or she can more effectively teach others.
The True Dignity of Man
Lesson 1 - March 5, 2017
Focus Text: Genesis 1:26, 27; Psalm 8:1-9
Central Truth: Man is the central figure of God's creation.
Objective: By the end of this lesson my students should be able to identify several reasons why God considers each person important.
Lesson Outline:
- The Creation of Man (Genesis 1:26, 27)
- The Great God Takes Notice (Psalm 8:1-4)
- The Dominion of Man (Psalm 8:5-9)
Are you a stepping stone or a stumbling block?
In "Word Focus" Glenn McClure writes:
“The kind of stumbling block or hindrance which Paul had in mind is the setting of an example which might lead another into sin. A Christian ‘stumbles' if, following the example of a more emancipated Christian, he does something of which his own conscience does not really approve. In consequence his spiritual life will suffer grave injury” (Bruce, Romans). Thus, the stronger Christian should resolve to live out his Christian experience so it would not be an occasion of leading his weaker brother to sin, whether by example or by a severe and harsh judgment which would provoke him to anger, or create jealousies, envyings, or suspicions. There is no allowance for indifference, for the influence which the believer's conduct may have on another believer should be exercised in consideration which is due to them. The searchlight of divine love should be turned upon our own hearts in order to determine whether we are stepping stones or stumbling blocks.
Source: Studies in Romans: Adult Teacher's Insights, page 76.
Christian Consideration
Read Romans 14:7-15
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10).
“We won't see John Wesley in heaven, will we?” — When asked this question by one of his followers, George Whitefield humbly replied, “Yes, you're right, we won't see him in heaven. He will be so close to the throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won't be able to see him!” Even though John Wesley and George Whitefield had serious disagreements about Christian doctrine and practice they still greatly respected each other and refused to call the other person's salvation into question even when the opportunity presented itself. This is a wonderful example for us to follow when we might be tempted to pass judgement on someone else because we do not agree with them on a certain point! The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage that all men must stand before God and give an account of their own actions (including anger and division!). Therefore he exhorts Christians in verse 13 “that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way,” and in verse 19 to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Jesus conveys His heart on this when He says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He defined “friends” in the parable of the Good Samaritan and demonstrated “greater love” when He died for His enemies on the hill of Calvary. (Kevin Askew)
Let's make sure the hill we choose to die on is not our own soap box!
This devotional is the Tuesday, February 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.