christianity

The expression "Spirit of Jesus" is unusual (Phil. 1:19 has "Spirit of Jesus Christ," which is its only other NT occurrence; but see Rom. 8:9; Gal. 4:6; 1 Pet. 1:11 for variations). Bruce (1988a: 355) suggests that this prophecy may have come through a directly expressed instruction in the name of Jesus, but Witherington (1998: 478) allows that it

But for all of the soul?s vastness and independence, the tiny executive

center of the person?that is, the spirit or will?can redirect and re-form the soul, with God's cooperation. It mainly does this by redirecting the body in spiritual disciplines and toward various other types of experiences under God.

Dialogical questions. A preacher can also signal progress by asking questions that stimulate further discussion. A preacher who can hear the questions playing on listeners’ minds and then asks those questions out loud employs a powerful rhetorical tool.

O Lord, I have heard a good word inviting me to look away to Thee and be satisfied. My heart longs to respond, but sin has clouded my vision till I see Thee but dimly. Be pleased to cleanse me in Thine own precious blood, and make me inwardly pure, so that I may with unveiled eyes gaze upon Thee all the days of my earthly pilgrimage. Then shall I

To my wife’s point, there is no shortage of people living in laziness and luxury, trying to talk you out of living by faith. There is a time to resist counsel and to refute in love. I’ve made the mistake of equating quietness (even weakness) with humility. I would give in to the ideas of others, assuming this was a more humble posture. Only

A year before he died, Maravich said in an interview, The key to my ability was repetition. I practiced and practiced and practiced again. I gave the sport my total commitment. I tried everything I could in every way I could to perfect my skills. It was like an obsession. It paid off for me as a player. I’m not so sure in life. If I had given that

The following categories of common concern may help you begin to consider specifics in your congregation that need application of the principles in a text: 1. Building proper relationships (with God, family, friends, coworkers, church people, etc.) 2. Reconciling conflicts (in marriage, family, work, church, etc.) 3. Handling difficult situations

What is important for our children is that they stay pure in college and, perhaps, witness, have a quiet time, and pray regularly. Obviously, these are important. But for a disciple, the purpose of college is not just to get a job. Rather, it is to discover a vocation, to identify a field of study in and through which I can serve Christ as my Lord.

Telling a funny story about my kids and trying to draw listeners in with humor on a day I’m preaching on human suffering will come across as insensitive at best and unloving at worst.