Summary Christians often mistake material comfort for true wealth, but Scripture defines riches as the contentment that comes from being in Christ. The persecuted believers in Smyrna were materially poor yet spiritually rich because they trusted Jesus, the risen Lord over life and death. Their suffering refined their faith, reduced reliance on human strength, and increased dependence on God’s power. True disciples move forward despite fear, endure hardship faithfully, and bec

Summary Jesus warned against simplistic either–or thinking, showing that truth is often complex, as with the Messiah being both David’s son and Lord. Scripture affirms God’s sovereignty alongside human responsibility. Pride distorts faith when people use religion for self-glory. In contrast, humility and sacrificial devotion honor God. The widow’s small but costly gift illustrates that God values wholehearted sacrifice, not the size of the offering, and praises those who give

Summary Living for Christ requires resisting cultural pressures, personal desires, and spiritual opposition. Judas serves as a warning that proximity to Jesus without obedience leads to betrayal. Faithfulness is sustained through spiritual disciplines and humility. Submission to God may bring loss, humiliation, or loneliness, yet Jesus endured all of this for believers and remains present, empowering them to live faithfully against the current. The Cost of Living for Christ L

Summary Jesus models what it means to be both loved and hated when following God. Religious people without a true relationship with Him often oppose the gospel, while genuine devotion, like Mary’s generosity, pleases Christ. Judas warns that ministry and miracles cannot replace obedience. The Lord’s Supper reminds believers of Christ’s sacrificial love and calls them to a faithful, obedient relationship with Him. Jesus as the Pattern for Love and Hatred Jesus is the pattern f

Summary Believers sometimes suffer for doing right, sharing in Christ’s obedient suffering that leads to victory and glory. Jesus’ death paid for sin, His resurrection confirmed forgiveness, and His triumph broke the power of spiritual forces. Through repentance, faith, and baptism, believers enter His victory. Unjust suffering for Christ proves union with Him and points to future glory that far outweighs present trials. Suffering for Doing What Is Right Sometimes we will suf

Summary God does not promise freedom from suffering for godly living, but persecution cannot ultimately harm believers. Blessing and suffering coexist as signs of divine favor. Christians are called to fear God, make Christ central, and clearly defend their hope with gentleness and respect. Preparedness, integrity, and attitude matter when suffering for doing good, which God uses for His glory and our growth. Doing Good Does Not Eliminate Suffering God does not always protect

Summary The Christian life is a spiritual war that requires sacrifice, focus, and unity. Every believer is a soldier called to please Christ, not fight one another. Following Paul’s example, Christians advance the gospel by making disciple-makers who reproduce spiritually. Overcoming fear, resisting division, and relying on the Spirit enable believers to leave a lasting legacy and help transform darkness into light. War-Time Priorities and Necessary Sacrifices Life during Wor

Summary Marriage is God’s training ground for character, calling husbands to loving leadership and wives to respectful submission without inferiority. Submission reflects Christ’s obedience to the Father, while leadership carries accountability. Wives influence unbelieving husbands through godly conduct, not argument. God values inner beauty marked by gentleness and quiet strength. When husbands honor their wives and wives respect their husbands, marriage flourishes. God's Ch

Summary Discouragement drains joy and hope, but encouragement restores strength and purpose. God encouraged Paul through people, provision, His presence, and open doors, using the same channels today. Scripture and the Holy Spirit strengthen believers, yet God also calls Christians to encourage one another intentionally. By recognizing others’ strengths and serving together, believers advance the gospel and fulfill their purpose as “saints in circulation.” Discouragement: The

Summary Worship is not tied to buildings but to believers who are temples of the Holy Spirit. While physical sanctuaries matter, true sanctuary care is caring for one another. The church advances God’s kingdom through love, service, forgiveness, unity, and mutual edification. These “one-another” practices build a beautiful, living church and require far more commitment than maintaining a building. When the Sanctuary Is Lost, but the Church Remains A church sanctuary was burne

Summary Rejoicing in others’ successes is difficult when pride and self-interest breed envy and bitterness. Scripture calls believers to rejoice when fellow Christians are honored, recognizing shared identity in Christ’s body. Self-sacrificing love, empowered by the Holy Spirit, frees believers from comparison. Kingdom work is never individual. Victories belong to Team Jesus, where all rejoice together as Christ is exalted. Overcoming Envy It is easier to comfort people in th

Summary Grief often leaves people speechless and numb, making comfort feel difficult. True ministry to the grieving requires presence, patience, and listening rather than explanations or fixes. Healing takes time, but being there helps sufferers process their pain. God uses believers as living sacrifices to share the comfort they have received, offering hope, practical help, and Christ’s strength through the Holy Spirit The Silence of Deep Grief I could not say anything about

Summary Christian oneness means more than friendly words; it requires shared lives, generosity, and sacrifice. The early church modeled Spirit-led unity through selfless giving and mutual commitment. Barnabas encouraged others by giving freely and believing in people, while Ananias and Sapphira warned against hypocrisy. True unity is sustained only by the Holy Spirit and produces powerful witness, authentic relationships, and lasting spiritual fruit. Rethinking One in the Spi

Summary Authentic Christianity is proven in relationships at home and work. God’s relational design reduces conflict when followed with humility and love. Marriage, parenting, and workplace roles are based on function, not worth, with Christ as Lord over all. Husbands lead through sacrificial love, children learn obedience, parents nurture without discouragement, and employees work to please God. God’s guidelines keep relationships healthy and fruitful. Christianity That Work

Summary James warns against planning life as if God were irrelevant. Human plans are fragile, life is brief, and the future is unknown. God calls believers to plan in humble dependence, acknowledging His sovereignty without empty clichés. Ignoring God in daily decisions is practical atheism. True obedience includes doing the good God reveals, especially loving others, which is always His will. The Danger of Independent Planning You don’t know how God’s will or unforeseen circ

Summary Christian life is vibrant when believers live alert for divine appointments. Prayer prepares the heart, overcomes resistance, and opens doors for sharing Christ. Faith kept private grows stale, but faith given away brings joy and eternal impact. Wise, gracious living attracts others to Jesus through both words and actions. Each day holds God-given opportunities to live and speak so His life flows through us. Rekindling Enthusiasm for God and His Church How enthusiasti

Summary God calls believers to bear spiritual fruit that lasts by speaking clearly about Jesus. Loving actions matter, but verbal witness is essential despite uncertainty and opposition. Following Paul’s example, Christians meet people where they are and proclaim Christ’s death, resurrection, and forgiveness. Those who respond in faith are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit and multiply the message of eternal life to others. The Ongoing Chain of Eternal Life Angie Papadakis

Summary Believers are called to use their gifts to build God’s kingdom, even when that involves suffering. Like Paul, Christians fulfill their purpose by lifting Christ through teaching, prayer, perseverance, and Christlike living. True maturity flows from deep roots in Christ, sustained by Scripture and gratitude. Although demanding, these callings yield lasting joy and profound contentment as God works through faithful service. Your Purpose in Christ Your purpose is more th

Summary Freedom feels exhilarating, whether it comes from escaping school, work, or spiritual bondage, but it is never an end in itself. God sets His people free so they may worship Him. Through Christ, believers are rescued from darkness, deception, and captivity into the kingdom of light. Their purpose is to declare God’s praises in every area of life, not just during church gatherings. Experiencing Relief and Freedom When I was growing up, my two favorite days were Christm

Summary God’s purposes for eternity shape how believers live today. Through Christ’s redemptive work, God is restoring creation and building His kingdom. Each believer is transformed, gifted, and called to serve God’s plan through obedient, loving service, especially within the church. True fulfillment comes from using God-given gifts to glorify Him and advance His kingdom, rather than pursuing self-centered goals, both now and forever. God’s Purposes: The Here and the Hereaf