Our singing is supposed to reflect the “word of Christ.” We are supposed to use music to promote wisdom, teaching, and admonishment. The musical forms expected to be sung in church are psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. In order to communicate the truth of Scripture through music, we must insist that the music be theologically correct. The principles and ideas communicated in the music must be biblically accurate. Read More ...
Christians assert that God is the ultimate authority, not humans. God is the creator, and he’s told us who we are and how to behave ourselves. The word of God holds authority over us, and it’s in our best interests to align ourselves with the moral standards we find in God’s Word. And those standards of behavior are good, right, and proper. It’s best for us when we follow the owner’s manual. Following God’s commands is always in our own best interests. Read More ...
I hope that if anyone were describing any one of us, they would say something like what we find in vs. 23—“they are partners and fellow workers, they are servants of the churches, and they are serving for the glory of Christ.” I hope we all have those qualities and are seeking to serve God and the church in those ways. Read More ...
If Christ were not raised from the dead, he was merely another one of the thousands of people crucified by the Roman Empire. But if he rose from the dead, he is the victor, not a victim, a conqueror, not a casualty. We affirm again today, as all Christians have for nearly 2,000 years, that Jesus was victorious over death and the devil, as proven by his resurrection. Read More ...
Paul says nothing here about the amount anyone gave. He’s not really concerned about the size of the gift; he’s concerned about the attitude of giving. Those who have experienced the grace of God are joyfully generous in their giving. They give voluntarily, without having to be prodded, coerced, or reminded. They give sacrificially at times, even beyond what would be a reasonable amount, beyond what they can normally afford. They give because they want to participate in serving God’s people. Richly generous people appreciate the grace that they have received, and they want to give richly to support those in need and those serving God. Read More ...