"All of life is business with God…" John Calvin
Originally posted September 28, 2017 at Women of Purpose. In the third week of our study we come at last to First Peter. The best way to begin our study of this letter is to read the whole thing in one sitting. This is, after all, how its first readers would have treated it. It … Continue reading Standing in the True Grace of God, Lesson 3
Originally posted September 21, 2017, at Women of Purpose. Our first lesson ended at the lowest point in the apostle Peter’s life. He had denied his beloved Master and Lord and we last saw him weeping bitterly. Our lesson this week opens with the scene in which the Lord will restore Peter to his position … Continue reading Standing in the True Grace of God, Lesson 2
Originally posted September 17, 2017, at Women of Purpose As we resume our summary of lesson 1, we pick up in the middle of Luke 22:24-34. Having already discussed the disciples’ arrogance and Jesus’ rebuke that they must humbly serve those they lead, we move to verses 31-34. “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have … Continue reading Standing in the True Grace of God, Lesson 1, part 2
Originally posted September 15, 2017, at Women of Purpose This is the first of a series that I have written to go along with the studies which I have been blessed to teach at my church, Christ Presbyterian Church in New Braunfels, Texas. The studies began in September 2017. I will import them in the … Continue reading Standing in the True Grace of God, Lesson 1, part 1
This week we finished our Bible study of Joshua and Ephesians, Living the Promises. Our final lesson covered a passage that for me, as for many, has been shrouded in layers of shallow misunderstanding and misapplication. As a recovered Charismatic, I have been both hesitant and eager to dig into the “Armor of God.” Allowing … Continue reading Be Strong in the Lord
In this week’s lesson, we looked at two more categories of relationships which believers are to bring under the gospel as we walk out our calling in Christ. To set the context, we are asked to look back at some of the high points we have covered thus far in our study of Ephesians. What … Continue reading In Relationship
We began this week’s study with Ephesians 5:15-21. The theme of this passage appears to be wise living. We therefore began with Job 28:28, and seeking the essence of wisdom. “And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Clearly, according to … Continue reading Living Together in Christ
As we move into chapter 5, we find that Paul is continuing his discourse on Christian holiness as a reflection and product of God’s saving work in our lives. We must no longer live as we did before we were saved. We must live in a way that is visibly different from the world, shining … Continue reading Living as Children of Light
Our study this week covers the third chapter of Ephesians. Paul opens this chapter by reminding his readers that he is in prison for preaching the gospel to them, “I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles” (vs. 1). Later, in verse 13 he asks them “not to lose heart over … Continue reading Living the Promises
Grateful 