good news – Be Still…

Mark 13:3-23 – Jesus Looks Out For Us

We now know how much Jesus will look out for us when troubles come. We’re given the privilege of hearing what Jesus was telling some of his closest followers. Jesus made it sound like these things were only going to happen during the disciples’ lifetimes, but the promise continues as we are facing the same opposition. There are so many gems in this reading.

Jesus speaks of the end times, as well as our times of persecution while we wait. You’ve probably heard people say “we’re in the end times” because of the earthquakes and wars going on around the globe. It’s not surprising, then, that we as Christ-followers are under attack for our faith in some parts of the world. Even churches and faith groups are under siege, as well as individuals standing for their religious rights. All have been mocked and scorned by society. It’s happening. Continue reading “Mark 13:3-23 – Jesus Looks Out For Us”

1 Corinthians 15:1-26 – What is Coming?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-26

If you ever wonder what people mean when they say, “the gospel,” then Paul’s opening remarks here give you a wonderful example of that “Good News.” It’s also Paul’s testimony of how he came to be a follower of Christ rather than a key persecutor. God’s transformation of Paul is one of the beautiful stories of the New Testament.

Paul always points to God as his guiding light in life. I love how Paul talks about how, by the grace of God, God is working through him. We can have that same assurance. God has a purpose for each one of us. Finding and living out that purpose makes life on this planet so much fun. We find ourselves, like Paul, wanting to live life to the fullest, bringing honor to the kingdom. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 15:1-26 – What is Coming?”

Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?

Read Luke 2:1-21

We often overlook the significance of this birth announcement. Jesus wasn’t just some baby who was born over two thousand years ago. Instead, quite a “somebody” because we’re still talking about him all these years later. People who know and love Jesus understand that he is way more than just a baby from the history books. This Bible passage is golden to help us see the “truth” be born.

Jesus is the truth that guides and shapes our lives. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” When you think of Jesus’ birth, think of who he is and why it matters. Jesus shows us the way. It’s such an honor to know the life-giver as our way to the Father. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?”

Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

Read Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose”

Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed

^“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Paul’s declaration is bold during a time when it wasn’t the most popular thing to be a follower of Christ. This is the verse that solidifies for us the assurance that we, too, as Gentiles, are welcome to follow Jesus and receive the salvation he promised.

Context (Romans 1:13-17): Paul’s message to the church in Rome starts with Paul building rapport with them, sharing how eager he is to see them and share the Good News. It sounds like Rome was a Gentile community of believers for the most part. Paul’s acknowledgement would have been very powerful for the Gentiles to be sharing with the Jews in salvation. Continue reading “Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed”