Steve Hulshizer
As the apostle Paul nears the end of his life, much of which had been
poured out for the Lord, his heart is moved towards Timothy and what his son in the faith
will face in the coming days. Writing from his dungeon, the veteran missionary pours out
his heart and concerns for the younger, and perhaps discouraged Timothy. Surely, the
younger saints of our day would benefit from listening in as Paul, who is about to depart
this world, gives Timothy his final instructions.
Ingimar DeRidder
A Lesson from James to the Churches
Watch out when tongues get loose. They can do a lot of damage. Nothing
saddens the heart more than to hear of local churches divided, broken and destroyed by the
Devil. It is especially sad when good churches are needed to be winning souls for Christ.
The Devil has many devices which he uses to split a church and to divide one brother from
another. Let there be no mistake about it, the Devil hates the church. Today, a church is
more likely to be destroyed from within than from without.
Carl Knott
The name “Christian” does not mean much in the world anymore,
except maybe “not Buddhist” or “not Muslim,” or something like that.
But taking its original and long forgotten meaning, “Christ-one,” a follower of
Jesus Christ, we ask, “What makes a family a Christian family?” How can we tell
one when we see it? Are there distinctive features that will help us pick out of a group
of families those that are Christian? How about our homes, how can we discern if they are
really Christian?
F. B. Meyer
What glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall
take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this
is acceptable with God.”? (1?Peter 2:20)
The servants here addressed were the household servants and
slaves, so largely employed in the great establishments of that age. Wealth and position
made special boast of the vast number of dependents that were maintained. Life was held
cheaply enough; and when a slave was once purchased, he cost little to keep. The Roman
empire swarmed with bondmen; and they became her ruin.
Walter Scott
1. Make the Holy Scriptures your sole authority for your justification, forgiveness,
and hope of glory (Rom. 5:1; 1 John 2:12; Col. 1:27).
2. Make the Bible your daily companion, and prayer, at least night and morning, your
characteristic daily habit (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 1Thess. 5:17).
3. Confess Christ at all times, and under all circumstances, by word, behavior, or by
silence (Lk. 12:8,9,11; 2 Tim. 2:12,13; 1 Pet. 3:4).