It would be great if we could just hear what kinds of things Paul said to the elders he coached. What a gift that would be to anyone in Christian Leadership (and therefore to the church) today!...oh, wait.
Maybe we don't even need to read 1 Timothy anymore. I mean we certainly don't struggle in the church with conspiracy theories, meaningless talk, unnecessary controversy, or any other indication that we've become distracted from the Gospel itself!
What is the reason for the quarrels among you? Guess, what, it's not them!
Faith, works, and speech .
What's the deal with faith and works?
The letter to the 12 tribes scattered across the world begins with words of incredible encouragement and hope.
The conclusion of Philippians and why the book of James could be called the book of Jacob.
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice!
Arguably one of the most influential letters Paul wrote.
Some interesting points in the greetings.
What actually happens at the Gospel is solid and real and full of infinite fullness; all other philosophies and attempts at self actualization are hollow and empty by comparison.
Paul begins to address the "Colossian Heresy" by affirming the strongest terms the supremacy of Christ.
Always be ready with the armor of God, so that you a stand firm and then...stand firm some more.
Wake up, says Paul! But wait until you see what he means by that.
Paul has explained the incredible nature of God's cosmic plan in the gospel and now moves into reminding us how incredible our own redemption is and then moves into what this means for the church as a unit.
Paul's eloquent rendition of God's Glorious plan is not to be missed! It's so important that we learn not to trade the glory and power of the Gospel for things so small as political power or fame or wealth.
Luke ends the story at a peculiar moment. Why?
The Spirit works in mysterious ways, both clearly leading Paul to go to Jerusalem and just as clearly leading others to discourage Paul from going. It's probably no accident that Luke records this part of Paul's life in ways reminiscent of his own recording of Jesus Trials.
Paul makes his most significant appeal yet. This is what it's all about.
Paul has a lot to say about generosity, but not just of our pocketbook, but of our hearts themselves .