Thoughts from the Bible

Monday, 06 December 2021 11:02

Obtaining The Prize
by Terry Broome

In 1Cor 9:24-27, Paul alludes to the ancient Grecian games through the image of athletes running in a race, fighting as a boxer, and competing for a prize. He observes that there are principles common to both athletes and Christians. We all are in need of motivation, self-control, and exercise. These are necessary in order to “obtain” the prize.

Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Monday, 29 November 2021 13:47

The Joy of Christian Service
by Terry Broome

Christianity must embody the principle of service for our Lord came to minister unto mankind: Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many,” (Also see Luke 22:25-27). From the Household of Onesiphorus who ministered to Paul in Ephesus and Rome (2 Tim. 1:15-16, 18) to the Household of Stephanos who were addicted to “the ministry” or service of the saints (1 Cor 16:15) time and again, the New Testament is filled with the principle of service.
It’s an honor to be called upon to serve God’s people in any capacity: Psalms 84:10 “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Peter actually treats ministering (from diakoneo) and stewarship (from oikonomos — steward, servant, manager for someone else) as a gift: 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As every man hath received the GIFT, even so MINISTER the same one to another, as good STEWARDS of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
The word “gift” “charisma” refers to special abilities we have spiritually by the grace of God, whether of non-miraculous qualifications or of the miraculous faculty. The context in 1 Peter 4: 10-11 is non-miraculous as it is in Romans 12:6-8 “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity (sincerity); he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
One of the characteristics which every Christian should cultivate is that of spontaneous participation in some phases of the services in the kingdom of God. There is great joy in serving others, and honor is bestowed on certain individuals in the Bible who were servants: Matthew 4:11, “Ministering angels;” Matthew 8:15, Peter’s mother-in-law; Matthew 20:28 concerning our Lord’s ministry; John 12:2 of Martha’s serving supper; Acts 6:2 of the Apostles not leaving the Word of God to serve tables so special servants were appointed; 1 Timothy 4:6, Timothy was to be a good “minister” of Christ.
We all have different abilities, talents, gifts from God that should be channeled to helping others. We sing: “Is your life a channel of blessing? Is the love of God flowing through you?” and we end it with the chorus: “Make me a channel of blessing today, Make me a channel of blessing, I pray. My life possessing; My service blessing; Make me a channel of blessing today.”
The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.

Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 23 November 2021 14:01

Thanksgiving for God’s word
by Terry Broome

We are so fortunate to live in a time when Bibles are available in nearly every bookstore, variety store like Wal-Mart, and in most libraries. Most homes in America have several copies. At first I was a bit embarrassed to admit I have approximately 40 Bibles in my office covering many translations for comparative study. Many Bible students have computer programs that contain at least that many translations right on the computer screen at a key stroke. We all have them, but I have to wonder if they are deeply loved and appreciated as they deserve to be. After all, this is God’s personal message to mankind about the great hope of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 16 November 2021 07:19

Our Search For Spiritual Perfection: (Part Two)
by Terry Broome

The goal of Paul’s preaching was that he might present every man perfect in Christ. This is the goal of Christ Jesus as well. It is a goal too huge for human power. Our generation with its lack of moral principles needs to be converted and transformed – presented perfect in Christ. This was what Paul attempted to do by a preaching of the Gospel. It was his fervent desire for us to grow and attain to a fully developed spiritual man in Christ Jesus. Paul expresses this aim in Col. 1:28, “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Tuesday, 09 November 2021 13:59

Our Search For Spiritual Perfection
by Terry Broome

We contend that man has a yearning — a spiritual hunger that needs satisfying. David, in the long ago, said: “As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.” (Psalms 42:1). A spiritual side of man longs for spiritual excellence, for the perfecting of the soul, for a union with God. There is a thirst that cannot be quenched easily, and will not be quenched by the artificial sources of enlightenment in the world.