“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death” (Revelation 12:11 ESV). “The universe is made of stories, not of atoms” (Muriel Rukeyser). “God made man because he loves stories” (Rabbi Nachman). “Tell us another story, Papaw.” I begged my
Author: Gary Combs
What kind of neighbor am I?
“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29 ESV). The expert in the law who sought to test Jesus found himself tested instead. By asking Jesus the question, “Who is my neighbor?” perhaps he thought to limit the extent of the law’s demand by limiting those who
What’s your witnessing love language?
“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13 NIV84). “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. …I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might
The fear of becoming John 3:16 guy
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 ESV). Jesus told His disciples that they were to be His witnesses until His return. The disciples obeyed Jesus
Bloom where planted
“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they
The need for belonging
“And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:6 NIV84). I was eight years old when I learned the need for belonging. I was known as the smart kid in my third grade class at High Point Elementary. My teacher even chose me to represent our class on
What’s hanging on your wall?
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
Who studies the Bible these days?
“Jesus replied, ‘Your problem is that you don’t know the Scriptures…’” (Matthew 22:29 NLT). “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). There was a time not too long ago in the English speaking world that to be
Developing a discipleship profile
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV). In my blog over the past few weeks, we’ve been discussing the importance of discipleship and what it means to be one. This
How’s your discipleship?
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV84). “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and