Don't Forget to Add a Cup of Discernment
Drawing from passages in Acts, 1 Corinthians, and 3 John, Pastor Chuck Swindoll lays out the necessary and rewarding results of staying sensitive while growing in theological understanding.
Drawing from passages in Acts, 1 Corinthians, and 3 John, Pastor Chuck Swindoll lays out the necessary and rewarding results of staying sensitive while growing in theological understanding.
This final lesson on creating a legacy focuses on this critical element of mentoring—passing our legacy to those who will come after us. Unlike a relay, this passing of the legacy is not a moment but a lifelong attitude of mentoring others to carry on the tradition we received.
Instead, it will be a judgment to determine our rewards based on how well we have followed Christ. On that day, Jesus will examine and reveal our motives and the quality of our service.
Tragically, erosion took a toll on the church at Ephesus causing the Lord to finally announce for all to hear, “You have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4).
Give further thought to this. Ask God to open your lips and honour your words...but be careful! Once your missile hits the target, you’ll become totally dissatisfied with your former life as an earthbound, secret-service saint.
Believe it or not, your personal testimony is one of the most powerful and compelling tools God has given you in reaching nonbelievers with the Gospel. Now, I’m not talking about the common, garden-variety, churchy “braggamony.”
For as long as I have been in the ministry I have asked the Lord for a balance between a tender heart and a tough hide. It isn't an easy balance. In fact, the latter is more difficult to cultivate than the former.
Jerusalem's authorities brought Paul to Caesarea to appear before the Roman magistrate on trumped-up charges. Paul modelled for us how a thinking, believing follower of Christ can defend himself or herself against criticism.
As we work our way through these verses, it will become increasingly more clear that our times at Malta are just as significant as our days in Rome…maybe more so.