Until He Returns...What?
From Mark, Luke, 1 Corinthians, and Titus, Pastor Chuck Swindoll helps believers know what they should focus upon to be faithful servants until Christ returns.
From Mark, Luke, 1 Corinthians, and Titus, Pastor Chuck Swindoll helps believers know what they should focus upon to be faithful servants until Christ returns.
We live in a society of isolation and indifference. But the truth is, we need each other. When you’re separate, you’re weak. And if you think you can make it through life on your own, you’re headed for a fall.
Itʼs a bit dismaying to realize that you’re going to be spending eternity with people in the family of God you don’t even speak with on earth! Quite frankly, when someone has wounded us with his or her sharp quills, it’s natural to want to keep our distance. But we do need each other, needles and all!
Studies in anatomy occupy the attention of every medical student in the world. Christians would do well to emulate students of medicine. Since we are members of His body, over which Christ serves as Head, understanding the body would give us a better understanding of the church—how it’s put together, how it functions, and how to respond when it malfunctions.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll points out that the church is really the body of Christ. From Matthew 16:13–18 and 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Pastor Chuck illustrates how each Christian member contributes.
Centuries ago, as God led the ancient Hebrews into the Promised Land, He specifically instructed them to clear the territory of the foreign tribes and to rid themselves of the influence of Canaanite civilization. From this example, we can draw an analogy for today. If we truly desire to grow deeper, pull together, and go further than skin-deep superficiality in our relationships, we must remove those things that hinder true community.
There is a well-worn path stretching across every adult's life. It is impossible to grow up without travelling down that path. That path is the path of childhood. What is true physically is equally true spiritually. How essential is a healthy, happy childhood in the family of God…yet how rare!
We live in a world full of jargon. Chuck studied the Scriptures and found Psalm 23 has 73 per cent single-syllable words. The Lord’s Prayer has 76 per cent single-syllable words. First Corinthians 13 is 80 per cent single-syllable words. What does that teach us about communication?
How often do you give the gift of love to others? If it’s in words then use the word “I” and include the word “love” and end with the word “you.” Real love is resilient. It never gives up. It stands firm.
Optimism, pessimism, suspicion, and fatalism all fail to present life as it really is. In contrast to these four ways we view life God tells us to live with a perspective characterized by reality, joy, trust, and hope.