Commitment to the Truth: A Pastoral Essay

This essay is presented as a challenge to Jesus-followers and their leaders to be truth-seekers and truth followers by carefully examining the teaching of Jesus, especially in the Gospel according to John. The brief study seeks to present the unique and bold statements of Jesus concerning truth, truthful living, and truth-telling. Then offers practical challenges to be considered and taught

“In Jesus’ Name” Is More Than a Closing Phrase of a Christian’s Prayer

“In Jesus Name” has become a “catch phrase” with which to conclude a Christian prayer. This article attempts to seriously challenge a “simple” understanding of this important phrase by examining the teaching of the New Testament. To invoke the name of Jesus was to identify the follower of Jesus as one who belongs to Christ and shares the life of Christ with all the challenges, responsibilities, and privileges that is incumbent upon that relationship. Life is to be lived, words are to be spoken, and activities are to be done with serious consideration of the authority and responsibility that is demanded by “in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Amazing Wealth for Believers - “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory”

The unique truth of the message which Paul proclaimed as “good news” was that God Himself would presently exist and live out his character, purpose, and care through those who received Christ Jesus as Lord. The church at Colossae had the privilege and responsibility to expose the “glory of God” in their corporate and private lives because of the miracle of the ongoing incarnation of Christ. This is still the “hope of Glory.

“That They May Be One”: The Challenge to Be Part of an Affirmative Answer to the Prayer of Jesus As Recorded in John Seventeen

The article is an exposition of John 17 which provides the most detailed expression of Jesus’ desire for his followers. As he faces the hour of the redemptive event, Jesus prays for not only for himself and his closest disciples, but for all who will become believers through the message of the Apostles. The exposition identifies the subjects of Christ’s prayer, the requests themselves, and the purpose of the requests. The purpose is identified as “that the world may know that the Son is sent from the Father and that the Father loves the disciples as he loves the Son.” Implications are drawn from the prayer for believers living in a post-modern culture