However, here we have opportunities that we will not have in the eternal future. One thing that gives value to living now is that we can live for God under adverse conditions, among those who oppose God and His truth, and represent Him and His righteousness. We won’t have that after we die. Another reason … Read more
There is a quality of life that magnifies Christ whether we are in good or bad circumstances. To live or die is not up to us but to the One who holds that key. As to what I do, though, in life or death is to be an opportunity in which to glorify God. A … Read more
To “live Christ” is different than living for Christ. Living for Christ is an addition to living for ourselves. To live for someone or something gives that the control of our life. To live business makes it the priority over every other interest. To live pleasure or fame sets those things up as the meaning … Read more
Let us be glad when God uses others to continue to further the work we once were able to do. They may be inclined to do it differently so we need to give them the credit of being the Lord’s servant for that time and place. Paul was neither self-seeking nor filled with self-pity because … Read more
Not everyone who preaches is sincere in their preaching. Envy is a bitter master and strife often follows close behind. A group of men resented Paul’s apostleship and his authority. These weren’t Judaizers but came from among the churches to take advantage of the fact Paul was in prison. Likely they preached with their lips … Read more
The potential for bitterness was there when some of the believers who knew Paul was in prison began to preach the Gospel. It is not uncommon for the difficulties of one of God’s children to have an effect on other believers. The unfriendliness of some of those who preached Christ because of “envy and strife” … Read more
Paul knew the reason for his imprisonment was to further the Gospel. And that was the outcome. There was the message of salvation brought to those to whom he was chained and to others who were in the palace as well as to “all other places” where those people would go throughout the Roman Empire. … Read more