Life's Inanities and Ironies

  We often mistake "encouragement" for a simple "like" on social media or a polite nod in the church foyer. But if we look at the life of a man named Joseph—better known by his nickname, Barnabas —we see that biblical encouragement is something much more radical. It is a sacrificial, risk-taking, life-altering ministry. In Acts 4:36-37 , we are introduced to the man who would become the "gold standard" for what it means to build up the Body of Christ. " Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus , whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means ‘ son of encouragement ’), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet." How can we move beyond being merely "polite" and start being a "Barnabas" to those around us? Here are three ways to cultivate the heart of an encourager. 1. Encouragement Starts with Your Hands, Not Just Your Lips It is telling that the very first thing the Bible records about the "Son of En...

In these trying times, when the entirety of creation seems to drift further from God's eternal truths, let us turn our hearts to the Scriptures for encouragement and instruction. Today, I want to share with you the remarkable story of the Apostle Paul – a man whose life exemplifies the boundless grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. As  Christians , we hold fast to the inerrant Word of God, and Paul's testimony in the Book of Acts and his epistles reminds us that no one is beyond redemption. Let’s delve into his origins and the divine providence that led him to stand before the emperor in Rome, all for the glory of God. Paul's Humble Yet Privileged Origins Paul, originally named Saul , was born in the city of Tarsus in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), around A.D. 5-10. As described in Acts 22:3, he was "born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city [ Jerusalem ] at the feet of Gamaliel , and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers." Sau...

In a world that's increasingly hostile to biblical truths, it's easy to feel the pull of shame when standing firm in our Christian convictions. But the Apostle Paul , chained in a Roman dungeon , offers us a timeless rallying cry: "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day " ( 2 Timothy 1:12, NKJV ). This verse isn't just ancient wisdom—it's a blueprint for living boldly in faith today. In this post, we'll dive deeper into Paul's unyielding confidence, explore supporting Scriptures, and apply these truths to our modern lives as fundamentalist Christians committed to the inerrant Word of God. The Context of Paul's Bold Declaration Paul wasn't writing from a place of comfort. As he mentored his spiritual son Timothy, he faced imminent execution under Nero's regime . Yet, amid suffering for the G...