Foundation: Seek first the kingdom, and all these shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33). What is this like at the practical, daily level? I think one aspect is heart intent; consistently seeking, desiring, returning to, praying to the Lord. Another aspect is regular, substantial, and meaningful Christian fellowship. This will likely take effort, as … Continue reading Open Letter to a Young Christian Man
Tag: Jesus
Jesus Eternal
"The Jews replied, 'You aren't fifty years old yet, and you've seen Abraham?' 58) Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.' 59) So they picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus was hidden and went out of the temple." -John 8:57-59 "In the beginning was the Word, … Continue reading Jesus Eternal
Born Again
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." -Ezekiel 36:26 HCSB "Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.' 4) 'How can anyone be born … Continue reading Born Again
Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled
John 13:36-14:1; "Lord,' Simon Peter said to Him, 'Where are you going?' Jesus answered, 'Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you will follow later.' (37) 'Lord', Peter asked, 'why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for You!' (38) Jesus replied, 'Will you lay down your life … Continue reading Don’t Let Your Heart Be Troubled
Hebrews 1:3
"He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." Hebrews 1:3 It's something like this: people fell and we inherited that legacy of corruption and … Continue reading Hebrews 1:3
Sanity
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all Godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone … Continue reading Sanity
Yes, You
In my previous post, Identity Drift I commented, Moses being alive did not make Israel successful, nor did Jesus being on the earth mean that everyone followed Him, nor did the apostles being alive mean that everything was perfect in the church in those days. I said this to make a point about assuming that another … Continue reading Yes, You
Identity Drift
I have been thinking, lately, about spiritual identity. This was inspired by looking at the attitudes Jesus confronted in His lifetime, as well as the multitude of denominations, sects and movements in existence today, each defending their viewpoints passionately. In my opinion, many are searching for a purer, truer expression of the faith, and many … Continue reading Identity Drift
The Promise of the Spirit
John 16:7-11 "Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth, it is to your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away, the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you. When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgement: about sin, … Continue reading The Promise of the Spirit
Today, Redeemed
See today as redeemed. This has to do with seeing today, (that is, the work, the people, the opportunities of the day) through God’s eyes, rather than seeing the day through the lenses of my own limited thinking. What might my thinking be limited by? Perhaps past hurts, or maybe things that I say about … Continue reading Today, Redeemed
Andrew K. Banks 