Philippians 2:12-18 Jesus spoke plainly about his generation. He called it faithless, adulterous, sinful, twisted, and evil (Matthew 12:29; 17:17; Mark 8:38; 9:19; Luke 11:29). Both Paul and Peter add the word crooked (Acts 2:40; Philippians 2:14). Faithless, adulterous, sinful, twisted, evil, and crooked. My first question is, Do you believe our generation is anyContinue reading “Three Questions about Our Crooked Generation”
Author Archives: Marvin Bryant
How Are You Feeling about Your Service?
Isaiah 49:1-7 As you seek to serve and please God in your life, have you ever felt like, “I have labored in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing at all”? These words from Isaiah 49 resonated with me when I came across them again last week. There are different views about exactly whoContinue reading “How Are You Feeling about Your Service?”
Another Vital Aspect of Our Mission
I’m sure you’ve noticed I place a strong emphasis on the need for us to learn to tell others the good news about Christ. I do so, in part, because it tends to get neglected in the midst of our busy lives and the busyness of all our church activities. Since many of us feelContinue reading “Another Vital Aspect of Our Mission”
Your Work is Not in Vain
Recently I attended a conference in Nebraska and found some encouragement. I wanted to share it with you here. Believers living in the Midwest, Churches of Christ tend to be smaller, fewer, and far between, know the discouragement that comes when it feels like you’re not making any progress. Actually, most of us from any part ofContinue reading “Your Work is Not in Vain”
We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ King
That has been the general sentiment of Americans since at least 1774 when King George instigated the Intolerable Acts. It is extremely important, however, for us to realize that not every king of England was like George III. The reason is not historical accuracy. Rather, I am saying it is important to our faith toContinue reading “We Don’t Need No Stinkin’ King”
Five Aspects of Salvation People Need to Know
We all know the basic idea of salvation, but having a broader and clearer understanding of it will help us personally and also prepare us to better tell the good news to others. We can’t cover everything here, so I’ll limit myself to five key aspects of salvation specifically mentioned in the seven recorded evangelisticContinue reading “Five Aspects of Salvation People Need to Know”
Revitalizing Your Faith and Congregation
I recently got some encouragement and insight about revitalizing my faith, the congregation I preach for, and God’s church at large. I found it in a surprising place, so I hope you won’t stop reading when you hear where it was—Ezekiel! To keep this from becoming too long, I’ll share the main ideas and leaveContinue reading “Revitalizing Your Faith and Congregation”
God is Doing Just What Jesus Said!
About four months ago I wrote a post entitled, Does it Seem Like No One is Interested? (here). I explored some key phrases from John including, “my Father is working until now, and I am working,” “no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,” “they will all be taughtContinue reading “God is Doing Just What Jesus Said!”
Growing the Kingdom of Christ
John 18:33-37. Jesus is a great King (v. 37), but his kingdom is not of this world (v. 36, twice). Rather, it is from “above,” from God (cf. John 3:3, 5; 8:23). This means God is ultimately the one who establishes and extends the kingship of Christ (Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44; Mark 4:26-29). Remarkably, however,Continue reading “Growing the Kingdom of Christ”
It is Better for Jesus Not to Be Here
How would you like to have Jesus preach at your church in person this Sunday? Most of us would be delighted, but I’m going to suggest that it is better that he not do so! In fact, I’m going to suggest that it is better that he not be here on earth at all, atContinue reading “It is Better for Jesus Not to Be Here”
