Are You a Timothy?
December 24, 2009 by WebPastor
Filed under Christian Articles, New Testament
Ever struggle with shyness or know someone who does? Real leadership abilities are sometimes buried under a person’s shyness. Yet a friend with understanding and patience can uncover those strengths. That’s what happened between the apostle Paul and a young man named Timothy.
Timothy probably became a Christian when Paul visited his hometown of Lystra during his first missionary journey (Acts 14:8-20). Timothy’s Jewish mother and grandmother had prepared him by teaching him the Old Testament. By the time Paul visited Lystra again, Timothy was a growing Christian who jumped at the chance to travel with Paul and Silas.
Away from home, Timothy struggles with shyness. But Paul chose to give Timothy important responsibilities in the ministry. Paul even made Timothy his personal representative on several occasions. Although Timothy sometimes failed, Paul never gave up on him.
Timothy was like a son to Paul, which is evident throughout 1 and 2 Timothy. The letters were intended to encourage and direct Timothy in Ephesus, where Paul had left him in charge of a young church (1 Timothy 1:3-4). These letters also have encouraged countless other “Timothys” through the centuries. Are you a “Timothy”? Be encouraged!
When you face a challenge that seems beyond your abilities, you can find encouragement in 1 and 2 Timothy.
What Jesus Said about Love – Galatians 5:22
January 31, 2009 by WebPastor
Filed under New Testament
In Mark 12:28, a teacher of religion asked Jesus which one of all the commandments was the most important to follow. Jesus mentioned two commandments, one from Deuteronomy 6:5, the other from Leviticus 19:18. Both had to do with love. Why is love so important? Jesus said that all of the commandments were given for two simple reasons-to help us love God and love others as we should.
What Else Did Jesus Say about Love?
- God loves us. (John 3:16)
- We are to love God. (Matthew 22:37)
- Because God loves us, He cares for us. (Matthew 6:25-34)
- God wants everyone to know how much He loves them. (John 17:23)
- God loves even those who hate Him; we are to do the same. (Matthew 5:43-47; Luke 6:35)
- God seeks out even those most alienated from Him. (Luke 15)
- God must be your first love. (Matthew 6:24; 10:37)
- You love God when you obey Him. (John 14:21; 15:10)
- God loves Jesus His Son. (John 5:20; 10:17)
- Jesus loves God. (John 14:31)
- Those who refuse Jesus don’t have God’s love. (John 5:41-44)
- Jesus loves us just as God loves Jesus. (John 15:9)
- Jesus proved His love for us by dying on the cross so that we could live eternally with Him. (John 3:14-15; 15:13-14)
- The love between God and Jesus is the perfect example of how we are to love others. (John 17:21-26)
- We are to love one another (John 13:34-35) and demonstrate that love. (Matthew 5:40-41; 10:42)
- We are not to love the praise of men (John 12:43), selfish recognition (Matthew 23:6), earthly belongings (Luke 16:19-31), or anything more than God. (Luke 16:13)
- Jesus’ love extends to each individual. (John 10:11-15; Mark 10:21)
- Jesus wants us to love Him through the good and difficult times. (Matthew 26:31-35)
- Jesus wants our love to be genuine. (John 21:15-17)
In the Holy Spirit of Jesus, let us always love everyone!
Tony
Tony Marino
Christian Times Online
http://www.christiantimesnewsletter.com