Tag Archives: Christian

July 21, 2025 · 9:00 am

Persuasive Force

 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is the persuasive force for salvation and growth in the life of a Believer. Maturity and growth occur through the study and application of God’s Word. The Scriptures promote maturity, joy, and peace for the Christian. 

The Bible isn’t just a moral guidebook; it’s a powerful tool that God uses to draw us to Himself. Through its pages, we discover the grand narrative of creation, fall, and redemption. We learn about our own sinful nature and our desperate need for a Savior. But we also encounter the incredible news of God’s love and grace, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:17 reminds us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” It’s through Scripture that we’re persuaded of our need for salvation and led to put our trust in Christ. But the Bible’s persuasive power doesn’t stop at salvation – it continues to work in our lives, urging us towards spiritual maturity and deeper devotion to God.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Tagged as , , , ,

July 17, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Careful Living

1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, But a fool’s heart at his left. 3 Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes with application for the hearer. The last three chapters give instructions on how we are to live in the meaninglessness of life. It is advisable to give this matter careful consideration at this stage.

The writer commences with a warning against folly. Folly could be thought of as mindless pursuits that lead to nowhere. Folly doesn’t have to be sinful (though at times it includes sinful acts.) Even good things when done in mindless, non-thoughtful manner can be considered folly.

The preacher is making a point. Life is short and we need to be live carefully and thoughtfully. Recreation and fun have its place in our lives. But, when we are totally given over to these things they become our idols. We can lose God’s blessing and opportunities for growth when our time is occupied with folly.  Therefore, we need to avoid folly and use our time wisely.

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Ecclesiastes

Tagged as , , ,

February 17, 2025 · 9:00 am

Love One Another

“Love one another.” (John 13:34)  This command is given 15 times in the New Testament. Over and over again, we, as Believers, are commanded to love one another. It is one of the most oft-repeated directives in all of Holy Scripture.

We should love one another because Christ first loved us. (1 John 4:19)  Jesus’ love was shed abroad through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. He loved us when we were far from Him. (Romans 5:8-11)  Therefore, we should love one another as God has loved us. Christ’s love for us should serve as an impetus for loving our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let us also love one another because it reflects the character of God. The Scriptures teach us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)  Love is not optional if we desire to accurately reflect the truth of God as we seek to minister and witness to the lost. Our love for one another is a most powerful “proof” that we are in Christ. (John 13:35)  People can argue with many things. But, they can’t argue with our love for one another when it is portrays the nature of God.

We ultimately love one another because it is commanded by the Word of God.  The command is clear and direct. If we are Christians who take the Scriptures seriously, we must love our fellow believers.

Yes, we are called to love all people. Learning to love all people begins with learning to love our fellow Christian. It is not always easy, but, it is always worth the cost.  Will you make a commitment to grow in your love for one another today?

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Devotion

Tagged as , ,

July 26, 2021 · 9:00 am

Pleasing the Savior

Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished. In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Better is a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice. A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:5-9

The Christian’s motivation for service is important to the Lord. What is your motive for serving the Lord, child of God? These verses from Proverbs give us principles for service and they reveal the heart condition that make our service more compelling and effective.

Our motivation for serving and seeking God is always to be bathed in humility. God’s people should avoid pride as it is an abomination in His sight. The Almighty will punish the proud without fail. The haughty, human spirit never escapes the knowledge of God. He sees and He will judge.

Our motivation for service should be pleasing our Savior. We please Him by believing in Christ and accepting Christ’s atonement in our place. When we seek to please the Lord through salvation and holy living, we learn to be at peace even with our enemies. Godliness abounds in the lives of Believers when we strive to serve from a heart of humility and sacrifice. This attitude pleases our Lord and draws us close to Him.  

Christians are commanded to be content with God’s blessing and provision. Ill-gotten gain is a stench to the holiness and character of the Creator of all. May we plan our steps understanding that God will direct us when we seek Him and serve Him with love, humility, and dependence on the Savior. 

Tony French

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , ,