Category Archives: New Testament

Jesus’ favorite disciple was sitting next to him at the meal. (John 13:23 CEV) Jesus chose twelve disciples, but only three chose to be close to Him–Peter, James and John. Still, only John came to be known as Jesus’ “favorite disciple.” Of course, Jesus loved all of His disciples, but as J. Oswald Sanders notes,Continue reading “Special to God”

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?(James 2:1 NLT) Even the best of us are guilty of showing favouritism. But did you know that God is against it? The Bible tells us that God doesn’t show favouritismContinue reading “Don’t Show Favouritism”

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.(Matthew 5:46-48 NIV) A family memberContinue reading “Being a Child of God”

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:16-17 NIV) How many times have you heard a well-intentioned person claim that something is the will of God when the evidenceContinue reading “The Giver of Every Good and Perfect Gift”

“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah.” (Matthew 23:8-10 NIV) God isn’tContinue reading “How Do You Use Your Title?”

“‘I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.”‘ (Luke 15:18-20 NIV) The youngerContinue reading “The Father’s House”

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained inContinue reading “Accept Discipline”

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”’ (Matthew 6:9 NIV) I grew up in a culture where it’s inappropriate to address an adult using his or her first name, unless you are invited to do so. I referred to others as “aunt,” “uncle,” “sir” or “madam” forContinue reading “Our Father in Heaven”