2 Timothy 4:2 reminds us that we are to proclaim the Word of God as believers. As Paul commissions us to do that, he tells us to “be ready when it is convenient and when it is not convenient.” The idea of “being ready” carries the idea of urgency, preparedness, and readiness. It could be used of a soldier who is ready to go into battle on a moment’s notice or of a guard who keeps continually alert for any threat of infiltration or attack by the enemy. Such a sense of readiness and willingness to serve the Lord at any cost and at any time not only should characterize every faithful preacher but also every faithful Christian. We are exhorted in 1 Peter 3:15 “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Only continual study of God’s Word, fellowship with Him in prayer, and submission to His Holy Spirit can keep alive a sense of exhilarating eagerness to preach. this proclamation must not be dictated by popular culture and propriety, by tradition, … READ MORE

As a follower of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to proclaim the word (2 Timothy 4:2). The idea here is to make the word of God practical in the lives of people. While the Bible was written millennia ago, because God does not change, it is as applicable to our lives as it was the day it was written. Each of us has situations and circumstances that are different, and that we battle with on an ongoing basis, but the reality is that the Word of God gives us answers to the day to day circumstances of our lives. In order to maintain that relevance to our situations, we need to invest time in studying and understanding our situations. While the application of God’s word is different in the day we live, the content does not. God has not changed his position, it is the proclaimers responsibility to not only understand those principles and precepts but to first of all put them in practice in their own lives. As you read your Bible, ask yourself what God wants you to understand and do each day. Allow the Word of God to help you grow and change. … READ MORE

In Ephesians 4:1 Paul tells us that we need to walk worthy of the vocation we are called. He then begins to discribe what that looks like and the first description is that of humility. Humility is genuine submissiveness that comes from an association with Jesus Christ. A Christian can know a lot of doctrine, memorize Bible verses, be faithful to the church, and be involved in many Christian activities, but not be walking in humility. Humility is hard to come by because it begins only when we honestly face ourselves. Bernard said, Humility is the virtue by which man becomes conscious of his own unworthiness. Many people stroll through life behind a veneer of pride because they don’t have the courage to look at themselves and see who they really are – sinners who need Jesus Christ. We may look outstanding compared to the alcoholic who lives down the street, but godless neighbors are not the believer’s standard, our standard is Jesus Christ. Humility is not thinking less of ourselves than we are, but it is a willingness to accept who we are and become all we are able to be in light of the gifts, talents, and abilities … READ MORE