by Craig McAndrews | Jul 31, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Do you have Peace in your life right now? Your answer to this question can profoundly impact how you mature as a follower of Jesus. My guess is you won’t come across many believers or non-believers who wouldn’t be interested in being at Peace. However, the fast-paced and divisive nature of our world makes Peace something many people only dream of having. But the Peace that Jesus offers is designed to deepen our relationship with Him and protect us from the theology of our culture. The dictionary defines Peace as “the freedom from disturbance or tranquility; a stress-free state of security and calmness.” In the Bible, the Greek word used in the original text is Eirene (i-ray-nay) which means quietness or rest. The word “Peace” is used in the King James translation of the Bible 429 times. Jesus Himself was recorded using the word 23 times. One verse that captures the essence of the peace message is in John 16:33, where Jesus says, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have Peace. In the world, you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Jesus contrasts the challenges and struggles we experience “in the world” with His promise of Peace found in Him. At first glance, Peace seems like a state of being or a mindset. However, when you look closer at the Peace of Christ, you see a more profound purpose taught in scripture. In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, we see a purpose for the Peace of Christ. In Philippians 4:7, Paul writes, “and the peace of God, which...
by Craig McAndrews | Jun 19, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
In Ephesians 6:10-18, the apostle Paul points out to the Christians at Ephesus, they are fighting a spiritual war. Therefore, it’s essential to equip themselves with a spiritual arsenal to “stand firm.” Paul highlights six components of the spiritual armor of God, each designed to prepare, protect, or play offense against the “schemes of the devil.” Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace is one part of the full armor that includes two dimensions for Christians to understand. The most understood dimension of this verse is about taking the gospel to others. In Romans 10:15, Paul writes, “But how are they to preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news of good things.” The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel brings others a message of peace, grace, and salvation. Satan doesn’t want any of those life-giving words to get to people. As followers of Jesus, we must devote ourselves to learning and studying the Scriptures to walk in the peace that only the gospel can bring. Shodding our feet with the preparation of the gospel makes us ready to live out the great commission. However, if we aren’t firm enough in the gospel in our own lives, I would suggest taking the gospel to others will be a challenge. A second dimension of shodding our feet relates to being personally anchored in the gospel message. Just like a soldier puts on his armor and equips his feet with sturdy boots, we, too, must have our feet firmly...
by Craig McAndrews | Mar 28, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Psalm 73:28 I never put much thought into the impact of nearness until recently. Over the past six months, my wife and I have transitioned into the empty-nester phase of life as our youngest son went off to college. The early part of the transition was fun and exciting as we started to have a bit more time for the two of us. There were fewer activities to navigate, less managing curfews, and a dramatically lower grocery bill. However, as time has passed, we have wrestled with our sons being away. We miss them and often look for ways to get together. There is something about having them near that brings a sense of peace and comfort. These words describe a similar sense we may experience when God is near, however, in Psalm 73:28 the topic of nearness goes deeper and should more profoundly impact how we respond. In Psalm 73:28, Asaph writes, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all his works.” I can’t think of many Christians who would disagree with the idea that having God near is a good thing. However, in this verse, we read about a deeper level of dependence and a compelling call to action as the output of the nearness of God. The nearness of God brings about a deeper dependence on Him as we make Him our refuge. The word refuge is more than just a place of escape. The King James translation uses the word, “trust” which means a literal shelter or a...
by Craig McAndrews | Apr 25, 2022 | Articles
The topic of mental health is a hot one in today’s world. As a result, institutions are focused on offering support to those who need it. Individuals are admired for talking openly about it, and organizations are popping up in many places to address it. Often, at the center of the mental health challenge is anxiety. Our society is increasingly more anxious about what is happening around us. Whether it is the uncertainty of the future or the overwhelming pressure of the present, people seem captured by a sense of anxiousness. As a college professor, I see this with students. When I started teaching several years ago, the common reason for someone missing class or having an issue with an assignment was a physical illness. Today, it’s more often a mental illness issue. It’s always a challenge discerning what’s real and what’s a smokescreen because a student doesn’t do the things required of them; however, one thing is true; anxiety is weighing people down. The word of God speaks to this topic in Proverbs 12:25, which says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad.” The phrase, “weighs it down” is written as “stoop” in the King James translation, which means “to prostrate in homage, to fall flat, to do reverence, to worship.” Whatever is the object of our anxiety will cause us to worship it or pay homage to it. According to the Proverb, anxiety will cause you to focus entirely on whatever makes you anxious, which takes your eyes off Jesus. When you consider the magnitude of what is taught in this verse,...
by Craig McAndrews | Jul 29, 2021 | Articles
King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23:7, “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is: eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee” (KJV). Another way to read this is, we are what we think about. For anyone who has spent time in the Bible, it’s no surprise that the wisest man to live pointed out this truth. What we think about captures our attention, and what has our attention determines our action. Try this exercise for yourself. Write down the two or three things that have your attention in life. What do you think about most these days? As they come to mind, look at how you are spending your time, money, or talents. It’s likely the resources God provides are being used to pursue what has your attention. We move in the direction of our strongest thoughts. Unfortunately, if our direction is off course, it will impact our relationship with Christ. The apostle Paul provides powerful instruction in 2 Corinthians 10:5 when he writes, “We are destroying speculations, and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” If taking every thought captive is an essential practice for the follower of Jesus, what is the best way to do it? Praise God that the answer is found in the pages of scripture. In Colossians 3:2, Paul challenges the church to “set their minds on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth.” The King James translation uses the phrase, “set your affection” on...
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