by Jim Gustafson | Jan 12, 2026 | Articles, Mentors Corner
If you have studied using the methods outlined in the book, Studying, Interpreting and Applying the Bible, you know the authors emphasize he importance of words. They implore the reader to dive deep into their meanings and the relationship to the thoughts and concepts behind them. The serious student of the Bible is encouraged to pursue the author’s intent, implications, and unique nuances of the choice of specific words. Words represent ideas. Words are the medium by which we communicate ideas and thoughts. The greater and more specific a man’s vocabulary, the greater his ability to develop and communicate his thinking. This is particularly true when considering the infinite and indescribable character of God. Words matter in the pursuit of knowing and understanding Him. Without a correct understanding of the words, we risk misunderstanding His character and promises. This is critical to a growing and deepening relationship with Him—an expanding vocabulary! For example, take 1 John 2:2. The New American Standard Bible and the King James Version translate the Greek word hilasmos as “propitiation.” Other versions use the words: expiation, atonement, sacrifice, forgiveness, etc., each of which has a unique but inadequate meaning to the all-important work of the cross. Propitiation is the better word as it encompasses the total, final, complete satisfaction of God’s justice, declaring the believer innocent of all infractions through the Savior, Jesus. One such word that continues to intrigue me is the word “precious.” We invest in that which is precious to us; we protect it, embrace it. Hold it close. It is our priority, it reflects our hope. Precious things are rare, valuable...
by Jim Gustafson | Nov 15, 2025 | Articles, Mentors Corner
The following is a summary of the discussion with my 99 ½ year old Mother on November 9, 2025. Present with me was my wife, Diane. “Hi Mom, Its Jim and Diane.” “Oh, it is so good to see you. We have a lot of things to catch up on.” “Yes, but I have one thing I wanted to talk about.” “My going out?” “Yes. Last time we talked about you going out, you said you were going to hell.” “I did? Can I take my words back?! I don’t want to go to hell!” “The Bible tells us we have a choice. It’s our decision to make. When a person dies, their soul goes to heaven or hell—one of those two places. But the determination can only be made before death. You mentioned that you led an imperfect life.” “Yes.” “The Bible calls that “sin” and further says that all of us are guilty of sin or as you say, leading an imperfect life.” “So what do I do?” “The Bible says that you must believe.” “Believe what? I’ve led a pretty good life.” “Yes, but as you said, an imperfect one.” “Yes.” “But that can be corrected, right now.” “But how?” “What is required is belief. A confession of your belief.” “How do I know it is true? “You can know by faith. A commitment without knowing the result. God has set life up that we cannot know with certainty the future, but we can know by faith. Faith is the requirement to get into heaven. No one can be certain or prove that God is true...
by Jim Gustafson | Aug 4, 2025 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“Two things I asked of You: Do not refuse me before I die; Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, that I not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” Or that I be in want and steal and profane the name of my God” (Proverbs 30:7-9). NASB-95 Desperate men can do radical things. It seems that in desperation, all things are on the table. Particularly under pressure, men will steal, cheat, lie, deny God, hurt others they love and even murder, in an attempt to bring relief to themselves. Any and all of this, in order to get from under a trial, to relieve pain and move to higher ground. We are all capable of despicable acts to get relief from the pressures of life. There is nothing wrong with being desperate. To the contrary, the Bible is replete with examples of desperate men, making decisions out of their extreme hurt and need. Some decisions as recorded in the Scriptures were good and resulted in changes in perspectives and even circumstances; others resulted in more pain. So what is the difference? The answer lies in one’s perception of the source, purpose and goal of pain. The source of pain: “I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God. I will gird you, though you have not known Me; that men may know from the rising to the setting of the sun that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord, and...
by Jim Gustafson | Jun 10, 2025 | Articles, Mentors Corner
This life is full of the difficult. Pain, stress, pressures, trials, tribulations, temptations, even persecutions, oppositions and rejection. A few things are true in such times of trouble: God delivers the circumstance. He does so with purpose and for our good. Man’s required response is endurance or perseverance. God provides promises to the man who perseveres, giving him hope in the midst of the circumstance. The Scripture is full of examples, responses, instruction and related promises. Two of them: Romans 5:3-5: (3) “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (4) and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; (5) and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” James 1:2-4: (2) “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials (3) because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (4) Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” Perseverance or endurance is our role in the process. It means to “stay under” or to bear patiently. It implies a choice of remaining in or abandoning the God-purposed process in these two passages. God’s purpose in perseverance is to draw us to dependence on Him and to sanctify us in the process. It requires faith, the faith that Jesus Christ will deliver us out or from the trouble. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not...
by Jim Gustafson | Jan 28, 2025 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force” (Matthew 11:12). For many of us, this time of year is an activity for remembrance of last year and what God has orchestrated, what He might have planned for this New Year–and what would be a faithful response. Regardless of the anticipation of future events, a few perspectives have come to mind that are imperatives: “Therefore I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you” (2Peter 1:12). “But one thing I do: Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13). Eternity is for the taking! The future is ours to capture today. Finish the race strong; burst into heaven at a full gallop! Put the pedal to the metal! God promises to provide on the path: acceptance, forgiveness, fellowship, food, shelter, clothing, significance, purpose, love, joy peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. When I look back and review, He has provided all this and more, abundantly! If then, my needs are met, what is there to fear? Therefore, empty myself, take on boldness with confidence in fulfilling the upward calling! Not much time left on this earth—it is passing rapidly. Fear Him, for the time is near! The blessed hope of eternity is with us and no time like right now to...
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