by Jim Gustafson | Dec 5, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
We look forward with eagerness of our inheritance as believers in Jesus Christ. It is the ultimate hope that we will spend our eternity in heaven, out of this world and with the Savior. Any temporal inheritance, riches or reward pales in comparison. We obtain this inheritance only by the gift of the perfect sacrifice by Jesus for our past and future sins as propitiation for God’s required justice. It is this promise that leads us to dependence on Him as none of us can obtain the inheritance by any self-effort or merit. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). As we contemplate what lies ahead in wonder and anticipation, it would stand to reason that this knowledge should impact our behavior today. Gratefulness for His gift of mercy and grace, fear toward His holiness, majesty and power and urgency in response in obedience to One so faithful and loving in providing hope for us, would be logical responses to what He has done on our behalf. That is why we relate to one another in love: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1John 4:7). It is our common inheritance! Have you considered that God is looking forward to His inheritance? His inheritance is us, the saints! Consider: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of...
by Ed Allen | Oct 9, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him. And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:14-15). As a cross-reference: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). And another cross-reference: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). What do you think? How do men think and behave in such a condition? Who among men do you know with “a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart?” Are you one of them? Read More Articles By This...
by Ed Allen | Sep 25, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
“At that time my reason returned to me. And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:36-38). (Cross-reference): “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever” (1John 2:15-17). (Cross-reference): “For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you” (1Corinthians 4:7-8). What do you think? King Nebuchadnezzar, after boasting to himself about his kingdom and great power, was removed By God and made to eat grass on his hands and knees for seven years. Above, at the end of those 7 years,...
by Chris Martin | Aug 29, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
Are you a F.A.T. man? One of the pernicious effects that a man may encounter after walking with Jesus for many years is the idea that he has reached the summit, that he understands and knows all that he needs to out of the Scriptures, and that subsequently, he has nothing left to learn. This “idea” is of course a lie that our enemy, the Devil, would take great joy in us embracing. The mature follower of Christ rejects this deception and listens to the Apostle Paul’s warning in I Corinthians 10:12 “Therefore, let him who thinks he stands, take heed that he does not fall.” Those involved in E2 may be familiar with the term “F.A.T. man”. If you are looking for men to invest and pour your life into, men to disciple, one does well to locate F.A.T men and then invest there. This simple acronym stands for Faithful, Available, and Teachable. However, before a man looks and prays for God to give him F.A.T. men to invest his life into, he does well to be consistently evaluating if he himself is such a type of man. A rhetorical question for your consideration: Am I maintaining a teachable spirit or do I think that I already have all of the Biblical knowledge and answers that a man can attain? A good barometer of a man’s true spiritual maturity is if he maintains a teachable spirit. Do you? St. Jerome rightfully observed that “The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning and deep enough for a theologian to swim in...
by Jim Gustafson | Aug 15, 2023 | Articles, Mentors Corner
In chapters 2 and 3 of the Book of Revelation, The apostle John quotes Jesus’ observations and commands from the Spirit toward seven churches. The first of the seven is to the Church in Ephesus. “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4). Jesus says in this message (Revelation 2:1-7) that He knows their deeds of toil, perseverance, the intolerance of evil, the vetting of the veracity of those calling themselves apostles and yet, have not grown weary. These activities, at least outwardly, would seem to be indicative of men on the right path, walking closely with their Lord with legitimate Christian motives and actions in service to Christ. Perhaps they were even involved in the ministry of men, evangelism of the lost and edification of the believers. Perhaps they are leaders and are respected by men seeking the things of God. But Jesus says they left their first love. He has that against them. Obviously He is referring to the relationship with Jesus Christ. He is addressing the believer who is perhaps finding his significance in his works over his dependence on God. Or possibly looking to the approval and glory from men: “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and you do not see the glory that is from the one and only God?” (John 5:44). Whatever the motive, He says they left. This implies an intention to leave, maybe out of neglect or embracing the things of the world, but not something that was imposed upon them. It also implies that a decision of repentance...
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...
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