“For we are his creative work, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we can do them.” —Ephesians 2:10 In the quiet assurance of Scripture, we discover a profound truth: each life is not the result of chance, but the deliberate masterpiece of a loving Creator. God has …
Author Archives: Jonathan Kobayashi
32292 El
El is an ancient Semitic word for deity. In English, it will be translated as “god.” El is not a name. It refers to a divine being. So, YHWH (Yahweh/Jehovah) is the name of the Jewish el (deity) whom we call God in English. Elohim is technically the plural form of eloah, another word for …
32293 Names of Jesus
The following is a list of names by which Jesus is called in the New Testament. The list is not exhaustive. As you read the Bible, make your own list of the names and titles by which Jesus is called. What do these names and titles mean to you and to the world? Christ (Messiah) …
32712 The Kingdom of God
Jesus frequently spoke about the kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven. It appears throughout the New Testament. Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God. What is the kingdom of God? A kingdom is a domain ruled by a monarch. God is the King of all kings and Lord of lords. So, the kingdom …
32905 Understanding God’s Eternal Plan
To better understand God’s will for your life, you must see how your life fits into the big picture of God’s eternal master plan. We must learn to make choices for our lives within the timeline of eternity. As we learn about God’s plan for his world, we can hold on to the promise of …
32510 Renewing the Mind for Transformation
“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2 In a world that pulls relentlessly at our thoughts and affections, the Lord invites us into something …
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40101 What Is Evangelism?
Definitions Evangelism is an act of believers who participate with the Holy Spirit in telling people about God’s love for them and inviting them into a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Evangelism comes from a Greek word, euangelion which means good news or good message. A distant runner in wartime would bring messages …
40102 Reasons Why Believers Should Witness
Here are 10 reasons why a Christian should share their faith using the word EVANGELISM: E – Because of the EXAMPLE of CHRIST. The Lord set the example as the supreme evangelist. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus’ mission on earth was to sacrifice His life …
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40105 Evangelism Is A Process
I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 1 Cor 3:6-7 (NIV) Paul relates the parable that Jesus gave on the Parable of the Sower when Jesus said: “A farmer went out to sow …
40103 Why Christians Fail to Witness
1. Fear of Rejection We need to keep in mind the definition of successful witnessing which is: “Successful witnessing is simply taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results with God.” “I came to you in weakness and great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching …