Paul, in writing to the Corinthian believers, referred to God as the “Father of mercies and the God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3). What a precious appellation for our God! It speaks to the very character and nature of God himself, not just an exercise of frequent goodness. The nature of God is toContinue reading “The Father of Mercies”
Author Archives: randylivingston
Peace in Our Times!
We live in uncertain times. But if we are honest with ourselves, we must acknowledge that uncertainty has characterized all of our times. What then makes these times seem different even to the point of fostering fear and anxiety? Current events cast an ominous shadow and threaten the stability of our daily lives. World peaceContinue reading “Peace in Our Times!”
We Shall All Be Changed!
Paul had instructed the Corinthian believers on both the reality (I Corinthians 15:4) and the necessity (I Corinthians 15:14) of Christ’s bodily resurrection from the dead. He also confirmed the inevitability of the believer’s resurrection (I Corinthians 15:20) and the nature of that resurrected body (I Corinthians 15:42-44). But what about those believers still aliveContinue reading “We Shall All Be Changed!”
Grace for Living
What a frustrating and disappointing life most Americans live and, sad to say, many believers as well. We are constantly seeking and pursuing ease, comfort, and convenience only to find that such a “quality of life” is fleeting and elusive at best. We deceive ourselves about the enduring nature of these longings. They prove timeContinue reading “Grace for Living”
Saving Our Souls
James teaches us in his epistle that God uses His word to impart spiritual life. We read that “of his [God’s] own will begat he us with the word of truth” (James 1:18). James goes on to say to these born-again ones that this same word “is able to save your souls” (James 1:21), i.e.Continue reading “Saving Our Souls”
Avoiding Sexual Sin
After reminding the Corinthian believers of their deliverance from the sins that previously characterized their lives and the lives of those among whom they now lived, Paul gave a stern warning to depart from sexual sin. He wrote to them, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he thatContinue reading “Avoiding Sexual Sin”
A Prayer That Avails Much
James closes his epistle with a simple declarative statement followed by a supporting illustration. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain and it rained not on the earth by the space ofContinue reading “A Prayer That Avails Much”
Be Dependable
It has been conjectured “The greatest ability is depend-ability.” Over the years I’ve come to agree with that simple maxim. We are often tempted to think that what we do is not that important and, therefore, does not matter. We begin to question its significance altogether. Eventually, we see our daily duties become drudgery andContinue reading “Be Dependable”
No Respecter of Persons
James, the Apostle and the Lord’s half-brother, makes this simple yet binding command to his fellow believers. “My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons” (James 2:1). This seems straightforward enough – as a Christian we are not to show favoritism and, consequently, treatContinue reading “No Respecter of Persons”
Walk as Dear Children
In James’ epistle he relates that God caused us to be born again according to his own will by the word of God. He includes in that revelation the purpose of the new birth, i.e. that those born-again ones “should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18). What does James meanContinue reading “Walk as Dear Children”
From the Chaplain 