Author: Gospel Folio Press

The centurion and his men probably thought that their job was more or less done. So, they watched. But the day was far from over. They were amazed at the quietness of the Man on the central cross. A few words of conversation with those crucified with Him and one loud cry, “It is finished” were all that was heard. But they also witnessed an earthquake and a darkness thick and heavy at noontime. As with all who watch Him they had only one response, “Truly this was the Son of God.” —Roy Hill

This concept of discipleship is very practical. A disciple is one who follows to learn. In learning, a disciple gains deeper understanding of the cost involved. Sadly many disciples of earthly leaders have had their imagination fired by a charismatic personality with disastrous results and sometimes personal loss. We need have no fear about the consequences of our discipleship in Christ. The One we follow is the Captain of our salvation, leading many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10). —Drew Craig

After He ascended to Heaven, the Lord sent His Holy Spirit. As believers, we have the Lord Jesus with us as our Heavenly guide but we also have His Holy Spirit in us as our constant companion. With His Word in our hands and in our hearts we have all the resources we need to be led in the right direction. Then at the end we will be escorted into glory to share in the pleasures at God’s right hand forever. He has provided everything for this life and the next! —Jim Paul

What perfect balance there was in our Lord Jesus. There was grace and glory; meekness and majesty; humility and holiness; love of righteousness and hatred of lawlessness. Well could the Psalmist say, “Thou art fairer than the children of men,” and still His people delight to sing of the beauty of His person. —Jim Flanigan

The Apostle looked back on what he had done and then thanked God that He is indeed merciful and willing to pardon. Dear reader, whatever your past circumstances of life, there is a God who is merciful and willing to forgive. If you have not done so, may you experience that mercy that only He can give today. —John M. Clegg

A young man had just graduated from a Bible College. As he pondered what to do next, a suggestion was made that he return to his home town and his own local church and help with the work. His response was, “I can’t do that, they know me too well.” Timothy was well known by the brethren in the local assemblies. No doubt they had seen his faithfulness in his service for his Lord. How is your report card? Are you helping with the work in your assembly? —Bob Cretney

Paul uses these poignant words only three times and the passages noted above are where they are found in the New Testament. In Ephesians, he challenges us to explore the limitless dimensions of a love “which passeth knowledge.” His love is inexhaustible. In Romans, having listed 16 problems and powers that might interfere, he affirms that Christ’s love is indivisible, eternally binding us to Him. In 2 Corinthians, the apostle reminds us of the constraining power of the love of Christ. It is irresistible, motivating us to serve such a Lover, especially in telling others how they may experience such love themselves.—S. M.

Simon the Pharisee invited the Lord Jesus to his house. In assessing whether Jesus was a prophet he used the little word, if, doubting the Lord's credentials. There was another person present, a woman who did not say a word. Her actions spoke volumes about her estimation of the Lord's worth. Jesus said of her, she has washed my feet with tears, she hath not ceased to kiss my feet and hath anointed my feet with ointment. She demonstrates a true heart of worship. May our hearts be the same. — S. D. B.

A man, preparing to board a small aircraft, was asked his weight. Puzzled, he inquired as to why. They explained that it was to determine how much fuel to put in the plane. Worried, he urged, “Fill it up!” He didn’t want to run out of fuel in midair. In Christ dwells all fullness. He is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 2:9). Fullness means filled to overflowing. That’s exactly what John says has happened, “And of His fullness we have all received,” (John 1:16). In other words, we won’t run out in midair! —Rex Trogdon

Tears or its equivalent occur 178 times in the Bible. This is not a sign of weakness, but of a tender heart. The Lord Jesus wept, as did many worthy saints. God has a bottle in which He is collecting the tears of the saints. He is measuring our compassion, not our strength and accomplishments. And one day He will wipe them all from our eyes. —Milton Haack