endurance

The Endurance of the Saints

November 23, 2017 // 16 Comments

Image source There are nearly two dozen New Testament scriptures that speak of enduring or holding fast to the end. The wrong way to read these scriptures is to think, “I must sweat and strive and endure or be disqualified from the kingdom.” If the Christian race is a marathon, it begins at the finish line. [...]

The “Patience” of Job

September 30, 2016 // 41 Comments

The Bible is full of humor and wisdom and if you don’t believe me, read this: As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. (James 5:11) This verse makes me laugh and [...]

Patient Endurance (Revelation 14:12)

December 17, 2015 // 52 Comments

A reader asked for my thoughts on the following passage: This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. (Rev 14:12, NIV) When I was a younger man I might’ve preached a message on this verse that went something like this: “You gotta hang [...]

The Testing of Your Faith

August 27, 2015 // 44 Comments

What goes through your mind when you see men in orange jumpsuits waiting to be killed for their faith in Jesus? Do you think, “I could die for Jesus,” or “Thank God that’s not me”? The earliest Christians faced the lions of the Roman circus and persecution remains a fact of life many Christians [...]

What If I Deny Jesus? (2 Timothy 2:11–13)

July 23, 2014 // 60 Comments

“Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Tim. 2:11–13) This is a trustworthy saying that comes in two parts [...]

Is the Christian Race a Marathon?

May 30, 2013 // 25 Comments

In the Bible, Christianity is sometimes compared to a race. But what kind of race is it? Is the Christian race like the marathon, something to be endured rather than enjoyed? And is it true that only those who endure to the end qualify for the kingdom? You might think so to read verses like these… Heb 3:6 We [...]

Endure to the End and be Saved

May 14, 2013 // 69 Comments

Is the Christian eternally secure or does he need to take steps to ensure he doesn’t fall away? This is the Big Question we have been asking in our series on eternal security. So far we have looked at scriptures that seem to connect our salvation with our perfect and sustained obedience. Soon I will look at [...]