5-26-19 Today in the Word

Living in Christ
FRIENDSHIP IN MINISTRY
Sunday, May 26, 2019 | Colossians 4:7–9

At a time when traveling evangelists were looked upon with suspicion, Billy Graham determined to have integrity in his ministry. As a part of this decision, he crafted four rules that governed his conduct: (1) operate with financial transparency; (2) avoid even the appearance of sexual immorality; (3) avoid criticizing other pastors and churches; (4) be painstakingly honest in all publicity. He held himself accountable to a board of directors who publicly set his salary.
Paul also relied on other believers in his ministry. He had a large and diverse group of ministry partners who provided both encouragement and accountability for him in ministry. Many of them risked their lives by their close association with him.
In today’s reading, Paul mentions two of those associates, Tychicus and Onesimus. Tychicus was Paul’s letter-bearer. In a world without a postal system, letters were carried by friends or couriers. But Tychicus was certainly more than just a courier. Paul says he will “tell you all the news about me” as a “dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord” (v. 7). He would likely explain the details of Paul’s imprisonment and current ministry to the church. Tychicus was a close companion of Paul who traveled with him to Jerusalem, then was sent by Paul to Crete and Ephesus (Acts 20:4; Titus 3:12; 2 Tim. 4:12).
Onesimus was a runaway slave who had come to faith under Paul’s ministry. His former owner happened to be a part of the Colossian church. Paul let the church know that this former slave was also a dear brother, and now “one of you” (v. 9). Paul sent Onesimus back to his former owner along with another letter, which we now know as the Book of Philemon.
APPLY THE WORD
The apostle Paul’s life is a testimony of the importance of sharing one’s ministry. Paul had Barnabas, Tychicus, Timothy, Titus, and a host of associates to encourage him along the way. Do you have friends you consider partners in faith? Thank God for those with whom you can share ministry and who help you stay faithful to Jesus.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

9-16-23 Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the One through whom “all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Paul also quoted and discussed that portion of the covenant in Gal. 3:8-9. We ended last time with the realization that the promised Messiah would be the final Davidic king over Israel. As declared then, however, there are several intermediate steps, with accompanying prophecies, which are given between the times of Abraham and David and speak about His coming and the offices He would hold as the greatest prophet, priest, and king. And there are also more ance
Read more

9-17-23 Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2

Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Published on: December 24, 2022 by RR10 Category:General Articles, Wilfred Hahn Christians Using Science Badly: Part 2 :: By Wilfred Hahn Reviewing the “facts” that we cited in Part 1, we noted the hyperbole and downright dishonesty in some instances to support global warming claims. Why is there such bias? Money Precedes Truth Global warming has become big business. Armies of global consultants are peddling false information because it is profitable to do so. Many claimed urgencies are exaggerated by factors of 10X … indeed, 200X in some instances and more. Governments are particularly susceptible to this hype, promising infrastructure programs estimated to cost upwards of trillions of dollars. According to a new report,1 an estimated $3.4 trillion will be invested in renewable energy during the next decade, including $2.72 trillion in wind and solar. By 2030, 54.1% of installed capacity will be renewable (including hydropo
Read more

9-17-23 It's Coming

It Is Coming - By Daymond Duck - https://www.raptureready.com/2022/12/24/it-is-coming-by-daymond-duck/ On Dec. 17, 2022, it was reported that Rep. David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, has introduced legislation to permanently bar former Pres. Trump from running for president again, and 40 Democrats have signed on. Cicilline is accusing Trump of orchestrating an insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. At the time of this writing, it is debatable as to whether Cicilline’s legislation will get voted on before the new Congress takes office in 2023, but some conservatives have said from the beginning that the main purpose of the Jan. 6 fake show-trial was to stop Trump from being elected again. Some, including this writer, have said there is no telling what the U.S. shadow government will do to prevent making America great again (MAGA) because they want to surrender the sovereignty of the U.S. to the New World Order (coming world government). It was easy to see this comi
Read more