In His Image Ministries

12. But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel,   13. so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ;   14. and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.   15. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill:   16. The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17. but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. May the Lord bless the reading of His Words in Jesus Name - Amen

Friday October 13 Bible Reading:     Rom. 11: 1 - 10 Topic:                  Prevailing Today's reading shows Paul's presentation of himself as an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin, an accredited rich Jewish heritage. On the other hand, as a believer, it was meant to give comfort and hope to a people who had once rejected their own (Jesus) and neglected the gospel (Salvation). The Scripture says "For the Children of Israel have forsaken Your Covenant, torn down Your Altars and killed Your Prophets with a sword" (1 Kings 19: 10) The Israelites thought that they have been condemned by God, Paul then rose to correct their false impression in verse 1 "I say then, has God cast away His People? Certainly not" God has not condemned us forever. He hasn't; His grace prevails over us and in all situations, not minding our si...

Tuesday April 25 St. Mark's Day Bible Reading:      Acts 15: 36 - 41 Topic:          Second Chance Paul and Barnabas parted ways over John Mark because he deserted them during the first Missionary Journey (Acts 13: 13) The decision of Paul not to include him and Barnabas' opposition brought about a sharp division with Barnabas parting ways with Paul and taking John Mark with him. Paul thought that Mark could not be trusted again while Barnabas felt that he needed to be given a second chance. Mark was to prove so faithful and dependable that is his last epistle, Paul told Timothy ". . . . . Get Mark and bring him to me for he is very useful to me in the Ministry" (2 Tim. 4: 11) Barnabas saw something in John Mark which Paul did not see - a mighty soldier in the making - that Paul would later recognize (Col. 4: 10) There is always the need to ...