Author: Ian Rice

  • Be Strong in Grace

    Even strong men such as Timothy needed to be encouraged to stand fast in the face of hard times, as is evident from this paragraph:

    1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 

    2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 

    3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

    4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 

    5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 

    6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 

    7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

    ~ 2 Timothy 2:1-7

    Holy God, I am grateful for the godly men that You have brought into my life. They have all helped me to draw closer to You, and I am thankful for the spiritual growth I have experienced through Jesus. The lessons and examples that I have been blessed with, I want to pass on to other faithful men who will also be able to teach others. Please give me the strength to endure like a good soldier, always focused on spiritual matters. Help me to have the discipline to do everything according to Your will, and may I sincerely practice what I learn from You. Lord, please grant me understanding in all things! Amen.  

  • Not Philosophy or Legalism, but Christ

    8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

    9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 

    10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

    11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 

    12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 

    13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 

    14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 

    15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

    ~ Colossians 2:8-15

    In this writing, Paul mentions several spiritual blessings that come with being in Jesus Christ, such as the ability to put off the body of the flesh, being brought to life, and being forgiven. However, one of the greatest blessings we receive through Christ is His fulfillment of the law of Moses. He has delivered us from the law, which was a set of commandments contained in ordinances.

    Holy God in Heaven, I want to express my deep gratitude for the salvation that I have received through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I am aware that Your grace has been at work in my life, and am humbled by the fact that I have been made complete in Him through baptism. I was once lost in my sins, but now I am alive in Christ, free from all my trespasses, and I thank You for delivering me from my past. As I walk with You, I pray that You will help me to stay alert, lest anyone should deceive me with empty philosophies. I want to know You more intimately, Lord, and I long to make Jesus the true King of my life. Please guide me on this journey and help me to always remember the love that You have shown me through Your Son. I ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

    If you want to study further what it means to be “in Christ,” continue with How Does One Get into Christ?. If you are beginning with questions about Jesus and salvation, visit Looking for Jesus?.

  • Generosity and Spiritual Wellness

    10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 

    11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

    12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 

    13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

    14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 

    15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 

    16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 

    17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 

    18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 

    19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 

    20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

    ~ Philippians 4:10-20

    This paragraph is a remarkable demonstration of the spirituality of the apostle Paul. Essentially, he expresses his gratitude towards the Philippians for their gift, not because he needed it or was unsure of what to do with it, but because it revealed something profound about their own spirituality. Paul explains that he has learned to be content with having, or not having, material possessions.

    Holy God, I rejoice in You. All my needs have truly been met. When I look around at my surroundings, I see so many comforts that have been afforded to me and my family.  I am so grateful for the brethren who continue to supply for our needs and am blessed to know so many good and generous people. That said, their generosity is an indicator of their spiritual wellness! To have such giving and open hearts, I am so grateful for their example. Help me to see more fully, the spiritual motivations of those who are doing Your will. Moreover, help me to express thanksgiving, commending them for their faithfulness, just like the apostle Paul did. As You see fit, I ask that You continue supplying for all our needs according to Your riches in glory by Jesus Christ. Now, to You be glory forever and ever. Amen. 

  • The Whole Armor of God

    10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

    11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

    12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 

    13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

    14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 

    15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

    16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 

    17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

    18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— 

    19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 

    20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

    ~ Ephesians 6:10-20 

    If even the great apostle Paul required the prayers of others to have the courage to preach, especially during difficult times, then all of us need to pray for and support each other in the same way.

    Lord God and Father, You alone are the great and awesome God. Thank you for giving me strength through Your Son. I ask for further strength to stand in Your power, especially against the wiles of the devil. Thank You for providing me with the whole armor to do so. I understand that I am in a spiritual war, which has eternal consequences at stake. Thank You for the comforts that I enjoy, but please help me to stay aware of the trying times that may be on the horizon. Please guide me in studying Your word and help me to be truthful and righteous. God, please help me to prepare with the gospel of peace. I want to have a strong faith, be vigilant, and wise. Further, I pray for all Your people, everywhere. Please strengthen us inwardly and help us to do Your will, outwardly. Give us the courage to speak boldly and make known the truth of YOUR gospel! We live in a challenging climate, so please grant us wisdom and courage to do Your will in ALL things. Amen.

  • Applying Principles of 2 Corinthians, Chapters 11-13

    In Corinth, some people tried to ruin Paul’s reputation among the believers. As a result, Paul had to reluctantly prove that he was a faithful Jew and an apostle of Jesus Christ. He didn’t do it out of pride, but to maintain his influence among the believers who trusted him.

    Paul was initially hesitant to boast about his credentials. To prevent himself from being exalted above measure, he received a thorn in the flesh. He prayed for its removal, but it remained. Through his difficulties, he learned to rely more on Jesus Christ. As he sought to sacrifice some of his comforts for the benefit of the Corinthians, he needed strength from Jesus. However, despite his efforts, some Corinthians continued to be carnal minded, which broke his heart.

    Despite accusations of fickleness and opposition, Paul was far from being fickle. He fearlessly addressed the needs of the group concerning repentance, while also being mindful of the tender-hearted ones and speaking with the necessary gentleness. He trusted that the group would accept his guidance, and had every intention of doing whatever was necessary to help them on their spiritual journey.

    Holy God, there may be times when I face resistance from those who refuse to follow Your will. They may even try to tarnish my reputation because they are unwilling to conform to the likeness of Your son, despite my best efforts. I pray that I don’t feel the need to defend myself out of pride or ego. Instead, please help me to say whatever is necessary to maintain a positive influence, all for Your glory. Whatever the circumstances, I ask for the strength to rely more fully on You. If I experience pain or hardship, I pray that it draws me closer to You. Furthermore, please grant me the wisdom to speak boldly when necessary and to be gentle when others are struggling. May I always be open and hopeful with my spiritual brethren. Help me to draw closer to You, and please give me the strength to help others do the same. Amen.

  • What Must One Do to Become a Christian? 

    What does the Bible teach about becoming a Christian? It is an important question, and one we should answer by turning to the Scriptures rather than relying upon religious traditions or personal opinions.

    The good news of Jesus Christ is where we must begin.

    Salvation Through Jesus Christ

    The Bible teaches that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Sin separates us from God, and we cannot save ourselves through our own goodness.

    But God, in His love and mercy, sent His Son to save us. Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day (1 Cor. 15:1–4). Through Him, forgiveness and reconciliation with God are possible.

    Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, made possible through Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8–9). The question is, how does God call us to respond to that good news?

    How Do We Respond to the Gospel?

    Hear the word of God. Faith begins with hearing the gospel. Paul wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

    Believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). We must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30–31).

    Repent of our sins. Repentance involves a change of heart and mind that leads us to turn away from sin and toward God. Jesus said, “Unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3).

    Confess our faith in Christ. Jesus taught the importance of acknowledging Him before others (Matt. 10:32–33). Paul likewise connected believing in Christ and confessing Him with salvation (Rom. 10:9–10).

    Be baptized into Christ. When people on Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter answered, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

    Paul wrote that those who were baptized into Christ had put on Christ (Gal. 3:26–27). Baptism is not an attempt to earn salvation, but a response of faith to what God has commanded.

    A New Life in Christ

    Becoming a Christian is not the end of our relationship with God. It is the beginning of a new life.

    Paul explained that those baptized into Christ are raised to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:3–4). Jesus calls His disciples to continue learning and observing His commandments (Matt. 28:19–20).

    Christians will stumble and sometimes fall short. Yet we are called to continue trusting the Lord, turning from sin, and walking faithfully with Him (1 John 1:7–9).

    The same Lord who calls us to obey the gospel also calls us to remain faithful to Him (Rev. 2:10).

    An Invitation to Consider

    If you are considering becoming a Christian, I encourage you to read the passages above for yourself. Examine what Jesus and His apostles taught. Ask questions, seek understanding, and be willing to follow what God has revealed.

    There is no greater decision than choosing to follow Jesus Christ.

    Father in heaven, thank You for Your mercy and for the salvation made possible through Your Son. Give us hearts willing to hear Your word, believe it, and obey it. Help us walk faithfully with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

    For further study, see How Does One Get into Christ? and Passages Concerning Water Baptism into Christ. If you are looking for a place to begin with Jesus and the gospel, visit Looking for Jesus?.

  • Assurance of the Resurrection

    1 For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 

    2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, 

    3 if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked. 

    4 For we who are in this tent groan, being burdened, not because we want to be unclothed, but further clothed, that mortality may be swallowed up by life.

    ~ 2 Corinthians 5:1-4

    Holy God, as I age, I look forward to casting down life’s challenges and seeing Jesus. Even still, I want to have a stronger hope in eternal things! 

    You have given me the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of eternal life and my resurrection. My aim is to please You and live for Christ. I devote my life to the One who died for me and rose again. Thank You for reconciling me through the gospel message. 

    I am grateful to You for the apostles and prophets of the first century who selflessly gave up their comforts, and even their very lives, for the sake of spreading the gospel. Their sacrifices were a part of Your ultimate plan, so that even today I can benefit from their efforts. Grant me the ability to comprehend the beauty of their sacrifices and to understand the difficulties they faced, so that I may follow in their footsteps. They dedicated their efforts for Your sake, and I am privileged to have access to the mystery of the revelation of Jesus Christ because of their work. 

    Help me to think on these things soberly. May these things motivate me to come out from the world, to be separate, to not touch what is unclean. Dear God, I long to have the kind of closeness with You, that a son has with his father. I humbly ask for your guidance and protection as I navigate through this life. Amen.

  • The Glory of the New Covenant

    7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the face of Moses because of the glory of his countenance, which glory was passing away, 

    8 how will the ministry of the Spirit not be more glorious? 

    9 For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. 

    10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 

    11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious.

    12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech— 

    13 unlike Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the children of Israel could not look steadily at the end of what was passing away.

    14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day the same veil remains unlifted in the reading of the Old Testament, because the veil is taken away in Christ. 

    15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 

    16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 

    17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

    18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

    ~ 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

    Moses did not cover his face to prevent people from seeing the radiance that was on him after being in God’s presence. Rather, he covered his face to conceal the fading of that radiance. The old covenant had an inferior glory that was destined to fade away and not remain permanent. However, with the new covenant, the veil is removed, and the glory remains forever (Compare Exodus 34:29-35)!

    Holy God, Father, in heaven. I am thankful for the covenant that has been established in the blood of Jesus Christ. It is truly a hope of enduring spiritual glory and life! As you mentioned, this new covenant is of the spirit and not of the letter, and it is the ministration of righteousness. It’s amazing to know that it endures and does not fade away. Father, please enable me with boldness to do Your will. May You help me to be truly transformed into the image of Jesus, the Christ. May His grace and mercy guide me every day and help me to become more like Him. Amen.

  • A Prayer Concerning the Gift of Love 

    1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 

    2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 

    3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

    4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

    5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 

    6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 

    7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

    8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 

    9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 

    10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

    11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 

    12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.

    13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

    ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

    Dear God and Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name. It is crucial to always remember that having love is of the utmost importance, regardless of any abilities I may possess in service to You. I pray that You help me understand the true nature of Your love, experience it in my life, and be complete in it. Furthermore, I pray that I can demonstrate the appropriate love towards all fellow men, women, and children. I am grateful for the opportunity to read Your completed revelation and ask that You enable me to continue learning and growing, until fully comprehending all things.

  • We Wish to See Jesus   

    During the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry (before the death, burial, and resurrection) Greeks came to Jerusalem for the Passover, possibly as proselytes or God-fearers. Somehow these Greeks met Philip of Bethsaida, one of the twelve, and they said, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip told Andrew about the Greeks’ request, and they both informed Jesus. Although it’s not mentioned if the Greeks were present, it’s likely since they asked to see Jesus.

    23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. 27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.” (John 12:23-31, NKJV)

    Jesus recognized that His greatest purpose was to die for the sins of humanity, a long-awaited and carefully planned event in the scheme of redemption. Those Greeks who sought Him had the privilege of hearing His wonderful message, while sitting at Jesus’ feet! Do His beautiful words resonate in our hearts? We, too, wish to see Jesus!

    O, Lord of hosts, throughout history, people have had their own ideas about how Jesus should look and act. May we put our preconceived notions aside and see Him as He truly is.

    Lord God and Father, there is no God in heaven or above or on earth below like You, who keep Your covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. The Scriptures provide us with a clear picture of Jesus. By studying and reflecting on them, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and how to live our lives. May You grant us the wisdom and insight to see Jesus in every page of the Scriptures.

    Blessed be the Lord God of all, for He has visited and redeemed His people. O, Lord, open our eyes, our ears, our hearts, and our minds. We wish to see Jesus and be in your presence, forever! Amen.

    If you are looking for Jesus and want to know what the Bible says about the gospel and salvation, continue with Looking for Jesus?