Application Articles – GROW magazine

17 Apr

Becoming Like Jesus: Forgiveness and Christ

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Tim McPherson | Marion, Indiana

Jesus’ words:
Jesus words from the cross in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” cry out the mission and heart of our Savior. Barnes commentary stated that this was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:12 in that, “He made intercession for the transgressors.” I love that expression “He made intercession.” In other words, Christ was offering forgiveness through his intercession. I want the same spirit as my Lord and Savior. Can I intercede in offering forgiveness like my Savior? I am not perfect like Christ, but I can be of His likeness in that I want to offer forgiveness to all. I want others to be forgiven. I don’t believe it is just a coincidence or inadvertent that Christ’s disciple, the first Christian martyr, Stephen, uttered these exact words when the crowd gnashed at him with their teeth and were stoning him. Act 7:60 (NKJV) “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Instead of anger or a heart that would seek their wrath, he offered forgiveness. Read More →

01 Jan

Becoming Like Jesus: Prayer in the Life of Jesus

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Bruce Reeves | Conway, Arkansas

Jesus was not only the Master Teacher; He was also the Master of prayer. He prayed so frequently and faithfully that Luke records that after He finished praying in a certain place one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1). There are times when we should turn to God in prayer, but don’t. Thus, it is very helpful to consider the moments when Jesus turned to His Father in prayer. While prayer was a constant spiritual discipline in Christ’s life, there were pivotal moments when prayer was a significant source of power for Him. By considering Jesus’s example we can follow our Savior more fervently and deeply in our prayer life. Read More →

10 Oct

Becoming Like Jesus: How to Handle Conflicts and Disagreements

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Lee Edgar Elkins | Jacksonville, Arkansas

How often have we mishandled a conflict or disagreement with someone? As currently practiced by our Western culture, anytime there is a conflict or disagreement, it is safe to say that an argument is likely to follow if it has not already taken place. Over the years, I started to see that I did not always have to attend every argument I was invited to. Another thing I began to realize in my life is that not every disagreement has to turn into an argument. Unfortunately, this is typically what takes place in our society. Read More →

28 Jul

The Hall of Faith: Abraham & Sarah : Faithful Strangers and Pilgrims On The Earth

EXPOSITORY ARTICLE | Jeremy Diestelkamp | Toronto, Ontario

Hebrews 11:8-19

Oftentimes, when we read Hebrews chapter 11, we believe that the Hebrew writer was penning this section in order to raise up the people found in it as examples of perfect faith, of people who lived sinless lives. Perhaps we come to that conclusion because of the first two examples of faith given: that of Abel and Enoch. All we really know about Abel is that he was a shepherd, he offered a sacrifice to God by faith that was accepted by God, and was subsequently killed by his hateful brother, Cain (Genesis 4:1-8). No words of Abel are ever recorded, yet though he is dead, he still speaks (Hebrews 11:4). And then when it comes to Enoch, if it weren’t for the Book of Jude, we’d know even less about him, for all the Book of Genesis tells us about him is that he was the father of Methuselah, and that he walked with God in faith three hundred years before he was taken directly to Heaven by God (Genesis 5:21-25). Read More →

28 Jul

Becoming Like Jesus : Love One Another

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Brian Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

In Romans 8:28-30, the apostle Paul by inspiration gave a concise treatment of God’s Eternal Plan or Purpose for mankind. Within its context it is a clear demonstration of the principle expressed in verse 28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”. Every part of His plan and purpose is intended to bring us closer to Him. In verse 29, Paul writes: “For whom He foreknew”. That would be His choice to bless those who enter into Christ (1 Peter 2:4-5; 9-10; Ephesians 1:3; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-29). However, it is what we learn next that sets the stage for what we hope to develop in this article. “He also predestined (determined in advance, bvs) to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29b, NKJV). From eternity it was God’s will, desire, and intention for those who follow His Son to enjoy the blessings in Him (Ephesians 1:3; 1 John 3:1-3), but to also be like Him. Read More →

17 Apr

Fruit of the Spirit: Shining Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control

APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction
There is a lifetime of achievement in gaining all the blessings of God’s way. Each of us has our own time to walk, and no one has a guaranteed tomorrow (James 4:14). The application of the attitudes and actions involved in bearing the fruit of the Spirit is our responsibility. The results will significantly bless our soul’s hope and allow us to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15-16).

Let’s continue to consider a life of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, and goodness, growing consistently with faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let’s discover the value of these blessings and shine them brightly for all others to see. Read More →

28 Jan

Fruit of the Spirit : Shining Longsuffering, Kindness, and Goodness

APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction
We all, as Christians, have the responsibility to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Paul writes about being a shining example in Galatians 5:22-25, with the “fruit of the Spirit.” We are blessed to live in a divinely designed way and directed to help all others see, seek, and find it too.

Let’s consider the life of love, joy, and peace being complemented by “longsuffering, kindness, and goodness” so we can discover the value of these blessings and shine them brightly for all others to see. Read More →

08 Oct

Fruit of the Spirit : Shining Love, Joy, and Peace

APPLICATION ARTICLE | T. Sean Sullivan | Paragould, Arkansas

Introduction
As Christians, we are responsible to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). This is an interesting directive which is clarified by Paul’s next inspired statement. In Philippians 2:16a, Paul says, “holding fast the word of life.” This is where we are instructed in proper “shining.” We learn from this that God provides the instructions for shining as we should.

A life transformed by obedience to the will of God will be noticed in this world of darkness. Others will take note of the true changes and the intensity of those changes when we let them shine. Galatians 5:22-25 speaks of the wonderful results found in submitting to God, denying the flesh, and focusing on what is best for your soul. In this first lesson, we will focus on the life of “love, joy, and peace.” We will consider how these blessings brighten our walk and the quality of our shine on those around us. Read More →

05 Jul

Put On The Whole Armor Of God

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Jim Mickells | Lewisburg, Tennessee

In Ephesians 6:10-20, we find the instructions given by the apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus for them to put on the whole armor of God. What a great section of Scripture for us to consider especially with a mind to how it applies to us. It is not enough to just know what these verses say but we need to apply the things revealed here to our lives so we can be strong and faithful in services to our Lord. Through the years I have seen many fall prey to the devices of Satan, being overcome in sin and rendered useless in the kingdom of God. If only they would have clothed themselves with this armor, the results would have been totally different. Read More →

03 Jan

Dare to Be a Daniel : An Old Testament Character Study

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Colton McDaniel | Springfield, Illinois

When I was asked to write this, I had not even considered my last name is closely connected to Daniel’s name. It hardly ever occurs to me that I share a name with this godly example. I do not know why. Perhaps when I think of the book of Daniel, I think of the back half of it and immediately wonder what else I could teach on instead. I have often neglected the practical examples contained in the front half. This ought not to be. As difficult as the visions may be, the life of Daniel is too thrilling to ignore.

He was living in captivity among the godless. Kings ordered him to disobey God, and they threw him in a den of lions. He was placed in positions of authority among his captors. Daniel sees it all and yet still maintains integrity. Daniel is the child of God each of us is called to be. He certainly did not expect all that took place, but he faced it all with courage. Read More →