Brian Sullivan – GROW magazine

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 →

26 Oct

Soldiers, Athletes, and Farmers – 2 Timothy 2:3-6

APPLICATION ARTICLE | Brian Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

God made our bodies from the dust of the ground (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 12:7) and breathed life (our spirit) into us (Genesis 2:7). God knows the potential that we have and the strengths that are ours. His work and service allow us to discover some of those capabilities as others did in the Scripture record. We marvel at the list of the faithful Old Testament worthies found in Hebrews 11 and realize that many more people could have been included (Hebrews 11:32-40). We must realize that every person has potential in God’s service. It is not always the person at the forefront or the most recognized that can teach us the clearest lessons about God, life, and living for God. We find that the greatest servants of God are sometimes those that others have not heard of but who carefully and diligently followed God in faith and faithfulness throughout their days. Read More →

07 Jul

A Wondrous Prayer : Colossians 1:9-12

BEYOND THE BASICS | Brian V. Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

Thinking about someone is great; loving them is essential, but praying for them shows the place they hold in your heart. When Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, it was not just a case of thinking about them or being content to declare he loved them. He gave us insight into what his prayers were for them to God.

Although Colossians 1:9-12 is all part of an extended sentence, our interest in this item is in the first verse of this section. Paul wrote, “For this reason we also, since the day we heard of it, do not cease to pray for you, and ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will, and all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (NKJV). Before we discuss those things, let us observe what Paul believed will result from these things. Read More →

02 Apr

They First Gave Themselves To The Lord

CHURCH ARTICLE | Brian Sullivan | Jordan, Ontario

One does not have to look far in the Scriptures to learn God has a special place in His heart for “orphans and widows,” those who are incapable of providing for themselves (Malachi 3:5). Christ maintained the “poor” you have always with you (Matthew 26:11), not to discourage His followers from helping the poor, but to alert them to this reality. Articles on the church and its role in benevolence are essential because too many begin to examine the question with their “emotions on their sleeves” and reach “emotion-driven” conclusions that force them to act outside of the authority of the Scriptures (Colossians 3:17). Benevolence, or assistance to those in need, is not difficult to understand if we “first give ourselves to the Lord” as those of Macedonia did in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Whether it be through the church or as an individual, we should do what we are able to do because it is in accord with Christ’s desire for His people to share what they have been blessed with (1 Timothy 6:17-19). Read More →

04 Jul

Grow In Grace

BEYOND THE BASICS
Brian Sullivan | Bancroft, Ontario

Grace is a very popular topic in today’s religious world. Often it is expressed as some vague, indefinable freedom or liberty. Some see it as a cloud-like substance that can be packaged and repackaged to suit the needs of the moment. The child of God is more interested in what the Bible has to say about it, and how the Bible defines it. Read More →