Resolve
The Declaration of Independence spoke great words about freedom, but even greater words were spoken 2,000 years ago.
Articles for tag: Randy Ballinger
June 6, 2022
Motive
By Randy Ballinger “When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:28-29, emphasis mine). Imagine being on that Galilean mountainside as Jesus amazed the people with his words. Jesus didn’t simply recite Old Testament Law—as the scribes and Pharisees did—Jesus provided God-ordained insight. For example, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said . . . ‘You shall not murder. . . .’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother or
May 9, 2022
The Life of the Cross
By Randy Ballinger Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34, New Living Translation). This statement no doubt caused many fireside debates among Jesus’ disciples. They had seen men carrying crosses before, and they knew it had only one outcome: a painful and humiliating death for the one bearing that burden. One disciple, Simon Peter, was adamant that Jesus would not suffer in such a manner. But Jesus would have none of Peter’s argument—Jesus would take up his
January 24, 2022
His Face
Since God sent Jesus “when the set time had fully come” (Galatians 4:4), we must conclude it is God’s will that we worship the person of Jesus instead of the image of Jesus.
January 17, 2022
Draining the Cup
As we gather around the Lord’s table, consider two things about this “cup of death” Jesus drained: (1) the potency of the cup, and (2) the resolve of the one who drank from it.
December 13, 2021
Hear the Bells Again
mas Day 1863 was not joyful for Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. On that day, he was concerned his eldest son would not survive surgery after being shot while serving as a soldier in the Union Army. . . .
November 8, 2021
Understanding God’s Grace
This table focuses on Jesus Christ, who took upon himself the penalty for my sins—and for yours—so that we are transformed by God’s grace and truly understand it.
October 11, 2021
He Himself Is Our Peace
It was anything but peaceful when peace came to this world. . . .
September 6, 2021
Cleansing
We gather around the Lord’s Table today in a different time and under a new covenant, but in the presence of the same God who cleanses sin.
April 5, 2021
Jesus, As He Really Is
When you see Jesus face-to-face, “as he really is,” what will be your declaration of worship?
February 1, 2021
Immortality
By Randy Ballinger Striving for immortality sometimes results in strange ideas. As an example, “transhumanism” is a philosophical movement that advocates using technology to modify and enhance the human condition, expand human capacities, and extend human life. To its proponents, the desired end is immortality, potentially outside the human body, as one’s intellect is transferred from the biological brain to a computer. Immortality is possible, but not by means of artificial engineering or far-fetched faith in technology based on human ego. Instead, it is all about Jesus dying in our place so that we may live forever. The Lord’s table
January 18, 2021
The Power of Blood
By Randy Ballinger During the pandemic, blood donation centers have sought out individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Apparently, the antibody-rich blood plasma these individuals donate possibly can save the lives of those critically ill with the virus. The lone purpose for blood is to sustain life. Donating blood brings healing. There is power in the blood. God personified blood in rebuking Cain after Abel’s murder: “Your brother’s blood cries out to me” (Genesis 4:10). After the flood, God instructed Noah, “Only you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood” (Genesis 9:4, New American Standard Bible,
October 5, 2020
Two Important Questions
By Randy Ballinger Everyone needs to answer two important questions: “What am I living for?” and “For what am I willing to die?” We may forget to answer these two fundamental questions as we go about our fast-paced lives. So, how do you answer them? This table points us to the One who clearly and resolutely answered those questions. What was Jesus living for? His purpose was “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). For what was Jesus willing to die? “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). For Jesus, though, death was not
September 14, 2020
‘Surely, You Don’t Mean Me?’
By Randy Ballinger When we read the Gospel accounts about the night before Jesus went to the cross, we see words about the institution of the Lord’s Supper: “Do this in remembrance of me”; we remember what Jesus did for us. “For the forgiveness of sins”; this is why Jesus did what he did for us. But we also see words that may trouble us, for they certainly troubled his disciples: “One of you will betray me.” When Jesus revealed that a betrayer was sitting at the table with him, it caused each one of his disciples to consider whether
