By Shawn McMullen You won’t find Jochebed in lists of popular names for baby girls, but in my book it’s a worthy contender. Jochebed and her husband, Amram, were married while the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. They started a family and were blessed with two children, a boy (Aaron) and a girl (Miriam). […]
By Shawn McMullen Elders of the church are “shepherds of God’s flock” (1 Peter 5:2). Just as responsible shepherds tend their sheep, elders are to look after the flock of God, leading, feeding, guiding, and protecting those under their care. There is no higher standard for elders in the local church than Jesus Christ. […]
By Shawn McMullen It’s next to last in Paul’s list of spiritual fruit (see Galatians 5:22, 23) and often takes a back seat to other virtues. In fact, when was the last time you prayed, “Lord, make me gentle”? If we understood gentleness, I think we would seek it more earnestly. Paul understood it. […]
By Shawn McMullen Most of us are familiar with the nine Christian character traits Paul calls the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22, 23, New Living Translation). To see these characteristics displayed is proof of the Spirit’s presence and influence in a person’s life. […]
By Shawn McMullen If you grew up in the church, you may have memorized the list in a Sunday school class or earned points for your team by reciting it at church camp. Along with the Ten Commandments and the names of the apostles, Paul’s description of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians […]
