Posts by Lincoln

Following Paul’s instruction to intentionally glorify God through our conduct as part of our spiritual worship (Romans 12:1), he now addresses another aspect of life that requires continuous attention. Romans 12:2, Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is…

The apostle Paul concludes Romans chapter 11 by reminding us that from Him (God) and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever (Rom 11:36). God deserves our recognition and worship in everything. He is worthy! And it is the believer’s privilege to voluntarily direct glory to Him in every…

The Old Testament prophet Hosea, written around 755 to 710 B.C. may not make for calm bedtime reading, but His life was significant for all the right reasons. Hosea’s ministry extended about forty-five years, covering the reigns of seven kings in Israel and four kings in Judah. He was a contemporary of both Isaiah and…

In an age when technology transmits information at blistering speeds, it can be difficult to discern the source or truthfulness of what’s received. Sometimes such great effort is made in presenting misinformation that it really does look and sound like the truth, but it’s not. However, this is not a new phenomenon in the spiritual…

One of the many unique blessings of Christianity is that we have a Saviour, Jesus Christ, who forgives all sin in those who believe in Him. We did not, and cannot, contribute anything towards this, or even assist Jesus in His forgiveness of those who receive Him. Nor can we add anything to our faith…

Often, we don’t appreciate friendship until a good one gets damaged or we lose it. Typically, quality friendships are desired by most of us, and the same is true of God. James 2:23 tells us that Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness – and he was called a friend of…

As we approach Christmas, we obviously think more of the truths relating to Jesus leaving His place of glory and coming to earth. Today I wish to conclude The Pastor’s Pen for the year 2024 by thinking of Jesus’ life essence, and His word’s which communicate life to mankind. In John 6:48 and following, Jesus…

In Judges chapter 2 we read of a rare occasion when the angel of the Lord visited earth, publically addressing Joshua and the nation Israel. Speaking as the Lord, He reminded Israel that it was He who had brought them out of slavery in Egypt; assuring them, I will never break my covenant with you…

Most people know what it’s like to explain a matter, only to be told by their hearers that they don’t understand what you are talking about. Its frustrating for all involved. That said, I am often impressed by the apostle Paul’s writings, with both his ingenious mind and yet his ability to explain matters simply,…

Words matter! It’s a fact, even if we try to shrug them off, words exchanged between people sink deep within, and they either build up or crush. The Bible has much to say about people’s speech, especially what comes out of the mouths of believers in Jesus Christ. When Jesus’ brother James says, no human…

Its ironic, how many of the significant people in our lives, and in biblical history, are often overlooked and go unnoticed. Epaphras, whose name means “lovely,” was one such character, who played an important role in the lives of many early church believers. Although his name only appears 3 times in the New Testament, and…

Life is full of changes for most people – some pleasant, while others are not. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, it’s important to reflect on our lives before and after we received Him. In Colossians chapter 1, the Apostle Paul provides an impressive summary of who Jesus Christ is in verses 15-20. Following that, in verses 21-23, Paul highlights…

While the New Testament speaks of two men by the name of James, I want to briefly consider James the son of Mary and Joseph, and half-brother to Jesus (Matthew 13:55). Throughout James’ early life, he was not a believer in Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God (John 7:5). However, all that changed…

In Acts 4:36 we are introduced to another biblical Joseph. However, the apostles called this man Barnabas, which means son of encouragement, or son of exhortation. We don’t know how this Jewish Levite came to faith in Jesus, but we do see repeatedly that he lived up to his name as an encourager. The first…

In Psalm 89, Ethan writes from the raw thoughts of his heart during what must have been agonising personal and national circumstances. From our modern way of thinking, Ethan has a peculiar order of writing in this Psalm. He begins by declaring his commitment to speak well of God, to declare God’s good character, and His promises for Israel.…

Faithful friendships are a wonderful part of life, but even great friendships fall short of the blessedness of quality fellowship. Friendships often carry the vulnerabilities of human selfishness and desires, whereas Spirit filled fellowship exists within a relationship motivated by other mindedness. While friendships are common, the sweetness of fellowship is less familiar to many…

While the apostle Paul was imprisoned by house arrest, and chained to a Roman soldier 24/7, he mentioned in his letter to the church at Philippi, what I suspect was an unexpected subject – labour. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me (Philippians 1:22). Paul, not knowing if…

Friendships possess the greatest potential for joy and satisfaction! Sadly, they also have great potential to bring the worst of pain. Therefore, it’s important for everyone, especially Christians, to be attentive in the matter of how we interact in our friendships. Over the years of reading God’s Word, I have grown to understand that the…

Without doubt, the apostles lived a level of closeness with the Lord that most of us can only aspire to. Having lived with Jesus, witnessed Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, then participating in the events of Pentecost, certainly provided memorable inspiration and intimacy we can only imagine. Even though Paul came to believe in Christ…

The prophet Ezekiel lived amongst the treachery and idolatry of Jewish society held captive by the Babylonian empire. In Ezekiel’s time and place, people’s attitude towards God was basically the same as that which exists globally throughout all ages. An attitude that normalizes cheap words and accepts faithlessness. As in almost all periods of history,…