Christian Worker

Where is your focus? Maybe it is upon the aspirations and goals you have set for yourself this year. It may be more narrowly upon a trial you may be facing or a desire you have right now. It may also be possible that you have no true focus at all, or your focus is crystal clear. Wherever you find yourself, we live in a world that is constantly trying to steal our focus, draw our attention elsewhere, or change…

Currently, our first-year male students are flying through their first chapel lesson, Wednesday night devotionals, and outside preaching. While we try to break them in slowly, these are usually nerve-racking times. Each one of the thirteen first year guys will have to deliver a chapel lesson every other week or so. This gives them invaluable experience prepping and preaching. After chapel is over, each student faces the dreaded public critique. While we don’t publicly critique every lesson, the first few…

The apostle Paul lists gentleness and self-control among the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, presenting them as essential marks of a life surrendered to the will of God. These two qualities are closely connected and understanding them will help us to live in a way that better honors God and builds up others. The word translated “gentleness” in Galatians 5 comes from a Greek term which conveys humility, meekness, and a mild disposition toward others. It is not…

This word (pistis) is usually translated “faith” or “trust” throughout the NT. It often refers to trust in God and belief in His promises (Heb. 11:1-6). However, in the fruit of the Spirit, it means something a little different. Paul is contrasting two patterns of behavior toward fellow Christians in Gal 5: those who upset others’ Christian journeys (Gal 5:7-12) versus those who “through love serve one another” (Gal. 5:13-15). Paul says the first group carries out the deeds of…

What are the differences and relationship of these words? Goodness (Agathos) is the inner quality of moral integrity, virtue, and uprightness; a commitment to God’s will and what is right. The focus is the heart, character, and motives. For example, choosing to honor God and live righteously even when it’s difficult. On the other hand, kindness (Chrestotes) is the outward demonstration of goodness through compassionate action, helpfulness, and generosity. The focus is on the actions and how we treat others.…

I n nature, every fruit grows on its own timetable. Some fruits, like passion fruit, papaya, strawberries, and blackberries, can bear fruit in their very first year. But if you plant a pear, cherry, or plum tree, you might wait five to seven years before you ever taste a single harvest. When it comes to growing the fruit of the spirit, you might say patience feels about the same as waiting for a plum tree to grow fruit. Patience may…

Do you expect that if you live right, God will remove your troubles, sorrow, and pain? We sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that suffering is always because of sin, and blessings are always because you’re obeying God. But just because you did the right thing does not mean you will avoid suffering. Romans 15:13 teaches us that we can be filled with peace and joy through the hope found in God’s salvation. What would you give for a…

Every human knows intuitively that love is a good thing. People often say, “the world needs more love” or maybe an adage like “love what you do and do what you love.” Of course, the word is used in a wide spectrum of ways. People describe their feelings toward pizza, dogs, and their grandmother with the same word. Some people equate love with permissiveness, while others say discipline is a part of love. How can humans agree upon what love…

When children are very little they have no concept of lying. The parent finds it easier to discipline at a stage where they have every expectation that the question, “Did you eat a cookie after I told you to wait?” will be answered honestly by their child. Jesus thanked the Father that He revealed truth to babes and hid it from those who were wise in their own sight (Matt. 11:25). “Out of the mouth of babes” God perfected praise…

Do you want to prosper? Prosperity is a state of living that most are working hard to achieve. Merriam-Webster simply defines this lifestyle as “thriving.” This is a life characterized by success and well-being. Naturally, the question then becomes, “How do I achieve such a life?” One of the keys to a prosperous life is given to us in the Book of Proverbs. This pearl of inspired wisdom says, “The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will…

One of the most powerful moments in scripture is recorded in John 6. Jesus had taught something that many of his listeners found offensive. Many of His disciples stopped following Him. Jesus, seeing them turn away, turned to the twelve apostles and asked them if they would also leave Him. Peter responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life and we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ the Son of the…

The training provided through SWSBS is comprehensive but by no means exhaustive. We only have two years to introduce the fundamentals of study and practice. With limited time, not everything can be covered. Our instructors often leave more “on the table” of their studies than they put into their lectures. (The same is true of faithful preachers everywhere!) However, we never leave out of classes or curriculum the reality of sin, and we are sure that our graduates are prepared…