Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)   When someone uses the word “finally” in a letter, it shows they believe this is a crucial point they need to emphasize. Paul saved his strongest command for the end of his letter. After six chapters of wisdom, guidance on healthy relationships, Biblical doctrine, and discipline, he concludes with this: “Be strong in the Lord.”  The Greek word for "strong"  is kratos,  which means d

So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen. (Mark 16:19-20)   When Jesus ascended into Heaven, He didn’t leave His disciples powerless. He worked through them to do the same works He had done. Healing would now be performed through them. Their voices would be the ones called to calm st

And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.   But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted