The Shrewd Manager

The End of All Our Stories

Bart Byl on ⁠Revelation 22:1-5,12-13,16-17,20-21⁠ [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+22%3A1-5%2C12-13%2C16-17%2C+20-21&version=NIV]. In the Bible’s final chapter, we are reminded of the ultimate end of our journey, where all our toils and sacrifices will be met with the eternal reward of Christ's presence in the New Jerusalem. Here, the curse will be broken, and we will experience the fullness of God's love and glory, with no more suffering or pain, but eternal joy and peace. As we labor and wait, we hold onto the promise of His coming, praying for the grace and strength to persevere until we are welcomed into His eternal embrace. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Shrewd Manager

Bart Byl on ⁠Luke 16:1-12⁠ [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016%3A1-12&version=NIV]. In his parable of the dishonest steward who leveraged his resources and relationships to build security for himself after he lost his job, Jesus teaches his disciples to act shrewdly with what in light of the coming kingdom. In this present age, which is rapidly passing away, we must cunningly leverage our earthly resources for heavenly impact. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Finish Well

Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 4 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+4&version=NIV]. Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy) In his final letter to Timothy, Paul delivers a solemn charge to faithfully preach the Gospel, stressing the importance of readiness and endurance in ministry despite challenges. He reflects on his impending death with peace, confident in the reward awaiting him and urging Timothy to remain steadfast in faith. This poignant farewell highlights the enduring call to serve with grace and perseverance, even amidst adversity and personal trials. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Stand Firm

Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 3 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Timothy+3&version=NIV]. Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy) Over-realized eschatology, the belief that all future blessings are available now, is a pervasive false teaching that destroys faith by promoting a life free from suffering, contrary to the true Christian call to carry the cross and endure trials. Desperate individuals are misled into making financial sacrifices and blaming their lack of faith for their unfulfilled promises, leading to disappointment and bitterness towards God. True Christian life involves suffering and struggle, not guaranteed health and wealth. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Endure Hardship

Bart Byl on 2 Timothy 2 [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+timothy+2&version=NIV]. Series: Tenacious Witness (2 Timothy) Paul urges Timothy to stay strong in the grace of Christ and to faithfully pass on the apostolic gospel to reliable people who can teach others, creating a self-sustaining chain of witnesses. Using metaphors of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, Paul emphasizes the need for dedication, endurance, and focus in ministry. We are reminded to keep Jesus Christ at the center, enduring all for the sake of the gospel, knowing that our labor is not in vain and will ultimately result in eternal glory with Christ. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.