Joe Barnett

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus.               —Romans 1:1 When Paul wrote Romans, the first word he used to describe himself was “servant.” The Greek word for servant (doulos) is best translated “slave.” For a Roman citizen—which Paul was—to call himself a slave would shock his Roman readers out […]

On the first day of the week we came together to break bread.                    —Acts 20:7 Have you noticed that an increasing number of calendars, especially the week-at-a-glance genre, start the week with Monday rather than Sunday? God gave preeminence to two days of the week—the first

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples.              —Acts 9:26 Paul wasn’t welcome in Jerusalem. Christians were scared of him, convinced that his reported conversion was a hoax. Barnabas was the only person who believed his story and went to bat for him. It was also

His followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.                             —Acts 9:25 Infuriated by his conversion, a gang of Damascus fanatics plotted to assassinate Paul. They posted around-the-clock lookouts by the city gates,

We must obey God rather than men!                           —Acts 5:29 It is beneficial to be physically strong, but it is crucial to be strong in principles, morals, and allegiance. Be certain that your allegiance to God is non-negotiable. In a world of confusion,

Joseph … whom the apostles called Barnabas.                                      —Acts 4:36 A nickname usually emphasizes a conspicuous feature. “Hey Red.” “How’s it goin’ Slim?” “Hi Lefty.” His name was Joseph, but you don’t know him by that name. You

Simon son of John, do you love me?                      —John 21:17 Many a sermon has hammered Peter for his failures. He sank like a rock when fear trumped faith in his water-walking fiasco. He denied friendship with Jesus three times during the Caiaphas trial. Flip side.

You did not choose me, but I chose you.                           —John 15:16 31/100 is a notation indicating that the item belongs to a limited edition. Like this. A famous artist creates an original painting; 100 prints of that piece are produced under his

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.                      —John 15:13 Jesus loves me! This I know, / For the Bible tells me so. / Little ones to Him belong; / They are weak, but He is strong.

My peace I give you … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.                        —John 14:27 The peace Jesus gives is not exemption from life’s storms, but serenity when navigating those storms—an inner peace that nothing the world throws at