Author: Phil Rehberg

weekly words of encouragement

That You May Have Peace – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, ESV). Jesus had just given a long talk to his disciples and encouraged them that they will have joy and be able to ask anything from the Father in Jesus’ name. Then he explained that he taught these things so that they may have peace. But these words in verse 33 are not just for the disciples; they are for all his followers. When we abide in him we may have peace even though outside, in the world, we have tribulation. This is a great description of life during the overlap of the former age and the kingdom of God. Since Jesus brought the kingdom when he came, his followers get to experience the kingdom inside themselves. Thus, in Continue Reading →

What is Christlikeness?

How Much Are You Pursuing Christlikeness?

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Here is another excerpt from my new book, A Quest for the Ultimate. The retreat director, Jacob, is guiding the group through Scripture related to pursuing Christlikeness. Kevin reads, “Matthew 7:26, ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.’” “What words is Jesus talking about?” Jacob asks. “He just finished the Sermon on the Mount, which is a long sermon about how to live. So, Jesus expects his followers to practice those teachings.” “Exactly. Kevin, now read John 14:15.” “If you love me, keep my commands.” This says pretty much the same thing,” Kevin observes. “What do these two verses have to do with Christformation?” Jacob probes. After a moment of silence Kevin slowly concludes, “Well, I guess Jesus’ commandments describe how he lives, so if we follow his commandments we will be Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

The Spirit Guides Us Into Truth – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” John 16:13, ESV). Jesus spoke these words to the twelve before he was crucified. When the Holy Spirit came he truly did guide the Apostles into all the truth, and we have this truth in their writings. And everyone who believes also has the Spirit of truth indwelling them. The Spirit guides us into truth. He takes the words of Scripture and teaches them to our hearts. Our responsibility is to “walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16) while we absorb Scripture so that we can be “rightly handling the word of truth” 2 Tim. 2:15 (ESV). But how do we walk in the Spirit, especially when we don’t feel him? We do so by making the choice to depend on the Spirit instead of just ourselves, and then to have faith that the Spirit guides us Continue Reading →

weekly words of encouragement

You Want To Be Fruitful – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” John 15:5 (NIV) Humans don’t do well if they think their life is pointless and unproductive. We want something good to come from our lives; we want to be fruitful. This is how God made us. When he put Adam and Eve in the Garden he told them to “be fruitful” (Gen. 1:28). We were made to produce good things and our soul will feel empty if we can’t do so. Moreover, we have a desire for deep fruitfulness. We don’t just want to build buildings, farm for food, or invent new medicines, although these are all good pursuits for fruitfulness. We also want to be fruitful in the hearts of others. We want to help satisfy the deeper desires for joy and peace in human hearts. In Continue Reading →

heavenly body, shining

Does God Want To Glorify His People?

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This is an excerpt from my new book A Quest for the Ultimate. The retreat director Jacob asks the group about their observations in Revelation chapters 21 and 22. The issue is what God emphasizes in the next age. Does he focus more on himself or on his people? Does he want to glorify his people? Browse through chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation and tell me which is emphasized more: God’s glory or the glory and honor of the people of God? I will give you a couple of minutes.Everyone digs into their bibles. After five minutes Jacob asks again, “Which is emphasized more?”“There is a lot of description of the bride, especially in the description of the city,” Kwan observes.“Most of these two chapters are about all the blessings God is going to give us and how beautiful the bride is,” Melissa adds.Heads nod.Somewhat surprised, Gabriella replies, “I’m Continue Reading →