Light of the World, Come
We were made to live in the light, both in a literal and spiritual sense.
The light of Christ radically changes our lives, without a doubt. But there’s more: it also equips us to help those still in the dark catacombs of rebellion in which we once walked. As the prophet Isaiah says, “I will appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,... Continue Reading
Christmas Joy Mingled with Sorrow
Do you feel lonely and desolate as every December comes round?
Look up and look forward. The lonely time will soon be past and over, you will have company enough by and by. “When you wake up after your Lord’s likeness, you shall be satisfied.” (Psalm 17:15.) Yet in a little while and you shall see a congregation that shall never break up, and a Sabbath... Continue Reading
The Glories of Our Common Salvation in Jude
Beloved in God the Father
Because of his electing love, God effectually called us to himself through the gospel (Jude 1, “those who were called”). In doing so, he imparted his very life to us (regeneration), enabling us to exercise our repentance and “most holy faith” (Jude 20; cf. Acts 11:18; Heb 6:1). Whereas we had been stained by the flesh and could only expect the... Continue Reading
You Will Never Regret the Sins You do not Commit
Regret and sin are close neighbors, but regret and righteousness exist a world apart.
I’ve never once regretted resisting a temptation, never once mourned turning away from a sin, never once felt guilty for obeying God’s Word. To the contrary, I’ve felt such satisfaction when temptation has given way to righteousness, when I’ve slammed the door instead of opening it, when I’ve fled the devil instead of welcoming him... Continue Reading
3 Things You Should Know about Titus
Truth that Leads to Godliness
Titus is to “teach what accords with sound doctrine,” since the same grace of God, which offers salvation to all, also teaches us to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:1, 11–12). If we miss that connection between truth and godliness, we have missed the main point of this letter. Titus is one of... Continue Reading
God’s Good Design of the Local Church
The local church gathering provides a visual expression of God’s unique kingdom.
May God’s people display the beauty of the church. Keep gathering each week and worship with those who are otherwise different. Use your gifts, talents, presence, and love to equip the saints and make disciples. I can tell people the Mona Lisa is a work of art, but perhaps it’s far more effective to show... Continue Reading
The Commitment of the Apostles Confirms the Truth of the Resurrection
All of the disciples died for their claims related to the Resurrection.
There isn’t a single ancient document, letter or piece of evidence indicating any of the Christian eyewitnesses (the apostolic disciples) ever changed their story or surrendered their claims. Given the reasonable expectation of this Roman effort and the evidence from history confirming the trials of Christians, it’s remarkable none of the eyewitnesses ever changed their claims. Our willingness... Continue Reading
A Brief Summary of Biblical Sexuality
It is God’s will for us to control our bodies in holiness and honor.
Homosexuality is another perversion of sex expressly forbidden in Scripture (Lev 18:22; 20:13). It is contrary to sound doctrine and not in accordance with the gospel (1 Tim 1:10–11). Homosexual sex between men or women stems from dishonorable, sinful passions and is a shameless act that abandons natural sexual relations between a husband and a... Continue Reading
9 Biblical Methods for Encouraging One Another
The Need for Encouragement
Declare to others the truth of who they are. We all struggle with our identity. We are tempted to vacillate between self-righteousness when we are doing well and despair when we are missing it. The secular world often seeks to affirm our identity by telling us how great and worthy we are. But this is... Continue Reading
Merry Christmas… This Means War!
Incarnation as Invasion
Our King is the one who put the world on notice. That babe in swaddling clothes announced to the nations you will either bow down and worship Him or be trampled underneath His glorious feet. The Son of Man, the Prince of Peace, entered brokenness and brought His Shalom. He went raiding behind enemy lines,... Continue Reading
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- …
- 1390
- Next Page »