Scripture exhorts us to love out of a pure heart (1 Tim. 1:5). Christian love is to be without hypocrisy (Rom. 12:9); it is to love “even as” the Lord loves us (John 13:35). We are commanded to have a love that is fervent and sincere (1 Pet. 1:22), as well as one that is…
Almost everywhere we turn today we are exposed to the idea that having is the key to happiness. After all, more and bigger obviously are better! There’s the idea that “a bigger and better” house, car, computer, education, job, bank account, etc is really what we “need.” And there’s the idea that these things will…
What kind of progress are we making in the school of prayer? One cannot read the prayers of Paul in the New Testament without being deeply impressed with how full of God they are. With incredible depth and trust, Paul stresses both the awesomeness of God and the very real need(s) of God’s people. Knowing…
One cannot read the prayers of Paul in the New Testament without being deeply impressed with how full of God they are. Perhaps there are times when our prayers are too full of our own wants and wishes, however, we must never lose sight of the greatness, beauty and perfect character of the One before whose throne we are privileged to pray!
While there is certainly a sense in which Christians are not to be people pleasers (cf. Galatians 1:10), there is no doubt that the words and actions of God’s people should have an impact on others. After all, Jesus did say others “would see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).…
It’s a question that still consumes me, even though our children are now grown and have families of their own. What’s more – I know it’s a question that consumes many Christian parents, because it’s a question I’m asked a lot. We are aware that children are gifts from God, a sacred trust placed in…
Out of loving devotion to God and the riches of His grace and a desire to please Him, we . . .
What a message we’re privileged to proclaim as Christians. God has the power to take away sin (John 1:29). He can remove guilt and cleanse our consciences (Rom. 8:33-34; Heb. 9:14; 10:22). Jesus the “Great Physician” can provide true healing for those who hurt. Surely these are truths we must believe, humbly and lovingly apply,…
Few passages in all the New Testament identify the people of God as fully and as richly as Titus 1:1-4. If ever there were a section of Scripture that should motivate us in restoring New Testament Christianity, this should be it! In a world of skepticism and religious pluralism, there is another, far better way.…
It has been said that many of us crucify ourselves between two thieves – regret for the past and fear of the future. It was the thought of regret that led John Greenleaf Whittier to write, “Of all sad words of tongue or pen the saddest are, It might have been.” It seems all of…