And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18, ESV). On your own, you cannot be like Jesus. You can’t will yourself to change your sinful patterns or to choose right. So how do you live a powerful life in Christ? How do you live out […]
Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the […]
When [Peter] saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me” (Matthew 14:30, esv). Picture the scene. A raging storm, giant waves crashing against a first-century fishing boat, and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee. Imagine their terror-filled eyes as water poured over the sides, negating their efforts to bail. […]
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold (Job 23:10, ESV). Job knew suffering. This one man absorbed more pain than most of us ever have to imagine. In a single day, Job lost his wealth and all ten of his children. Then he […]
Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding (Romans 14:19, esv). Life is full of gray areas, choices that individuals or families can make—and even biblically defend, whichever side of an issue they may come down on. The drinking of alcohol, for instance, is one of those debatable areas. On one hand, […]
I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in […]
Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness (Psalm 29:1–2, esv). Some Christians claim worship is more than singing—that making a meal, cleaning the car, helping a neighbor are all acts of […]
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11, esv). Do you have a nativity set? In the familiar cast of characters, each has his or her own role to play. Each has a different relationship to the Christ-child, the central figure in […]
“For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God” (John 16:27, esv). God knows how to give good gifts to His children. Compared to our gift-giving (which isn’t too shabby, right?), God’s is infinitely better. “If you then, who are evil, know how to give […]
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6, esv). Have you ever heard people quote Isaiah 9:6 and skip the sentence about government? It’s understandable—we’re […]