Got Joy?
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice (Philippians 4:4, ESV). In Philippians 4:4, Paul made his point quickly and clearly. “Rejoice . . . Rejoice!” Preachers can relate to using repetition. Sometimes while preaching we survey the congregation and wonder, Are they getting it? So we repeat ourselves to make sure they’re tracking. […]
The Living Dead
Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11, nasb). In sports, they call it “playing not to lose”—trying not to make mistakes, being hesitant to take risks or push the boundaries, doing just enough to win. Yet in almost every case, it’s a sure way […]
If We Confess
WATCH If We Confess | 1 John 1:9 | Finally Free Everyone who turns to addiction, does it to make their pain stop. Freedom from our bondage should not be about just escaping – we must deal with our pain and sin. If you’re carrying a heavy weight, if you’re needing God’s forgiveness, don’t neglect […]
Hands On
Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man’s eyes with the mud and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing (John 9:6, esv). The call to live for […]
Enriching the Heart of the Giver
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness (2 Corinthians 9:10, esv). God promises in His Word to bless the giver—He just comes right out and says it. Not once or twice but numerous times. Yet as […]
To Know Him Is To Love Him (Part 1)
WATCH To Know Him Is To Love Him (Part 1) | John 8 | Finally Free Are you finding freedom yet? It all comes down to your love for Jesus Christ. As you grow to know a spouse or a close friend more and more, your love for that person grows deeper. It’s the […]
The Eyes of God
For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and he ponders all his paths (Proverbs 5:21, esv). That’s right, God sees you. He “ponders all [your] paths”—He doesn’t miss a single detail of your life. He hears your conversations with your spouse. He sees your checkbook. He knows your unspoken fears. Your […]
Restoration
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter,“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He […]
Freedom From Guilt
WATCH Freedom From Guilt | Psalms 51 | Finally Free Do you ever fear you’re not good enough? Maybe you feel the shame of your mistakes or question God’s love because of your sins. Maybe you feel religious shame, because you haven’t followed all the ‘rules’. What are we to do with guilt and shame? […]
The Yoke of Fellowship
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14, ESV)? As the Bible describes it, fellowship only happens among Christians. Fellowship refers to far more than association—and something much deeper than even friendship. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul uses a simple […]