Our holiness and witness are worth more than our lives
Some Christians are willing to sacrifice our holiness and gospel witness for the sake of winning in politics and culture wars. But God prioritizes those things above anything else in this world, including our country, families, and very lives.
Christians can look within to help us know we’re saved
Some Christians say we should only look to the work of Christ to be assured that we’re saved. That’s true, but that should include His current work of sanctification within us.
What is the worst sin, and why is it pride?
The Bible makes a strong case that the worst sin in God’s eyes is not murder, hate, blasphemy or abuse, but pride. It’s the mother of all sin.
When preaching Jesus is not a good thing
Paul the apostle once told someone to stop pointing to the way of salvation. That incident teaches us that some people should not be talking about Jesus.
The criminal who preached the gospel as he was dying
Many Christians are familiar with the penitent thief on the cross next to Jesus in Luke 23. But do we grasp the profound depth of what he said? When you examine his words, you see the gospel.
The hope and point of Christianity is not this life
Whether it’s politics or prosperity, many professing Christians seem to place their hope in worldly winning and success. But over and over, the Bible points us to eternity, to the only hope that God blesses.
Why ‘Whosoever’ is no threat to reformed theology
One of the most common objections to reformed soteriology is the word “whosoever” in some versions of John 3:16. But the Greek words don’t carry the same implications of the English word, so it’s not an effective challenge.
Ark of the Covenant found! So what?
The news that the CIA may have found the Biblical Ark of the Covenant is a good time to remember what it was, what it looked forward to, and why we don’t need it.
Why church shouldn’t be called a ‘worship experience’
Some Christians call their gatherings “worship experiences” that stimulate our senses and emotions. Here are a couple of experiences in the Bible that teach us what priority God gives the sensations of an “experience.”
A parable of Jesus blows up beliefs about healing, miracles
Two things some Christians believe are 1. God always wants us to be healed in this life, and 2. The gospel needs miracles to be effective. One parable of Jesus destroyed both of those ideas.
Meet the first health and wealth preacher in the Bible
Some charismatic Christians think it’s our fault if we suffer. That’s what Eliphaz wrongly thought about Job. He was the first health-and-wealth preacher, and we see in that book what God thinks of such beliefs.
‘Salt and light’ is about holiness, not preservation
Some Christians interpret Jesus’ teaching on salt and light in Matthew 5 to mean preserving traditional values in society. But His own words show that He’s actually talking about His followers’ holiness.
How I discovered God’s will for my life
Have you ever struggled to discern God’s will over an important decision you needed to make? Here’s what the author learned about how the Lord guides us in matters that aren’t specifically addressed in the Bible.
‘Christian’ is a noun, not an adjective. Why that matters
The word Christian is often used today as a modifier, as in Christian music or Christian nation. But since the Bible doesn’t use the word that way, we can get into murky territory when trying to define those things.
But look at the good things King Saul is doing
The king kept delivering win after win for his nation and his people, but he was disqualified for a personal failing. Here’s reaction from one of his angry supporters.
The church’s biggest threats are on the inside
Most Christians put up their defenses against attacks and persecution from enemies in the world, but overwhelmingly, the Lord tells us in His word to be more on guard against corruption from within.
The prodigal son teaches us how not to repent
Some take Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son as a model of Christian repentance, but it’s not. Our focus should be on the father’s unconditional love, grace, mercy and joy in unilaterally restoring his son.
Christian, you are a gift from the Father to the Son
One of the most wonderful truths of the Bible is that Christian believers are a gift from God the Father to Jesus, who treasures that gift so much that He keeps it for all eternity. Read about this astounding love in John 6.
Yes, God is in control – of everything. Here’s how
If God is all-loving, how can He be all-powerful? Some try to answer that by saying God is not in control. Is that true? It depends on what you mean by control. Here’s what the Bible says.
Jeroboam: The popular but evil leader raised up by God
Here’s the story of a national leader, chosen by God and the people, who liberated them from an oppressive tyrant and gave them freedom to worship. But the Bible casts Jeroboam as the most evil king Israel ever had.