Self-control is the mark of a heart and mind brought under the rule of Christ. When Christ governs the inner life, the outward life naturally reflects His character, and self-control becomes one of the clear signs of His work in us.   Before we speak about the fruit of the Holy Spirit, it is important... Continue Reading

We all look forward to that day, regardless of administrations or imperfections, when the earth shall be filled with the glory of God as the waters under the sea.   Following up on the earlier post this week, below are what we consider the top five religious gains this year. To preview: the strong secular... Continue Reading

By discovering the structure of a Bible passage, we find the main focus (or emphasis) of the biblical author; that emphasis then leads us to the right application of the passage to our lives.   Scripture’s Structure Is a Guide Every passage in the Bible has a structure. The human authors of Scripture were inspired... Continue Reading

May we offer this generation more than antidepressants or a vague spirituality that will be a mere Band-Aid to their wounds. May we instead point them to the Great Physician who brings healing now—and forever.   As I left the exam room in my family practice clinic, I realized the patient I had just seen... Continue Reading

Christians have known that food and cloth dedicated to the altar can be sanctified, dedicated toward a good use: “nothing is to be rejected, provided it is received with thanksgiving.” Even the Machine’s all-enframing and all-pervasive scope in our lives does not mean it cannot also be “sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.”  ... Continue Reading

The first and final criteria for curating our thoughts is, Does this thought help me enjoy God more in the ways he intends? Does this line of thinking incline me toward him or cause me to forget him? Does it open my eyes to his goodness, truth, and beauty, or does it dull my spiritual... Continue Reading

By all means, be intentional in how you live. As the apostle Paul put it, “To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). But also remember in this new year to rest in the goodness of Jesus. Each day with Him is a great gift. His yoke is easy, and His burden is... Continue Reading

If we are to love the Lord above all, then every fabric of our thinking and believing and doing must be brought into closest possible alignment with God’s revealed will in the Bible. “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental... Continue Reading

If you are a Christian, you really need only one New Year’s resolution, and Paul’s will be a great help to you. Especially if you’re a younger Christian or a younger person, few things can be more helpful to you than to understand that this is the way to both simplify and integrate your life.... Continue Reading

Fill the top glass. Romans 5:5 says that “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Because this is so, His love for us fills us. Then love overflows from our hearts toward others.   If you’ve ever been to a wedding or party with... Continue Reading