Grieving the loss of a loved one is a painful process that takes time. The hurt is unavoidable as the soul reckons with their absence. And the agony like a hurricane can seem so powerful that it will destroy us. Yet God’s Word tells us that when we are at our lowest, we call out... Continue Reading

We overcome the world with its bondage to sin and destiny for destruction by faith in the saving, victorious work of Jesus Christ. The commandments of which John has just spoken (5:2-4) have to do with love for Jesus and allegiance to Him. The world seeks autonomy; the Christian seeks allegiance. John is once again asking... Continue Reading

If we do not give our highest love and adoration to God, we inevitably place something else on the throne of our hearts. There is no neutrality. You will either love God above all, or you will love everything else above Him. Whether it be wealth, power, success, relationships, or fleeting pleasures – whatever supplants... Continue Reading

Every false religion. cult, and human philosophy, teaches that enough works will result  in salvation, “renewal,” “enlightenment,” or whatever concept they choose as their goal. Some who call themselves Evangelicals are diluting salvation by insisting that works have a part in salvation, but James makes it clear that works are the result of salvation (James... Continue Reading

What a precious and lovely promise is Jesus. He is the author of life in all its different facets. He not only forms us in the womb, but He rescues us from the grave in the gift of His righteousness. He provides us life day-by-day in the daily bread of grace. He feeds us the... Continue Reading

Jesus was not enamored by human recognition. His one desire was to do the will of the Father. And He knew He could not do God’s will if He did not know God’s will. He knew He would have no Divine energy without Divine connection.   But the news about Him was spreading even farther,... Continue Reading

Indeed, it is through Jesus Christ, the great prophet, Intercessor, and eternal Son of God that intercession for His people is accomplished. Hebrews says He is always praying and interceding for you and me. Think of your savior praying and standing in the breach on our behalf because He truly, like no one else, could... Continue Reading

To concede that you are a good person is to wave Christ off—no doctor needed. But to bend the knee as sinners is to receive freely the everlasting healing of Christ: forgiveness, justification, and resurrection. Come to Jesus, the only doctor in life and in death, body and soul, for now and forever.   After... Continue Reading

In short, Thomas’s demand that he first poke his fingers in Jesus’ wounds before believing was a bit much. His friends’ report should have been adequate evidence, ergo the scold. Our insight clears up another confusion regarding “seeing” and faith. Paul tells the Corinthians, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). Once... Continue Reading

Believers need not fear death and we’ll receive it willingly when God calls us to it. But until then, we give ourselves for the good of others and the glory of God. We tell those who don’t know about the beauty of our God and the good news of his gospel. We encourage believers not... Continue Reading