Faithful Christians cannot help but look strange to unbelievers of all sorts—progressive and conservative, urban and rural, young and old. But that doesn’t mean we fundamentally are strange, not from the standpoint of eternity. No, from the perspective of “forever and ever,” the strangest thing of all is this present world of sin, this God-ignoring age. ... Continue Reading

Nehemiah’s prayer is not only a dimension of his political leadership; it is integral to his personal piety and practice. We look at leaders in Christ’s church and we see the urgency and necessity of prayer for them. Whatever sphere is in view, whether church, home, government, world, prayer is featured as the conduit for believers... Continue Reading

The concept of being “devoted to prayer” might seem daunting at first. After all, in our busy lives, how can we possibly maintain a constant state of prayer? The key lies in understanding that prayer isn’t just about bowed heads and folded hands. It’s about an ongoing conversation with God, a constant awareness of His presence... Continue Reading

God’s people are part of His army.  The tribes—including all of their men, women, and children—were called armies and camped as such.  Second, this army is inherently expeditionary—they were meant to move and conquer rather than defend.  Third, this army subdues the enemy without compromise: enemies who would not submit and become slaves of righteousness... Continue Reading

Those who know God have confidence in his character. Life is full of trials; in a fallen world there is no escape from pain. Scripture does not cover up that pain. Rather, it says, My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one... Continue Reading

The “instruction” that he refers to is not his own personal advice, but rather the instruction of God, revealed through his Word, of which Solomon is now a representative. Solomon is not asking his audience to hear and obey every personal whim of his simply because he’s the older, more experienced one among them. He is pointing... Continue Reading

As we experience these hardships, Paul promises that God is for us and that we will be victorious. Because of Christ’s all-sufficient death, resurrection, and continuing intercession on our behalf, God is our kind-hearted Father (Romans 8:32) and righteous Justifier (verses 33–34), which our experiences of hardship do not minimize or erase. Hence, our victory... Continue Reading

Though the Bible doesn’t tell us specifically who will or won’t be saved, we serve a God who is both sovereign and trustworthy. If your knees are sore from praying and waiting for a lost one to be found, remember: He makes all things beautiful in His time (Ecclesiastes 3:11). He waits with us on... Continue Reading

Our attempts will always fail. There are no works we can do to add to what he has already done on the cross to pay for our sins. His covering is perfect since he is the Master Painter. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).   A few... Continue Reading

In the tabernacle worship, God stipulated that salt be added to the grain offering (Lev. 2:13). Salt here is an emblem of the fellowship that is enjoyed between the Lord and His priestly people. In fact, with regard to the Levitical priests, God establishes what is called a “covenant of salt” (Num. 18:19), since communion with God... Continue Reading