Jesus told his disciples in the upper room discourse that they would experience affliction in the world (Jn. 16:33). Paul was no stranger to suffering (2 Cor. 11:23ff.), and he knew that following Jesus didn’t make us exempt from disease or disaster. The word Paul used for destined in this verse, keimai, is used throughout... Continue Reading

Many people feel lonely whether or not they are physically distanced from others. For a lot of us, the challenge of this time is not so much being away from many people but being forced to relate more intensely to just a few people in our own households! Nevertheless, many are aware of a deep... Continue Reading

I don’t know if you remember angels from the Bible but they were ready for war. It would have been so easy for them to sweep through the empire killing every enemy, destroying the cities and the temples, crushing all resistance and getting that sweet revenge on every wicked thought of wicked men that did... Continue Reading

Though God has warned a thousand times concerning the fruit of forbidden sin — that “in the day you eat of it you shall surely die” — the devil never tires of telling Adam’s children, “You shall not surely die” (Genesis 2:17; 3:4). “No, no,” he says. “What danger could there be in one small... Continue Reading

Christ is far, far, better than Asa both in devotion and duration. Devoted to true religion, His Gospel removes idols and His Spirit empowers preaching. His love compels saints praise. Messiah fortifies His Church – truth’s pillar and bulwark. Founded on apostolic doctrine, with Christ Himself chief capstone, the Kingdom of God is now comprised... Continue Reading

Corruption, selfishness, greed, racism, abuse, and murder continue to abound as they have since Genesis 3. Such realities often tempt us to simply give up. But, don’t forget, believer, that Revelation 21 is coming. Don’t give up. Keep fighting the good fight and shining the light as you push back the darkness. Doing so will cost... Continue Reading

Humility is the basis of all application. If we see no need to change, we won’t. Those who would be humble appliers of the Bible must be courageous, because this humility requires a terrifying prayer: God, please show me my sin. Bring people and situations into my life that show me my need to change.... Continue Reading

Assurance fills our hearts with love for Christ. He is not only the foundation of assurance, but he is himself the fountain from which we daily drink. He quenches our thirst. Assurance of salvation is assurance of Jesus. He becomes everything to us.     Assurance of salvation is one of the most precious Christian... Continue Reading

We often talk about turning to Jesus and repentance and faith, and God forgiving your past, remaking you in the present, and guaranteeing your future. That’s what it means to follow Jesus: we turn to him with empty hands of faith and we’re transformed by him, and we follow him for the rest of our... Continue Reading

People often talk about our need to think God’s thoughts after him. This is certainly true, but we should also love what God loves. God transforms not just our thinking but our affections as well. And when the things I know and love change based upon God’s work in my life, my commitments will change... Continue Reading