The principle is simple: generosity invites generosity. In marriage, a spirit of giving tends to awaken the same spirit in your spouse.   A gospel follow-up to “Grace and Mercy in Marriage” Marriage is often tested by the subtle pull of self-focus. Even among Christian couples who love the Lord, the gravitational force of “what... Continue Reading

When Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana, he was doing more than helping out a party that had run dry.   Historical and Theological Background At a Jewish wedding in the first century, the wine was the groom’s responsibility. One New Testament scholar wrote, “Weddings lasted seven days, and hosts invited... Continue Reading

In this age of social media, I’ve seen Bible-believing, Christ-centered people post thoughts online only to receive a string of hypercritical responses from people who wield Scripture verses like pickaxes, swiftly condemning the slightest hint of a viewpoint they consider suspicious. If I were an unbeliever reading such responses, I certainly wouldn’t be drawn to... Continue Reading

When materialism seems to be turned up louder than usual in your life, the faith of others can raise the volume on what is true. When life feels empty, the faith of others can help fill you.   All you need is a personal relationship with Jesus…well, sort of. Have you ever heard someone say,... Continue Reading

Children will often get angry and respond poorly when they’re corrected. This is to be expected. Yet we need to be willing to acknowledge that sometimes that anger is at least partially our fault. We need to swallow our pride and model for our children what we’ve been teaching them abstractly—that we are all sinners... Continue Reading

Media doesn’t inform anymore. It forms. It shapes fears, loyalties, enemies, and desires. Jesus confronted the father of lies: “When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 ESV). A people fed through deception will eventually lose the ability to discern anything... Continue Reading

There are nearly 3,000 mosques in America; Texas alone has several hundred. It is obvious that Islam is growing in influence in America. From the mayor of New York City to numerous mayors in other cities including Minneapolis (MN), Dearborn (MI), College Park (MD), Bell (CA), and 7 other cities in New Jersey; their influence... Continue Reading

At Pentecost God perfectly fulfilled his promise to empower His disciples to be His witnesses. Promise fulfillment provides certainty of God’s plan and pattern for His church. We are to be witnesses to the mighty works of God. We are to proclaim all that Christ has taught making disciples of all nations.   We have... Continue Reading

God has revealed “the immutability of his counsel” (Hebrews 6:17). His promises will never expire, for His plan will never change. We can trust His Word. Over the whole Bible flies this banner: “These words are true and faithful” (Revelation 21:5).   God’s Unchangeable Being Change fills our lives. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said... Continue Reading

Numbers vary and are difficult to verify, but the Intersociety report said at least 185,000 Nigerians—including around 125,000 Christians and 60,000 moderate Muslims—have been massacred in Nigeria since 2009, when Boko Haram terrorists began their murderous campaign to set up a caliphate across the Sahel.   Jihadist violence continues to escalate in Nigeria. Christians in... Continue Reading