In God’s great mercy he has provided a way to have a blessed relationship with him again—to have the righteousness of obedience and forgiveness of sins that opens the way to a glorious future of eternal life. But this righteousness and redemption are not gained by our own weak and sinful efforts, but by another’s... Continue Reading

When sin infiltrates the church, what’s at stake? Through the shocking account of Ananias and Sapphira, discover how hypocrisy threatens Christian community and why biblical confrontation matters – especially in honor/shame cultures. A sobering reminder that God takes holiness seriously.   In many African churches – at least here in Zambia, addressing sin within the... Continue Reading

God is more concerned with our character and spiritual growth than our comfort. The discomfort is often how he meets us. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9a, “Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power... Continue Reading

When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the... Continue Reading

In the midst of unrelenting opposition, Nehemiah repeatedly looks up. He speaks to the God of heaven who is here with him: “But now, O God, strengthen my hands” (6:9). Here’s the first key to joyful perseverance amid pervasive difficulties: look up to God. Nehemiah is famous for setting his sights heavenward in tight spots.... Continue Reading

The parts of Scripture help us to understand the whole, and the whole helps us to understand the parts. Evangelical culture rightly values Bible study, but I suspect we need to value Bible reading more. We should allow proper space for uninterrupted, extensive reading.   We’re now two months into the new year. If you’re... Continue Reading

Jesus wanted his hearers to make a comparison from the lesser to the greater. If even an unjust and uncaring judge will eventually grant the pleas of someone he dislikes, how much more will a just and caring Father grant the pleas of the child he loves?   One of the most poignant of Jesus’s... Continue Reading

We Christians should not be surprised when the Holy Spirit leads us in different ways at different times. He will not contradict his own principles or character as set forth in the Scripture, but he will not act like a machine, always responding to similar situations in exactly the same ways.   Is God with... Continue Reading

The value of the biblical languages is found in understanding the whole package that the original languages bring (lexical, syntactical, discourse analysis, etc.)–something that a congregation does not need to hear unpacked from the pulpit, but can help a pastor preach the text more faithfully.   Line by line, word by word, the preacher amazed... Continue Reading

Peter’s theology was influenced by his experiences with Jesus, which includes his vision of the transfiguration (2 Peter 1:16–21). Peter’s theological perspective emerged from his direct experiences as a disciple. His witness of Christ’s transfiguration, passion, and resurrection likely contributed to his well-developed trinitarian theology (1 Pet 1:2) and his distinctive view of suffering (1... Continue Reading