by Jon Bloom, president of Desiring God* We all long to rest from the fatigue of living. God placed the desire for rest in our souls, and He promises to fulfill it: “I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish” (Jeremiah 31:25). THE “NOW” AND “NOT YET” OF OUR REST In a very real way, Jesus gives rest…
Natural wisdom proclaims that a fulfilled life rests in the inherent goodness and promotion of one’s self. On the other hand, God’s Word teaches that fulfillment depends on one’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and this relationship calls a believer to die to self. Both of these contradictory perspectives – promoting self as opposed to dying to self – cannot be accurate.…
If you want to live for Christ, you will realize the necessity of “dying to self.” It is a necessity. Jesus said so. Matthew 16:24-25, Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever…
Biblical Perspectives in Everyday Life Humility … I have worked hard to cultivate it, sustain it, and perfect it. After all, it’s an essential quality of both Christ’s and Moses’ character (Matthew 11:29; Numbers 12:3). Without humility, one can neither receive God’s grace (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5) nor be saved (Job 22:29; Psalms 76:9; James 1:21). As a result, prior…
Of the three members of the Divine Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit), the Holy Spirit is often the most overlooked and/or misunderstood. The following characteristics and ministries of the Holy Spirit are listed to encourage your Christ-like development for the glory of God. * I. The Holy Spirit is…
Biblical Change is a Process As a believer, you may often experience internal conflict as you make choices between good and evil. Practically speaking, you will choose to live either by self-centered feelings and satisfy fleshly desires or live by faith and obey God’s Word. Growing in Christ involves prayerfully setting your mind on Jesus…
Biblical Structure for Christ-like Change The most devastating decision that anyone can make is to reject God’s love that was demonstrated and verified through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Conversely, the most eternally significant decision anyone can make is to respond to God’s love and believe in Jesus for forgiveness of one’s…
God Empowers Believers to Grow in the Christ-life The Bible states that the gift of salvation (forgiveness of sins and the granting of eternal life) is accomplished for every believer through the gracious and merciful love of God (Ephesians 2:4-9). Ephesians 2:4-9, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even…
What does Growing in the Christ-life Look Like? All believers who are faithfully growing in the Christ-life consistently bring glory to God. See Do All for the Glory of God, especially points VII and VIII, pages 5-6 Believers faithfully growing in the Christ-life abide in God and are characterized by faithful prayer, consistent study and application…
The Primary Purpose of the Christ-life If you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior, then He now lives in you. Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by…