Hebrews 12:1-3 INTRODUCTION What motivates you in the daily race of life? If your motivation is anything that the natural world offers (riches, popularity, success, physical gratification, etc.), then you do not have God’s motivating factor at the center of your life. If your motivation is related to another person (earning respect, having them serve you,…
This article focuses on a three-word phrase that is central to the Christian faith. The phrase, JESUS IS LORD, has only one meaning but has innumerable applications. This phrase encompasses all of human history—past, present, and future— and reveals the infinite power that orders the universe. The reality of this phrase causes demons to tremble and,…
The church is described in various ways in the New Testament. One of these metaphors is a temple, a dwelling of God in the Spirit that is described in Ephesians 2:19-22. In verse 19 the church is pictured as a family or community. This partially describes the closeness God intends for His people, but the picture of the…
Excerpted from Forgiveness: The Possible Impossibility Forgiveness is, literally, at the heart of Christianity. Its meaning is not difficult to understand, but “to forgive” as a way of life is not something one does naturally. Forgiveness means “to cancel a debt” or “to set aside.” It is not based on feelings but, instead, involves a choice…
Excerpted from Forgiveness: The Possible Impossibility Forgiveness is at the heart of Christianity and means “to cancel a debt” or “to set aside.” The awesome demonstration of God’s love—the sacrifice of Jesus—is the perfect example of forgiveness that sets the standard by which God’s children are to forgive others. Ephesians 4:32, Be kind to one another,…
Excerpted from Joyful and Worry Free Joy overflows when Jesus is the center of your life. This joy is observable, as should be a companion characteristic noted in Philippians 4:5, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand” (ESV). Some translators say that Philippians 4:5 is one of the greatest translation challenges in Scripture.…
Loving a supposedly unlovable mate may seem impossible—and it is when we rely on our own strength. The impossible, however, becomes possible when the power of Christ’s love controls us. Jesus demonstrated the dimensions of God’s love while here on earth. Apart from supernatural power, none of us can display the consistent love that Jesus…
Forgiveness Forgiveness is at the heart of God’s message to you in His Word and in His Son. Take time to rest in God’s comfort and assurance as you review some of the matchless aspects of His forgiveness provided through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:7, In Him [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of…
God’s love is one of the characteristics of His very Being (God is love . . . 1 John 4:8). His love is obviously perfect and beyond our full comprehension in this life. Only when believers are in the presence of Jesus in the life to come will we be able to fully understand and…
Biblical Perspectives in Everyday Life Today I saw two wildly differing views of God’s involvement in our lives. One man, in a local newspaper, referred to God as “the guy that lives a bazillion miles away up in the sky.” The other viewpoint was displayed in a poem on a website that was sent to…