Pornography is a worldwide business that entraps people in various ways and to differing degrees and, in the process, produces $100 billion annually. This financial inflow depends on millions of people succumbing to the three “me, myself, and I” temptations that are listed in 1 John 2:16: The above hooks of self-centeredness diabolically work together to lure pornography’s adherents into…
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…
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…
There are few aspects of life more misunderstood or neglected than forgiveness. By God’s grace, this study will give biblical insight into the following aspects of forgiveness: COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT FORGIVENESS THE BASIC DEFINITION OF FORGIVENESS THE BIBLICAL CONTEXT OF FORGIVENESS—SACRIFICIAL LOVE THE EXAMPLE AND STANDARD OF FORGIVENESS CHARACTERISTICS OF GOD’S FORGIVENESS TRAITS OF BIBLICAL FORGIVENESS…
There are not many reliable avenues to gain insight into the “real you” . . . but your words, like a mirror, reflect what is in your heart. Jesus stated that reality in Luke chapter 6. Luke 6:45, The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person…
Every person has shortcomings, but how many of us want our personal failures told to others? Yet, one of the easiest habits to acquire—and one of the hardest to break—is to broadcast the sins of others. On the one hand, no one likes his/ her faults to be broadcast; yet, on the other hand, the…
Matthew 18:15-17 You demonstrate biblical love when you take steps to restore a fellow believer overtaken in sin. This not only encourages a fallen believer to return to his/her first love of Jesus Christ, but it also gives others involved in the restoration process ongoing opportunities to examine the depth of their love to the Lord…
Is your understanding of church primarily associated with buildings, programs, worship music, missions, pastors, fund-raising, corporate structure, scheduling, and age-level ministries? If so, then a review of the biblical perspective of church could be very helpful and enlightening. Basic to understanding church is its definition as well as its use in Scripture. Apart from this biblical basis, you are left with…
Medical experts can evaluate a person’s physical condition by reliable observation and testing. In the spiritual dimension, a biblical diagnosis can also reveal the spiritual health of the church (ekklesia) when key aspects of Body Life are examined. THE BODY LIFE OF WHICH CHURCH? The results of a biblical diagnosis of Body Life can vary considerably according to the…