What binds followers of Christ together? Are all believers in Jesus Christ truly joined together, and if so, how does this unity happen? Is it automatic, or are we called to take action? Jesus prayed for our unity (John 17:21), indicating that both divine initiative and our response matter. God’s love is the initiator, andContinue reading “Who is the Weaker?”
Category Archives: Forgiveness
RSVP
Being invited to celebrate a feast with those who share a common love for the host should be an exciting and joyous experience. Consternation can arise when the invitee has (1) unresolved feelings between competing loyalties or (2) concerns about their capacity constraints. The host sets the terms (such as the venue, date, format, andContinue reading “RSVP”
Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 5 (The Conclusion)
Chapter 5 concludes the Apostle’s letter to his family in Christ with encouragement that God-birthed faith in Jesus, the Son of God, overcomes all evil. It is this faith that is the victory because it culminates in eternal life with Father God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, and every believer that ever lived. With such an affirming letter about eternal life andContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 5 (The Conclusion)”
Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Against False Teaching)
There is an idiom that goes like this: “unable to see the forest for the trees”. In chapter 1 John 4, the Apostle John gives direction to see through a forest of various trees (so to speak) by simply looking up to the Source of life and love. Are you trying to sort out what’sContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 4 (Against False Teaching)”
Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:12-24
In 1 John 2:12-24, the Apostle John progressed in his teaching on the assurance of the believer by instructing believers to reject all that would detract from a growing faith in Christ and to apply the truth to all aspects of life. So, how do you know you are growing in your faith? What thingsContinue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:12-24”
Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11
How many people say they “know” you? I’ve frequently heard people say they know another person, but based on their descriptions and actions, I doubted their level of intimacy with them. Knowing someone implies a form of relationship, and a relationship impacts those involved. Some assume they know someone based on facts they have obtained,Continue reading “Taking Advice from the Beloved Disciple – 1John 2:1-11”
A Renewing Mind Does … (Romans 12:3-21)
Following Christ is the most unnatural thing without the indwelling Holy Spirit’s application of the Word of God! Suppose I don’t think too deeply about how I am to live and merely concentrate on the benefits of being a Christian. In that case, I can see how many aspiring followers in the last few decadesContinue reading “A Renewing Mind Does … (Romans 12:3-21)”
Eternally Loved & Earnesly Longing – Romans 8, Part 3
Have you ever noticed that some of the strongest warnings and exhortations in the Bible are to those who toy with the idea of compromise with other worldviews or systems? There is a central theme throughout Scripture that anyone who desires God’s eternal life, love, and promises must be willing to be devoted to God despiteContinue reading “Eternally Loved & Earnesly Longing – Romans 8, Part 3”
No Condemnation in Christ – Romans 8, Part 1
I am so thankful that my eternity rests in the hands of my Father who is made a covenant with me that He cannot break without ceasing to be what He has declared about Himself in His Word. Consider that for a moment. If God breaks His covenant to bring those whom He has redeemedContinue reading “No Condemnation in Christ – Romans 8, Part 1”
The Benevolent Covenant of Grace is His Binding Commitment (Part 2)
This is the second part of my study in Romans 4. Last time we looked at how Abraham was saved by grace through faith; and yes, based on Scripture, that faith was in Jesus Christ. While that is absolutely amazing, it is not impossible for eternal God (who is not limited to our space-time, orContinue reading “The Benevolent Covenant of Grace is His Binding Commitment (Part 2)”
DesiringFruitfulness 