Is Your Spiritual Life Self-Focused? What is God doing for me? Why doesn’t God fix this?! I go to church but I don’t get anything out of it. I have tried to serve the Lord, but things don’t work out right. These are common questions, but dangerous ones. We can see faith (if one had it at … Read moreIs Your Spiritual Life Self-Focused?
Reading the Book of Proverbs Proverbs, with 31 chapters, is a book that fits well into a monthly reading program. You can read one chapter each day of the month, with minor adjustment and at the end of the year you will have read it twelve times! Some sections are made up of paragraphs … Read moreReading the Book of Proverbs
Should I Take the Bible Literally? The answer to this question depends on what a person means by it! The Bible is clearly and obviously full of metaphors, hyperbolas, and various figures of speech. That is true of all human communication, both written and verbal. For example, Jesus said: “I am the door. If anyone … Read moreShould I Take the Bible Literally?
Why is Satan so Effective? Satan is effective in pulling people into sin and rebellion because he ignores all the rules. Most significantly – he is a liar. Read the Bible account of the first sin (Genesis 3:1-6). Satan will tell you whatever you want to hear. He will contradict God, truth and reality without … Read moreWhy Is Satan So Effective?
Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). Hunger and thirst are blessings because they push one to get what is desperately needed for survival. If you hunger and thirst for righteousness Jesus promises that you will be filled. You will get what you … Read moreHungering and Thirsting for Righteousness.
How Do I Get the Fruit of the Spirit? The fruit of the Spirit is not something you receive. It is something He produces in you! Fruit is the produce of plants. The word is often used metaphorically for all kinds of things produced. In Galatians 5:22-23 “…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, … Read moreHow Do I Get the Fruit of the Spirit?
Are You A Peacemaker? Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). I picture myself mediating between two parties at odds with each other, telling them to calm down and forgive. What a noble idea. However, that is not what Jesus means. Peacemakers are called sons of God … Read moreAre You A Peacemaker?
Can I Learn to Interpret Scripture? People beginning to read and study the Bible are often afraid that they will not be able to understand it. How can I make sure I am reading it right. What is the key to proper interpretation? We need to start with the confidence that God as our … Read moreCan I Learn to Interpret Scripture?
The Testing of Your Faith Produces Patience — James 1:2-4 Read the text carefully. Joy is not in suffering trials. Joy is in knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. Patience is a steadfast spirit that enables one to keep going and going, even when it is difficult: strong persistence. To acquire such character would be … Read moreThe Testing of Your Faith Produces Patience — James 1:2-4
Confession part 2 — What’s it mean to confess Christ? Remember that the word confess means to openly admit, declare or assert one’s own conviction. What does it mean to confess Christ? Quite literally it means that you declare what you believe about Him, openly. Of course to properly and accurately confess Christ one … Read moreConfession part 2 — What’s it mean to confess Christ?
