Aren’t we supposed to enjoy life? God intends for life to be full of joy, peace, contentment and love. Consider any number of lists of traits the New Testament letters call for, including the “fruit of the Spirit” in Galatians 5:22-23. Note this clear instruction from God: “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your … Read moreAren’t we supposed to enjoy life?
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 — its Part in the Gospel The word confess means to admit, declare or assert one’s own conviction, openly. Note first that confession is personal. If it is true confession it is the declaring of things personally known or believed, one’s own conviction. Secondly, notice that confession is an open declaration. How open, … Read moreConfession — its Part in the Gospel
“Blessed are those who mourn.” How? “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). The blessing is not in the pain, burden or grief. The blessing is in the comfort that mourners receive. There is much pain and grief in this life for which there is no relief. Time has a … Read more“Blessed are those who mourn.” How?
