John presents us with two truths The person who CONTINUES to live a life caught up in sin has been co-opted and deceived by the devil’s influence in their lives.

Aren’t we so very silly sometimes! We hide what we’ve done and what we’re planning from the Lord. Of course, we’re only fooling ourselves. At first glance, God’s knowing our plans

In times of horror and disaster, people routinely ask, “Where is God in all of this?” In reality, we often leave God at the periphery of our lives and look

Crucifixion was so hideous, so inhumane, and vile that the words “crucify” (σταυρόω) and “cross” (σταυρός) were not considered appropriate in polite speech in Greek and Roman culture. Crucifixion was

God demands a lifestyle of a higher standard for His children. He desires for us to become more and more like Jesus as we mature in our faith. In verses

Do you want to know who walks with Jesus daily? Look for people whose lives resemble Jesus’ life! The apostle Paul describes it as having “the aroma of Christ” (2

Do you want a clear, simple, straightforward word from the Lord today? That’s what Zechariah gives us. He reminds us that God wants us to be fair, compassionate, caring, without prejudice,

We minister by grace. We are saved and made holy by God’s grace given us by Jesus. We are declared righteous and blameless before God because of the grace of

This simple and straightforward passage cuts two ways: First, we are blessed when we bless God’s children, even if the blessing is simple. Second, we can rejoice when others do

Jesus is the ultimate one “who believes.” All things WERE and ARE possible for him. He longs to do great things through us, too! In fact, he promised he would do

Who are your closest friends? Genuine friendships are challenging in a world of superficial acquaintances, shallow relationships, online friends, and chronic busyness. Today’s meaning of “friend” is nearly empty of

In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death. Our old sinful selves are crucified with Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin. We are freed from sin,

It is hard not to get discouraged when evil and wicked people get away with what is reprehensible especially when they gloat about it. Christians on every continent have things

In a time when God’s people were in shambles physically and spiritually, he promised judgment — judgment on them and their oppressors. He also revealed why judgment was coming. He

Don’t you appreciate the phrase “the splendor of his holiness”! Don’t you long to behold that splendor? It conjures up reminders of Isaiah’s encounter with God in Isaiah 6 or John’s

We should worship God with reverence. What does that mean? Is the focus on his holiness? Does this warn of judgment against sin? Is this an expression of his purity?

Life is filled with many uncertainties. You never know when something unexpected is going to happen. You have no idea when the next disaster will strike. In a world filled

Now, we can hear a more powerful promise behind these words through the voice and writing of the apostle Paul to the Philippians. I have been privileged to be present