The Mirror — Walk through James 1:22-25
You won’t be surprised to hear me say that time spent studying the Bible is never wasted. However, when we leave without heeding the following advice from the book of James, we are fooling ourselves into thinking we did something noble to grow our faith.
Be Still and Know… How to Rest in Jesus
Recently, I took a few hours off to be by myself and get away with Jesus. I sat on bench by a fountain in town and envisioned myself in the presence of God - something that is always a reality, but I chose to focus in on this beautiful truth. My heart felt burdened and overloaded and I brought this feeling before God. In my heart, I spoke out, “Lord, please don’t take this as a feeling of ungratefulness. You are nothing but present with me and have blessed me in countless ways.” His gentle voice spoke back, “I know. I see your heart. You are not here to complain. You are here, so I can fill your cup.”
6 Attributes of a Redeemed Christian and a Transformed Church
We have been made alive in Christ. Now, what do our lives look like? What should they look like? And what impact may that have on the Church?
Paul encourages us to live renewed lives by the mercy of God and to enter into God-centered community with one another. Which of these six attributes do you already wear by His grace, and which do you need to put on today?
Overcoming Bitterness with Patience
Overcoming bitterness can be hard work, but in the end, it's so worth it. While bitterness is a burden to the soul, forgiveness and patience bring freedom. Let's take a look at Psalm 37 as it teaches us how to overcome bitterness with patience.
When You Don't Get the Rest You Need
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31.
Those were Jesus’ words to His disciples after one of their ministry journeys. A restful retreat: what a good idea! But did they get their retreat or did they have to wait?
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Keeping An Eternal Perspective
What happens when you develop an eternal perspective on life - when you choose to keep your eyes on Jesus in the midst of earthly trouble? What does it mean to keep an eternal perspective that brings you peace in all circumstances?The apostles are amazing examples to us of believers totally given to a life of ministry, loving God and loving others, and advancing His kingdom. Let’s learn from them.
Understanding God’s Will
Wouldn’t you just love to magically know God’s will in any situation? Life would be so much easier if we just knew God's plan for our lives, right?
Directions for every twist and turn of your life may not be written out on paper, but God does tell us in His Word how we can test and approve what His will is.
We don't have to wander in the dark.
How to Trade Your Anxiety for God's Peace
How can God meet us when we are anxious and stressed? Let these Bible verses encourage you to leave your stress and anxiety at His feet and take up His peace instead. What a trade!
How Often Should I Study the Bible?
It’s commonly said that Christians should read their Bible every day. Is that a biblical command? Are we required to read the Bible daily? What if we can’t figure out how to make that happen? How often do we need to study the Bible to be faithful followers of Christ?
How to praise God like King David
Praise is an essential part of worshipping God. We don’t approach our heavenly Father only to ask more of Him but also to remember not only what He has already given us but also Who He is. We praise Him simply for being God, our faithful Father, our loving Creator, our righteous King.
What Does It Mean to Be “In Christ”?
Before long, any believer will come across the phrase “in Christ” either while studying the Bible or hearing another believer talk about matters of the faith. Who is “in Christ”, and what does that phrase mean? Let me help you better understand Bible passages that use the phrase “in Christ”.
Romans: Learning Grace
Discover the good news of the gospel with new excitement when you study through the book of Romans with us. Paul explains why salvation by faith for all should change the way we extend grace to ourselves and others.
Romans: Don't Conform. Be transformed.
The Bible is anything but dry. Bible study should never be merely about gaining head knowledge but all about changing our lives for the better.
Paul has explained the gospel to us in depth. Now, he encourages us to put it into action. So, how do we put “justification by faith” into action?
Romans: God is More Than Fair
Are you awed by the incredible news of the gospel after reading the book of Romans up until now? How can our hearts not be soaring with excitement over the freedom we have in Christ?
Yet, Paul seems to anticipate a different reaction from his audience. He expects them to still be stuck on this question, “What good is it to be a descendant of Abraham?” Doesn't their status as a Jew or an Israelite mean anything anymore? The Jews had been God's favored people for so long. How can the playing field be completely level now? How can faith be accessible to both Jews and Gentiles alike all of a sudden? This just did not seem fair to them.
Romans: More Than Conquerers
The gospel is freeing. It tells us that God's grace will always be bigger than our mistakes. We have savored that fact over the last few weeks. We left off with this question: What is the conclusion of all this for our lives going forward? Shall we go on sinning so that God can show Himself even more gracious?
Chapter 6 starts with this question. Paul immediately gives us a resounding “no”! Of course, we should not set out to sin more than our sinful selves will naturally do. We have committed our lives to Christ and His standards. While obedience to Him does not earn our salvation, it certainly should be an outworking of it.
Romans: God's Plans Don't Change.
Our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He does not change. He is never surprised by anything, and His promises hold true from beginning to end.
It is a common misconception that God was different in the Old Testament than in the New, or that salvation was obtained differently then compared to now. The truth is that God planned to send Jesus to save us from day one.
Romans: I Am Not Ashamed
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles.”
Romans 1:16
Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. In fact, it is his whole reason for writing and his driving force for traveling and ministering to people he otherwise never would have met or loved.
How to Remain Faithful to God in a Faithless World
Living out our faith boldly and faithfully is not always easy. Every day, we are confronted with a world that teaches lies and has no interest in the truth. We meet opposition - and often shy away from it. How do we remain faithful, continue to make disciples, and discern between true and false teachings in a world that’s drifting further from the truth?