Do you derive any satisfaction from being different? A rather general question, to be sure, and generally, the answer would probably be “no.” To be different is to be odd, or weird, or awkward, or abnormal, or some other less-than-flattering adjective—and who wants to be so described?! The Christian, however, is different by default. If…
The doctrine of election is not very popular in some circles of Christianity. If mentioned at all, it’s usually in a negative, critical way. Nevertheless, you can’t escape its presence. There are too many illustrations of God’s choosing (e.g. Abraham, Jacob over Isaac, David, Peter, Andrew, James, John, Paul…). And there are too many clear…
Every true believer in Christ will produce fruit of some kind, in some measure. Jesus makes that very clear in John 15, where He declares, “Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away…” (v. 2) Then He describes what becomes of such a branch in v. 6, “If anyone does not…
What Peter has said would come indeed has: In these “last days” scoffers abound who live according to the dictates of their own pleasure and laugh at the very idea that Jesus Christ will come again—after all, He’s been gone for nearly 2,000 years! In their scoffing folly, they fail to see that God is…
Peter’s first letter was written to Christians going through trying times, largely at the hands of others hostile to their Christian perspective and manner of life. When someone gives us a hard time, it’s easy to become consumed with desires for personal revenge or for their physical harm. And then it’s not long before those…
On the one hand, for us to experience God’s gift of salvation is quite easy because it takes no work. In contrast to every other religion in the world, the Christian doctrine of salvation requires no amount of good works in order to be saved, for “by the works of the law shall no flesh…
Being aware of the dual realities that (1) in this world Christians are going to face a measure of tribulation and troubled times, and (2) the end of this world as we know it is nearer than ever, how should Christians live? In 1 Peter 4, the inspired apostle first challenges us to be alert…
Not all conferences I have attended over the years yielded a memorable statement, something a speaker said that stuck. One did, however. It must’ve been ten years ago (by the way, I find myself say that a lot lately—everything was about ten years ago! Upon further reflection, it’s either much longer than or not nearly…
Some time ago, I made a prayer from the Psalms one of my own, using it everyday at the beginning of my prayer time, attaching it to the end of another request I picked up from The Valley of Vision. The whole prayer, I’ve found, helps properly orient my day: O, what a death it…
All parents can attest to the wonder that is their child. Mom is especially tuned in when she figures out she’s going to have a baby. This months-long process occurring within may happen somewhat gradually, but not unnoticeably! At first, of course, mom can’t ignore the obvious physical signs taking place in her body. And…