“A Still More Excellent Way”: Love Is Joyful and Forgiving
The love of God is forward-looking. It does not simply look at where we’ve been, but it looks at where we’re going by His grace.
Every local church and ministry needs to remember that it is by this great qualification—love—that God assesses all our giftedness and service. It is no exaggeration to say that without these characteristics, a church will drift away from its mission and may even disintegrate. So while we can be known for any number of things,... Continue Reading
Impressive or Known
We did not impress God into forgiveness. No. God knew us and loved us.
There’s no need to pretend we’re perfect or that we have it all together. There’s no need to wear the mask of competence and independence and unwavering success. Jesus is the one who is truly impressive, and he has followed all the rules and done everything right in our place. He is the one who is always... Continue Reading
“Thank you God for the Fleas”
The Gratitude of Betsie and Corrie Ten Boom
In the weeks to come, the crowded dormitory was a blessing. The women on camp met there regularly. Scriptures were read. Hymns were sung. Betsy and Corrie couldn’t understand why guards never closed it down. One day, Betsy asked a guard to come into the hut on another matter. She refused. Why? Because the hut was riddled... Continue Reading
Good Governance Begins with Knowledge
How Superiors, Inferiors, and Equals Must Seek Their Place
God gives us rules in society for our own good. Men are to be men, women are to be women, and kings are to be kings, and servants are to be servants. There is no denying that this is the natural order of things. We remember that the Ten Commandments are not a response to sin, but... Continue Reading
Pride Will Destroy You, Your Ministry, and People Around You
Power – Pride – Downfall
Pride will destroy you. Pride is an ugly ministry companion that doesn’t let go easily. Pride will undo years of ministry and preaching and leading. If a friend has the courage to say, I think you’ve become proud, listen to that loving correction. Let God break that chain before it breaks you. Let us daily... Continue Reading
Jesus the Zealot
The mission of church is not firstly our comfort but the glory of God.
As the Temple housed the ark of the covenant containing the law of God so too Christ is the incarnate Word and consummate revelation of God. “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his... Continue Reading
The Beauty of Creation: Created for God’s Own Glory
God brought the universe and everything in it into existence to magnify His own glory.
Observing God’s creation can inspire greater reverence for God and His handiwork. The splendor of nature serves as a reminder of God, and in nature, encircled by His creation, we might feel more connected to God. When we venerate any aspect of God’s creation, whether it be nature or another person, we recognize the significance... Continue Reading
Follow Hard After Him, and He Will Never Fail You
Learning to battle unbelief with the Prince of Preachers
We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Few Christians in the history... Continue Reading
The Basics: The Law and the Gospel
The law says “do.” The gospel announces to us what has been “done.”
The content of the law does not change once we are justified through faith. Rather, it is our relationship to the law which changes. Before we were Christ’s, the law stood in judgment upon us, condemning us because we cannot keep it. The law inflicts its curse upon us. But once we trust in Christ... Continue Reading
In Search of Community: A Place for Our Girls
Our girls—as girls—need to experience the God-designed, genuine community in our churches so they can recognize the counterfeit community of the world
Our girls are to be cared for, esteemed, sought after, taught, seen, discipled, valued, just as any member of the body of Christ is. If they are believers, just because they are young and maturing does not diminish their value or position in the body of Christ. If they are not yet believers, our prayer... Continue Reading
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