As we study scripture even passively, we learn that the true believer’s life is marked by surrender to God’s will and love of others. We see this from the mouth of our Lord in verses like Matthew 7:21 and John 13:34-35, and from the apostles in passages such as Ephesians 4:32, James 4:7, and 1 […]
Paul closed out chapter 1 of Philippians by telling his readers that it had been granted to them to suffer for Christ just as he was. We previously saw how the word granted was to be understood as a gift, a blessing, and even favor (see Phil 1:29). Perhaps a difficult truth to digest, but […]
I’ve heard it said that the Bible was written for believers. While it certainly contains powerful truths that apply to every human, I believe this statement is generally true. Why? Because to understand, appreciate, and live by God’s Word, we must have faith and be guided in comprehension by the Holy Spirit. A lot of […]
As the world becomes more and more perverse each day, Christians must remain strong and united in the faith. The call to live differently from the unsaved permeates the Bible. God commanded His people, whether it be under the old covenant or the new covenant, to be separate – holy – from the world (cf: […]
The glory and mystery of God’s Word is that it’s how the Lord speaks to us. While we passively read about those who have received visions or even a visit from the Father Himself in the form of a burning bush, the majority of us ‘hear’ from the Lord through the Bible. This is why […]
We’ve come to a passage, and specifically a verse, that is one of the more popular in Scripture: Philippians 1:21. It is often quoted, printed on coffee mugs and wall art, and sung in songs. But as we’ve become accustomed to, it’s best to examine verses carefully to have a deeper and more accurate understanding […]
If accepting Christ and living for Him meant these things for us, would we still do it? Would we ‘sign up’ to follow Christ if it meant walking away from everything? This is the life Paul lived, and countless more of our brothers and sisters in Christ have experienced both in the past and across the world today.
Each of us should carefully consider our heart and motives in ministry work. Are we in ministry to be in the spotlight, gain notoriety, or even become wealthy? Or is our attitude one of a true servant of Christ and His gospel, which is humble, giving, and unpretentious?
Witnessing a fellow Christian joyfully endure suffering for the cause of Christ can be an opportunity for us to grow in faith, to see God’s sustaining power, and give us more resolve to proclaim the gospel in the face of opposition.
For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the […]