“WE HAVE REDEMPTION THROUGH [Christ’s] BLOOD, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS, ACCORDING TO THE RICHES OF HIS GRACE” (Eph. 1:7).
The climax of Paul’s first recorded sermon is reached in Acts 13:38;39, where he declares:
… ➡“BE IT KNOWN UNTO YOU THEREFORE, MEN AND BRETHREN, THAT THROUGH THIS MAN IS PREACHED
“The way we conceive the future sculpts the present, gives contour and tone to nearly every action and thought through the day. If our sense of future is weak, we live listlessly.
The Christian faith has always been characterized by a strong and focused sense of future, with belief … ➡
One of my favorite Scripture verses occurs in the opening chapter of the Bible: “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'” – Genesis 1:28
Does God want us to be fruitful? Absolutely. Does God bless people because … ➡
Paul shows us that complaining actually gives place to the enemy in our lives because he thrives in an atmosphere of complaining. The Bible also shows us that we as believers should focus and meditate on the “good” and “praiseworthy” (Philippians 4:8). Complaining, called murmuring in the King James, … ➡
Why does God seem to wait when we so desperately are begging Him to “do something?” When we think of God’s timing, it can be common to lapse into a mindset that God’s clock is unintelligible, wound by a Deity who is distant and aloof to our desires. The … ➡
When my kids were small, they were enamored with Siberian huskies because … well, they’re sled dogs and they’re cool! They wanted a husky more than anything and mentioned it often (by often, I mean often). After caving in to my daughter (a common occurrence), we found a beautiful … ➡
Revelation 3:8:
“I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”
God opens doors in our lives for various reasons. There can be … ➡
The life of Paul gives us many remarkably inspiring examples of finding contentment in God’s grace.
Philippians 1:21:
… ➡“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain … For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is
The passing of a loved one is often a devastating and life-altering event. It conjures emotions from deep within that often prompts thoughts such as “It’s not supposed to be like this … One minute my life was ‘normal’ and it has now become unbearable …” As this new … ➡
God wants a heart of repentance and a fruitful life.
Galatians 5:22:
… ➡“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to
The holidays can be stressful. There are more activities to attend and more responsibilities to take care of and, as a result, emotions tend to heighten. Holidays after a major family change are even more intense as everyone anticipates what the transition will look and feel like. Your children … ➡
To lead a joyful and peaceful Christian life, it’s imperative that we let God preside over situations that are beyond your control. Worry and trust do not coexist. When we invite worry in the front door of our lives, our faith will inevitably depart through the back. So we … ➡
Heavenly Father,
This is our prayer for the lost. We ask that You continue rescuing unbelievers from the domain of darkness and to continue bringing them to the cross of Jesus. You alone can draw and enable them. Please send Your Holy Spirit with power to convict them of … ➡
Is the drinking of wine and other alcohol sinful pleasure, or a healthful life-improving habit? We saw that Christ approved of drinking wine. His actions and words set the example by which Christians are to live their lives.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 states “Drink your wine with a merry heart.” Psalm … ➡
Jesus brings His Sermon on the Mount to a close with some warnings concerning the difference between true and false discipleship. There are two distinguishing characteristics given here regarding the road that “leads to life”: it’s “narrow” and only a few find it. It’s narrow in that it … ➡
A good way to determine how steadfast your faith in Christ is, and how completely you have given your life over to the leading of God’s Holy Spirit, is to consider the joyous message we are given in Galatians 5:22 – 25:
But the fruit of the Spirit is … ➡
Heavenly Father,
As our Protector and Guide, You are the greatest Friend and Joy we have! To be able to come to You in prayer like this is the most beautiful part of our lives! Father, You know what I am facing and the reasons why these doors and … ➡
Heavenly Father,
Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to You in this time of affliction. As we place our sick under Your care, we humbly ask that You restore Your servant to health again. Giver of life and health, please comfort and relieve Your sick servant, … ➡
My Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I am familiar with all your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me, you live and … ➡
Early in my walk, I met with a local minister seeking understanding and guidance throughout a difficult time of my life. At this point, I had met or conversed with several other ministers, pastor counselors and individuals … all of whom offered their sincerest insights, advice, analogies and blessings. … ➡
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