John Newton, a former slave trader, recounts his life of sin and eventual conversion to Christianity, becoming a prominent figure in Christian history and influencing the abolition of the slave trade through his friendship with William Wilberforce. [... more]

Backsliding is a serious sin that can lead to a loss of assurance, but the Holy Spirit can revive it through renewed prayer, confession, and forsaking of sin. The Puritans believed that divine desertion, or the withdrawal of God's presence, can occur, but it is not the norm. Instead, the believer's sin and neglect of spiritual disciplines are usually the cause of lost assurance. Revival of assurance begins with a longing cry of the heart for the Holy Spirit not to be taken from us, and it can be achieved by returning to the means of grace, such as secret prayer and the preached word. [... more]

The danger of desertion is a subtle fade away from the Lord, often driven by a love for the present world. As seen in the story of Demas, this can lead to a hardened heart toward God's word and a tendency to sluggishness in Christian discipline. However, God promises to heal backsliding and loves us freely, calling us to detest our sin and find hope in his unmerited favor. [... more]

The faithful presence of the Lord will sustain us even when others fail us. The Apostle Paul's example shows us that God's presence and strength are always available to us, regardless of our circumstances. [... more]

The Bible offers hope for those struggling with loneliness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and the promise of God's presence. Jesus is portrayed as a faithful friend who understands and comforts those in need, offering a way out of loneliness through repentance and forgiveness. [... more]

Building a strong and long-lasting marriage requires effort and commitment from both partners. Selfishness, communication breakdown, and adultery are significant threats to marriage, but with God's guidance and biblical principles, couples can overcome these challenges and strengthen their relationship. By prioritizing communication, respecting each other, and seeking forgiveness, couples can build a strong foundation for their marriage and create a happy home that is a powerful testimony to a lost world. [... more]

When you cross God's deadline, it's too late. God speaks to us through the Holy Spirit and through situations we face, but sometimes when God convicts, we still rebel. If we continue to stiffen our necks to his direction, we may experience strong delusion, spiritual desertion, and sudden death. The greatest sin is the rejection of spiritual truth, and God will not allow us to disbelieve his Son and trample beneath our feet his blood but only so long. There comes a time when God's cup of patience and mercy is filled to the brim, and then it will be too late. [... more]

Adrian Rogers warns about crossing God's deadline, emphasizing the importance of spiritual direction and the consequences of stubborn disobedience, leading to sudden destruction and strong delusion, ultimately resulting in spiritual desertion and separation from God. [... more]

Chuck Swindoll reflects on the emotional and punishing moments that define the final week of Jesus' life, including his intense suffering and ultimate unconditional surrender in the Garden of Gethsemane. [... more]

Jesus' greatest mental and emotional anguish occurred in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away from him, yet ultimately surrendered to his duty to bear the sins of humanity. [... more]