Daniel's story in the lion's den is a powerful reminder of God's provision and faithfulness, as he is delivered from the lions' den despite the king's decree. The story highlights the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the importance of faithfulness in the face of adversity. It also critiques moralistic readings of the Bible, emphasizing that the gospel is about Jesus' redemptive purposes, not just about following instructions for godly living. [... more]

God's grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly desires, while also instructing us to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in this present world. As we grow in Christ, we must learn to deny the old life and put on the new man, affirming the attributes of sensibility, righteousness, and godliness. [... more]

Biblical faith is rooted in the balance of grace and truth, which are inseparable and essential for a Christian life. Moralism and amoralism are two opposing forces that can lead to either legalism or a lack of morality, while blessing and curse are forms of speech that can either bring hope and transformation or despair and destruction. Jesus' teaching on grace and truth is a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment in our daily lives. [... more]

God's design is to bring glory through the union of opposites, as seen in the relationship between male and female. Jesus is the embodiment of both grace and truth, and his presence in our lives brings us near to the glories of God. Understanding the balance between grace and truth is essential for living a healthy and holy life, and recognizing the dangers of moralism and amoralism is crucial for speaking like God and being like God. [... more]

Jesus presents two ways to live, the way of the Pharisees and the way of Jesus, as he concludes the Sermon on the Mount. He warns against false prophets, diseased trees, and those who do good deeds for personal gain, emphasizing the importance of faith and the gospel in achieving righteousness and entering the kingdom of heaven. [... more]

God's righteousness is given as a gift, not earned through moralism or external obedience. Christians act righteously because they are motivated by God's love and desire to imitate their heavenly Father. This is in contrast to other religions, which emphasize external behavior and obedience to gain acceptance. The Gospel changes people from the inside out, producing a desire to love and serve others, and leading to a life of love, sacrifice, and purity. [... more]

The Gospel empowers us to say no to temptations and grow deep with God, not just save us from sin. It's a change of desire, a response to grace, and a new knowledge of God that comes through the story of Jesus. This change is total, transforming our hearts and lives, and is more powerful than religious change. [... more]

Christian morality is fundamentally different from other religions due to the transformative power of the gospel, which creates a change of desire and a love for truth, in contrast to moralism, which focuses on external behavior and fear of punishment. [... more]

The Christian life is a balance of grace and truth, where blessing is a form of speech that is full of both. Without truth, blessing becomes moralism, leading to a life of deception, while without grace, truth becomes amoralism, leading to a life of no right or wrong. Jesus came to bless our lives with his fullness of grace and truth, and his death on the cross was the meeting point of truth and grace, releasing the power of unlimited grace. [... more]

Alan Wright explores God's design and the importance of balance in our lives, discussing the concepts of grace and truth, blessing and curse, moralism, and amoralism, and how to apply these principles to our relationships and daily interactions. [... more]

A genuine walk with God manifests itself in transformed attitudes and practices, as seen in the character qualities of Christ lived out in His people. Christians are called to pursue Christ, not moralism, and to be bold salt contrasting the world system around them. [... more]

The state of theology in America is a topic of concern, with many Americans holding unbiblical views on God, salvation, and ethics. A recent survey found that 67% of respondents agreed that God accepts the worship of all religions, and 53% believed that Jesus was a great teacher but not God. Dr. Stephen Nichols, chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries, discusses the survey's findings and the implications for the church and society. [... more]

God's patience is often mistaken for leniency, but it's actually a demonstration of His goodness and loving nature. However, when we judge others for their sins while ignoring our own, we reveal our own hypocrisy and moralism. Paul's teachings in Romans chapter two highlight the importance of examining our own hearts and actions, rather than simply pointing out the faults of others. True faith and righteousness come from a changed heart, not just outward rituals or appearances. [... more]

Learning to speak like God involves understanding the balance of grace and truth, as seen in Jesus's perfect blend of both. This requires recognizing the difference between blessing, which combines grace and truth, and curse, which lacks both. By embracing this balance, individuals can become dispensers of both grace and truth, just like God, and live a life of authenticity and hope. [... more]

As beloved children of God, Christians act righteously by imitating their heavenly Father, living lives of love and sacrifice for others, and avoiding impurity and selfishness. The Gospel reveals the beauty of God's love, giving believers a desire to imitate God's character and live according to His will. [... more]

Christianity is fundamentally different from other faiths due to the empowering nature of the Gospel, which not only saves us from past sins but also empowers us to resist present temptations. The Gospel is not just the entry point into Christianity but also the means of growth and transformation, leading to a deeper love for truth and a renewed heart that delights in God's knowledge. [... more]

Christian morality fundamentally differs from other religions in that it's not just about following a list of rules, but about a change of desire, driven by a love for truth and a desire to be like Jesus. This change is achieved through a new knowledge of God, gained through the story of Jesus, and a renewed heart, made possible by spiritual renewal. The result is a transformation that goes beyond external behavior, leading to a love for righteousness, holiness, and forgiveness. [... more]

Chip Ingram continues his series What the World Needs Now, focusing on Jesus' teachings on being authentic difference makers in a world filled with agendas and moralism. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's kingdom and living a life of love, humility, and service, rather than being driven by materialism and a desire for success. [... more]

Moralistic preaching, a common misconception about Christianity, focuses on being good and following commands without the good news of God's promises and Jesus' work. This approach can lead to despair or pride, but the gospel offers a balance between law and gospel, emphasizing Christ's obedience and substitutionary death. [... more]