God's relationship to us and our salvation is rooted in eternity past, where He foreknew, predestined, called, justified, and glorified those who would become His children. This process is a golden chain of five verbs that describe God's sovereign work in our lives, resulting in our adoption as His children and our ultimate glorification. [... more]

Long-term exposure to the Holy One produces holy conduct, which is the fruit of our Savior's character, sanctified conduct, and the fruit of the Spirit's control. The fruit of the Spirit is a cluster of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, which is produced by the life of Christ flowing in us. [... more]

Believers can find hope and meaning in their trials, knowing that God works everything together for their good and His glory. Through faith, they can trust that even in the midst of difficulty, God is at work, developing in them qualities that only tragedy can bring about. For those outside of faith, there are no permanent triumphs, and eternity is coming, bringing an end to all earthly achievements. [... more]

Stephen Davey shares a powerful story of how the gospel bore fruit in his life, leading him to share the gospel with a stranger and see him come to faith. He emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit for God, including the fruit of praise, surrender, spiritual maturity, sacrificial giving, and sharing the gospel with others. [... more]

Navigating credit card debt and taxes can be overwhelming, but seeking professional help and understanding tax laws can lead to financial freedom. Planning for retirement, including 401k and Roth IRA options, is also crucial for a secure future. Giving to support the work of the Lord, including tithing, is an important aspect of being a faithful steward of God's resources. [... more]

God's promise in Romans 8:28 is a guarantee that all things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This promise is not a quick cure for sorrow, but a promise of God's sovereignty and care for His people, even in the midst of trials and suffering. [... more]

The concept of marriage as a binding covenant is rooted in natural law, understood intuitively by people everywhere, regardless of their faith or background. Paul's teachings in Romans chapter 7 emphasize the limitation of the law, which only has jurisdiction over the living, and the importance of understanding the natural law of marriage as a lifelong commitment. In Christ, believers are released from the law and joined to their perfect husband, Jesus Christ, in a union that cannot be broken. [... more]

The Bible teaches that suffering is a part of life, but it also offers hope and redemption. Christians can find comfort in the knowledge that their suffering is not in vain, and that they will be redeemed and restored in the future. The Holy Spirit helps believers navigate their times of suffering and stays with them until they reach their glorious finish line in heaven. [... more]

The concept of atonement is explored in the context of biblical reconciliation, highlighting the difference between temporary covering of sins and the permanent restoration of fellowship with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [... more]

As a child of God, we inherit everything that He has, including His name, throne, and glory. This inheritance brings about the ultimate fulfillment and is a reminder that our suffering in this present world is not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. [... more]

When encountering someone on the street who is homeless, it's essential to consider the biblical foundation of caring for the poor and the importance of showing love and compassion without enabling sinful behavior. Dr. David W. Jones, a senior professor of Christian ethics, discusses the ethics of giving to homeless people and how to show compassion without causing harm, highlighting the need to consider the root causes of poverty and the importance of long-term involvement in addressing it. [... more]

As children of God, we have an inheritance waiting for us, but it must be received by faith and discipline. The Holy Spirit helps us in our battle with sin and gives us permission to call God Father, enabling us to speak of our identity as God's children and heirs. God adopts us as sons and daughters, giving us new rights, privileges, and joys, and we inherit everything that God has, including His sense of security and wealth. [... more]

The eighth chapter of the book of Romans is a transcendent passage that reveals the blessings and hope of being a child of God. Pastor Lutzer explains that being in Christ means no condemnation, forgiveness, and the righteousness of Jesus Christ, which frees believers from the law of sin and death. [... more]

The Bible teaches that salvation is not achieved through outward signs such as baptism or circumcision, but rather through a genuine inward transformation. Christians must be careful not to pretend to be more righteous than they actually are, as this can lead to hypocrisy and damage the reputation of Christianity. The law of God is meant to reveal our sin and our need for a Savior, and it is only through the gospel that we can be saved. [... more]

The relationship between man and God was destroyed when Adam rebelled, introducing physical and spiritual death into the world. For millennia, God bore man's ignorance of the promise of the coming Lamb of God, but now commands all men to repent and change their mind, admitting their sinful nature and desperately needing God's gracious forgiveness. [... more]

The Bible speaks of a coming season of cataclysmic events, including global warming and cooling, as the world heads towards a great day of God's wrath. The enemy of Christ seeks to subjugate humanity to the environment, but God's plan is to sustain life on earth until he comes to judge it. The final acts of judgment will include a great earthquake, massive hailstones, and the return of Christ to rule in his millennial kingdom. [... more]

The concept of American exceptionalism is rooted in the nation's founding on biblical principles, with its unique history, values, and destiny. The idea that America is a distinct, exceptional nation has been shaped by its early leaders, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, who believed in the country's potential to inspire the world. However, this concept has been misinterpreted and misunderstood over time, leading to shifting political, educational, and cultural trends. As Christians, it is essential to understand and preserve American exceptionalism, which is based on the recognition that government does not grant rights, but rather guards the rights that individuals inherently possess by virtue of their Creator. [... more]

God's judgment is according to truth, and those who practice evil will be condemned. Hypocrisy is a threat to anyone who dares to stand in a pulpit and correct sinners when every preacher is himself a sinner. The goodness of God leads to repentance, but those who despise his goodness will be judged according to their deeds. Every single sin we ever commit is exposed to God's perfect judgment, and we will be judged according to our works, both good and bad. [... more]

The Bible teaches that the creation of the world provides evidence of God's existence and power, making it inexcusable for people to reject Him. From the heavens to the firmament, God's handiwork is clearly visible, and His nature and power are understood by those who observe creation. This truth is used to refute theistic evolutionists and progressive creationists, who believe the creation occurred billions of years before humans appeared on Earth. Instead, the Bible assures us that men and women have been on Earth since its beginning, and all should have recognized and worshipped the true Creator God. [... more]

The story of the prodigal son is a powerful example of God's enduring love and redemption. Jesus shares this parable to illustrate the father's heart, demonstrating that He is a loving Father who desires a relationship with His children. The story highlights the contrast between the rebellious younger brother and the self-righteous older brother, both of whom are lost in their own ways. Ultimately, Jesus is the redemptive brother who leaves the comfort of heaven to seek and save the lost, offering forgiveness and a new life through His sacrifice on the cross. [... more]