Religion is ritual but faith is fire The psalmist said God makes his ministers a flaming fire Psalm Greg explains that as we obey Peter's admonition to sanctify the Lord God in your heart and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you about the hope you have Peter we are spiritual incendiaries igniting faith-fires in previously cold hearts that have never glowed with ardor and zeal for Jesus And since as James teaches a little spark often spreads into a great fire who can tell how hot and far the faith-fires God ignites through [... more]

The doctrine of sola gratia, or grace alone, is central to the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing that salvation is solely the work of God's grace in the soul. This concept is rooted in the teachings of Augustine, who argued that humanity's fallen nature renders us morally impotent, unable to choose the things of God without divine intervention. In contrast, semi-Pelagianism posits that human beings have the power to choose God, albeit with the assistance of God's grace. The Reformation's emphasis on sola gratia highlights the importance of divine initiative in salvation, underscoring that our salvation is not based on our own efforts or decisions, but rather on God's sovereign grace. [... more]

A true friend is a gift from God, elevating and strengthening their companion in Christ. Real friendships are costly, selfless, and sacrificial, building godliness in one another's lives. A friend will make you a better person, sharpening your life and preparing you for spiritual battle, and a real friend will make you more like Jesus. [... more]

Jesus Christ came into a world that would cancel him, yet he still came, demonstrating the importance of responding to cancel culture with love, humility, and a clear conscience. Christians can handle cancel culture by reacting calmly, resisting firmly, replying clearly, responding humbly, and resting inwardly, knowing that God has his own cancel culture and has already cancelled our sins through Jesus Christ. [... more]

Sanctification is a lifelong process of growing in holiness, becoming more like Jesus, as we continue our study in John chapter 17. The Holy Spirit comes to indwell us, making us new, but we still struggle with our fallen nature. The work of sanctification is progressive, and the Word of God is the means by which God works to make us more like Jesus. [... more]

God is seeking to make believers more like His Son Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, a lifelong process of growing in holiness and being transformed from what we were to what He means for us to be. [... more]

Greg Kochl, founder and president of Stand to Reason, discusses the most common challenges to the Christian faith, including questions about God's existence, authority, and character, and how to respond to objections with evidence and reason, while emphasizing the importance of faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in convincing people of the truth of Christianity. [... more]

God's truth is what we need for our faith, as revealed in His written and living Word, where He shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory. [... more]

Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ, maintained his fire for the Lord despite facing imprisonment, execution, and failure. He reflected on four key aspects of God's grace in his life: being chosen by the Father, being sanctified by the Spirit, being cleansed by the Son, and experiencing the living hope of the resurrection. Through these reflections, Peter was fired up about Jesus and continued to serve Him, demonstrating the power of God's grace and the possibility of spiritual growth and transformation. [... more]

The book of Galatians explores the concept of the new covenant, where faith in Jesus Christ is the sole means of justification, and the old covenant's law is replaced by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, allowing believers to live by grace and become like Christ. [... more]

When we stop trying to live the Christian life in our own power, and instead allow Christ to live His life through us, we experience the abundant life that God intended, soaring like eagles rather than scratching around like prairie chickens. [... more]

The Christian life is about surrendering to God's plan and letting the Holy Spirit take control, empowering us to live a life of victory over sin and spiritual growth, as outlined in Romans 8. [... more]

Sanctification is a vital part of every believer's growth in Christ, a position in which God sees us as separated unto Him, and a process that goes on in a believer's life, where the Holy Spirit keeps us apart from sin, and brings us to deeper levels of commitment, understanding, and intimacy with God. [... more]

Abby Halberstadt shares her experiences as a mother of 10, discussing the challenges of parenting, the importance of forgiveness, and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding her decisions. She also talks about the difference between guilt and conviction, and how to overcome mom guilt. Additionally, she shares her thoughts on parenting teenagers, the importance of maintaining a connection with them, and the value of faithful parenting. [... more]

Jonah's encounter with a whale and God reminds us of the sweetness of the gospel and provides practical helps for Christians today. Despite his rebellion, God's providence is evident in Jonah's life, and he learns valuable lessons about himself, prayer, and the rediscovery of God's steadfast love and grace. [... more]

Laura Zeifer-Powell shares her experiences as a Christian apologist in Muslim-majority countries, discussing the challenges faced by women and the importance of sharing the gospel with those who are open to it. She also touches on the topics of sanctification and predestination, and how they relate to God's desire for all people to come to repentance. [... more]

Jesus Christ teaches about the importance of selfless love, sanctifying love, and serving love, demonstrating his love by washing the feet of his disciples, including Judas, who would betray him. He emphasizes the need to love others as he has loved us, and to forgive and restore one another, just as he has forgiven and restored us. [... more]

The importance of a high view of God, a sufficient view of Scripture, and a proper view of man in a healthy local church. Pastor Ace Davis discusses the Overcomer Course for Young Adults, which aims to ground young adults in foundational issues of the faith and life, and to encourage them to be engaged in a sound local church. [... more]

Dr. Alan Benson explores the concept of living a purpose-driven life, shaped by gospel values and internalized priorities, as he delves into the book of Philippians and the study series 'The Mind of Christ'. [... more]

Adoption is a powerful demonstration of God's redemptive love, offering a second chance to children in need. Dr. Laurel Shaler shares her personal experiences with adoption, highlighting the challenges and rewards of welcoming children into her family. She emphasizes the importance of extending love and grace to children, especially those with difficult pasts, and offers practical advice on how to apply the five love languages in adoption contexts. [... more]