The Bible speaks of the love of God as a profound and intimate aspect of His character, yet it's often misunderstood in modern culture. The love of God is not a cheap or sentimental concept, but rather a majestic and holy love that transcends human experiences and expectations. [... more]

God the Father's generous provision for our daily needs is a reminder of our dependence on His grace, and praying for our daily bread teaches us to trust in His providential care, acknowledge our dependence on Him, and give thanks for His gifts, while also emphasizing the importance of moderation and using our resources to honor His name and love our neighbors. [... more]

Peter's message in 1 Peter chapter 1 emphasizes the importance of living a holy life in an unchristian world. He encourages believers to prepare their minds, shape their conduct, and focus their will on the coming of Jesus Christ. By doing so, they can punch holes in the darkness and live for Christ in a dark world. [... more]

Jesus teaches us that true prayer is impossible without the gospel, and that the Lord's Prayer focuses on seven major themes that reveal the true character of God the Father. He instructs us to pray 'your will be done' on earth as it is in heaven, which means to fulfill our office and calling, and to live in readiness to give up our fallen desires and obey the revealed will of the Father. [... more]

The story of King Saul, a man who began well but ended poorly, teaches us about the importance of maintaining integrity and humility in the face of pressure and God's presence. We learn that true leadership is not about external appearances, but about being faithful and consistent in our actions and decisions. [... more]

A.W. Tozer's life and ministry were marked by a passion for God's glory and a call to spiritual reformation. He believed that the church must have a transforming vision of God, not a utilitarian God who brings success, but the majestic God who sits upon the circle of the earth. Tozer's preaching and writing emphasized the importance of genuine exposition of Scripture, moral reform, and the exaltation of Jesus Christ. [... more]

When the Bible talks about God's will, it's making a distinction between things God allows and things He desires, with the latter being the focus of Christian living. To live in the center of God's will, one must surrender to God by offering their body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him, and then renew their mind to align with God's will. [... more]

God calls and uses people who have experienced His presence personally, have embraced His grace, and are engaged in His mission on earth. Those who are available, expendable, and surrendered to God's will are the ones He chooses to use for great things. [... more]

The Lord's Prayer is a gift that reminds us of the divine gift of salvation, which is only possible through Jesus Christ. The prayer is a constant companion to the sacraments, and its petitions are answered in the Lord's Supper, which is a gift of forgiveness and a promise of eternal life. [... more]

The seraphim, created by God, are described in Isaiah 6 as having six wings, with two covering their face, two covering their feet, and two for flying. They are an integral part of the heavenly host, attending God at every moment, and are equipped to shield their eyes from the blazing glory of God. The purpose of this description is to convey the nature of God, emphasizing His holiness and majesty. [... more]

The kingdom of God is a gift that God the Father in love is giving to rebellious, undeserving subjects through the sending of his gift, his Son. Entrance into the kingdom of God is a miracle of resurrection, made possible by the power of God who raises the dead to life and speaks them back into existence. The kingdom of God comes as the Holy Spirit conquers hearts by means of word and sacrament, and it spreads throughout the whole world in these last days through the proclamation of the gospel. When we pray, 'Your kingdom come,' we are praying for the success of the worldwide spread of the gospel of the kingdom, the consummation of the Father's kingdom, and the establishment of his rule and reign and blessing in its fullness. [... more]

Praying God's Word back to Him can change everything, helping us understand His agenda and priorities, and leading us to pray for people's relationship with God rather than just their physical needs. [... more]

God's promise of the serpent crusher in Genesis 3:15 is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the last Adam, who brings about a restored and glorious kingdom where God's people can enjoy an intimate relationship with Him in His presence without fear, but total joy and blessing. [... more]

The death of King Uzziah left a void in Israel, raising questions about trust and security. In this moment of crisis, Isaiah met God, who is holy, unchanging, and trustworthy. This encounter highlights the importance of placing hope in the Lord, rather than earthly leaders or heroes. [... more]

Jesus teaches us to pray with intimacy and reverence, honoring God's name by our theology and practice, and seeking to glorify Him throughout the whole earth. Our relationship with God is becoming God-centered, restraining from sinning out of love and honor for the Father, not out of fear or selfish reward. We are joining in the call to worship, praying for the day when our Father's name will be hallowed in all the earth, and the gospel will be fully realized. [... more]

God's standard for purity is clear, yet the pull toward compromise can feel overwhelming. Chuck Swindahl offers a solid four-point game plan for maintaining purity, equipping listeners with the tools they need to resist sexual temptation and live a life of holiness. [... more]

Illicit sex is not a novel concept, but a timeless issue that has been present throughout history. The Bible offers guidance on how to avoid temptation and maintain a moral lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of sanctification, holiness, and obedience to God's commands. [... more]

Moral compromise has plagued humanity since the Garden of Eden, destroying lives, families, and legacies across every generation. Chuck Swindahl offers straight talk from scripture and a practical game plan to help you stand firm when the pressure mounts, living with confidence and freedom. [... more]

Jesus teaches that our understanding of God the Father determines our practice of prayer, and that righteous prayer is rooted in the knowledge of God as our Father. He commends to us a pattern of righteous prayer that focuses on the honor of God the Father, and explains that our thoughts about God are crucial in determining how we live the Christian life. [... more]

Ashley Glatter shares her personal story of wrestling with God through trials and tribulations, including the loss of her brother and son, and how she has come to trust and surrender to God's plan, even when she doesn't understand it. [... more]

The concept of the holiness of God is a mysterious and awe-inspiring experience that evokes both fear and fascination. Rudolph Otto's idea of the holy as a 'tremendous mystery' that produces tremors within us is explored through the experiences of Saint Augustine and R.C. Sproul. The ambivalence of the human response to the holy is discussed, where we are drawn to and repelled by the presence of God at the same time. [... more]

God's truth shines in darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it. The truth of God's word has survived over 4,000 years, and it will stand forever. Christians must stand against the hostilities of the world, walking circumspectly and redeeming the times, as they awake, arise, and shine with the light of God's truth. [... more]

Jesus teaches that righteous prayer is rooted in childlike trust and reverence, addressing God as our Father in heaven, and coming to Him with confidence and awe. He emphasizes that prayer is not a mechanical technique or formula, but an expression of gospel-based faith, and that knowing God as Father is the key to understanding Christianity. [... more]

Jesus teaches that true righteous prayer stems from the grace of God in the gospel, and that it is rooted in sonship and a relationship with the Heavenly Father. He contrasts this with the hypocritical, pompous, and purposeless prayers of the scribes and Pharisees, which are based on a misunderstanding of how God the Father expects to be approached. Jesus gives us the model of righteous prayer in the Lord's Prayer, which is a divine, gospel-centered, and wisdom-guided pattern for prayer that is rooted in the gospel of grace and intended to guide believers in their life of faith. [... more]

A life-changing experience of the majesty of God led to a new understanding of the character of God the Father, shifting focus from personal salvation to the transcendent power and otherness of God, and a lifelong pursuit of the holiness of God. [... more]

The concept of God's anger is explored in the context of the book of Job, where it's revealed that God's anger is a function of His holiness and not a personal attack on individuals. Dr. Abadan Shah explains that God's wrath is necessary to destroy sin, but it's not directed at believers who have a mediator in Jesus Christ. [... more]

Gossip is a behavior that displeases God and damages relationships, while humility is a key aspect of spiritual growth and maturity. Practicing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, just like Jesus, is essential for living a holy life. Understanding the importance of not talking about others and being responsible for one's words and actions is crucial for spiritual maturity. [... more]

The tabernacle was a sanctuary that communicated spiritual lessons about heaven and the holiness of God. It was a place of God's holy presence in the midst of his people, where he dwelled amongst them. The tabernacle taught the Israelites about holiness, the means by which the Father gives to his son help to enter his presence and relate to the Lord. It was a tangible place for Israel to relate to their God through sacrifices and prayers, recreating the relationship that existed before the fall of Adam and Eve into sin. [... more]

Christians in ancient cities like Smyrna and Philadelphia demonstrated their commitment to the truth by being willing to die for their faith, even in the face of persecution. The church is the star, not the city or its infrastructure, and Christ's authority and power are evident in his words and actions. The doctrine of free will is taught by Scripture, and Christians must be strong enough to bear fruit and depend on God's word to overcome Satan's attempts to lead them astray. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring brings about the last days, launches the kingdom of God, and transforms us to the hope of righteousness. Through faith, we trust Christ for salvation and the Holy Spirit's power to sustain us, overcome our struggles, and live as new creations in Christ. [... more]

Dr. Graham emphasizes the importance of offering one's complete self to God as an act of worship, citing Romans 12:1-2 and encouraging listeners to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. He shares personal anecdotes and biblical examples of individuals who have made a full commitment to Christ, and explains that this commitment is not just a one-time act, but a daily, perpetual surrender of one's life to God. [... more]

The Holy Spirit's outpouring at Pentecost marks a turning point in human history, fulfilling God's ancient promise to send the Spirit and empowering believers for mission. Jesus, the ascended and exalted King, pours out the Spirit upon his people, giving them life and transforming them into new creations. The Spirit's presence is a down payment assuring believers of their eternal redemption and resurrection, and it transforms all people, bringing a permanent, internal renewal through faith. [... more]

The story of Joshua 24 serves as a warning to God's people about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of exclusive worship. The Israelites' failure to put away their false gods and serve the Lord exclusively led to their downfall, and this tragedy is still relevant today. We must be aware of the idols in our own lives and make a genuine commitment to repentance and worship the true and living God. [... more]

The doctrine of hell is critical because it matters what you believe about God's justice and the nature of God. A fair God would not allow eternal torment, and the Bible describes hell as a place of shame, torment, and separation from God, where sin is punished and the wicked are cast into the fire that shall never be quenched. [... more]

As we start the new year, we can renew our commitments and purpose to gain even loftier heights in our spiritual journey toward Christ's likeness. To accomplish this, we must go back to school, the school of Christ, and put off the old man, which is corrupt, and put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. [... more]

Jesus Christ is a stranger to us because our hearts are hardened by sin, but through the power of the Holy Spirit, he opens our eyes to see the reality of his physical resurrection, proving he is the Christ, Messiah, and Savior. The Holy Spirit takes our darkened minds and gives us spiritual comprehension, allowing us to understand the gospel and recognize Jesus as the risen King. Through word and sacrament, the Holy Spirit ignites the fire of faith within us, burning away sinful desires and stirring love for God and our neighbor. [... more]

The boy Jesus reveals his divine mission at the temple, demonstrating his unique connection to God the Father and setting the stage for his future saving work. His interaction with the temple teachers and his parents showcases his divine understanding and obedience, highlighting his awareness of his identity as the Son of God sent to seek and save the lost. [... more]

The Holy Spirit is the voice of Scripture, illuminating its meaning and creating faith in believers. He is the witness of Christ, uniting us to Him and applying His saving benefits. The Holy Spirit is also the glorifier of God, ensuring that our salvation is founded upon Christ alone and that every act of faith glorifies Him. Through the Spirit's work, we are transformed into the likeness of Christ and empowered to serve others with our gifts. [... more]

The Reformation's final sola, Soli Deo Gloria, emphasizes the importance of glorifying God alone. Martin Luther's teachings on prayer and worship highlight the significance of focusing on divine agency and the relationship between sinful man and justifying God. The practice of prayer, including daily routines, meditative prayer, and continual prayer, is essential for glorifying God and deepening one's faith. The Christian community plays a crucial role in supporting common prayer and teaching children and youth to pray. [... more]

Life is fleeting, and death is not final, but an awakening for the believer. Remembering your Creator means living wisely, trusting in Him, and honoring Him in all aspects of life, from youth to old age, and ultimately, eternity. [... more]