The concept of sacrificial living for Christ is emphasized throughout the New Testament, providing a definitive answer to those seeking God's will for their lives. This principle is rooted in the idea of being transformed by the renewing of one's mind, allowing individuals to render lifelong service to God and avoid conforming to the world's standards. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the dangers of tradition and the importance of holding onto truth, using the story of Stephen's defense in Acts as an example. He argues that traditions can become a substitute for truth and lead to a static, comfortable, but ultimately lifeless existence. In contrast, truth brings change, liberates, and gives life, but is often threatening to our established ways of thinking and behaving. [... more]

The Incarnation of Christ is a profound mystery that is difficult to fully express, but it is summarized in Philippians 2:5-7. Jesus, being in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men, voiding His rightful position as God to save humanity from sin and grant eternal life. [... more]

Marriage is normal and for the majority, but singleness is a gift of God. When married to an unbeliever, let them stay if they want to, but let them go if they want to leave, as God has called you to peace. The believer's presence in the home sanctifies the unbeliever, and the believer's children are also sanctified by the same grace. [... more]

When differences arise, Satan's plan to divide and conquer can take hold, but God's agenda is one of unity and forgiveness. Leaders must prioritize flexibility, listen objectively, and refuse to blame, seeking outside help when needed to resolve conflicts and maintain unity in Christ. [... more]

Jesus Christ's three names - Jesus, Christ, and Lord - represent his human, messianic, and divine roles, linking him to humanity, prophecy, and Deity. The New Testament emphasizes a chronological pattern, with Jesus as his human name, Christ as his messianic name, and Lord as his divine name. His threefold office and work include prophet, priest, and king, and mankind's relationship with him follows this pattern. [... more]

God's design for marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and it is not an absolute commandment for everybody. Some people have the gift of being single, and it is a unique gift of God that should be maintained because it puts them in a position to be used by Him in a very unique way. The Bible teaches that marriage is normal, but it is not an absolute necessity for everyone. Christians should not divorce their partners, except in the case of adultery, and even then, the divorce is allowed, but remarriage is not. The most important thing in marriage is not finding the right person, but being the right person, and that means walking in the Spirit, demonstrating love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control. [... more]

Financial success can be a double-edged sword, leading to spiritual risks and materialism if not managed properly. A Christian financial advisor can help individuals stay focused on their kingdom purpose and avoid the pitfalls of idolatry, ensuring their wealth is used for God's glory. [... more]

The Christian faith has played a powerful role in shaping America's founding and development. Senator Tim Scott shares inspiring stories of men and women who lived with conviction, courage, and sacrifice, helping to shape the country into what it is today. Their stories highlight the importance of living according to God's truth and the impact of His sovereignty on individual lives and the nation as a whole. [... more]

Chip Ingram discusses the force behind evil in the world, Satan's agenda to divide and conquer, and how to protect oneself from his attacks. He introduces the concept of a diabolical agenda and explains how God views evil, citing examples from Proverbs of what God detests, such as haughty eyes, lying tongues, and gossip. Ingram emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the enemy's subtle agendas, which can lead to division and catastrophe. [... more]

The importance of considering others' concerns and avoiding divisions, as taught in the Bible, is emphasized. Christians are encouraged to follow godly examples, bear the infirmities of the weak, and exercise discipline with meekness, considering their own temptations. [... more]

The book of Proverbs contains numerous warnings against speaking lies, gossiping, and using the tongue to criticize or hurt. It also highlights the virtues of silence and the importance of speaking carefully and graciously, with promises of blessings for those who do so. [... more]

False prophets can deceive and undermine the faith and life of unwary Christians by appearing to be true prophets or teachers while subverting biblical truth. Jesus and the Apostle Peter warn against such deception, urging Christians to be constantly aware of the dangers of false teachings and to remain steadfast in their faith. [... more]

Marriage is a design by God from creation, reiterated in the New Testament, and is a norm for Christians, but some have the gift of celibacy, which is a good thing, and those who are single should not be assumed to be warped or lacking, but rather uniquely prepared and designed human beings, gifted with the Holy Spirit and gifted by the Holy Spirit for singleness. [... 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]

The early church in Acts chapter 5 faces opposition from within and outside, but the apostles respond with courage and obedience to God, resulting in the power of God being demonstrated through miracles and signs. The fear of God is presented as a non-rational dread that leads to a sense of personal insufficiency in the presence of God, and the importance of having a humble and contrite spirit to experience God's grace. [... more]

Modern Christians often superficially study God's word, compromising its doctrines and disobeying its instructions. This devotional highlights the importance of heeding the words of Isaiah, emphasizing the need for teachers to bring the Word of God to their students, precept upon precept, line upon line. It encourages spiritual growth, urging Christians to leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ and strive for perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. [... more]

God's design for marriage is to reflect His image, produce a generation of righteous people, and provide a unique role for the husband and wife. The Bible teaches that it is good to be single, but also that marriage is a key theme in both the Old and New Testaments, with God's character revealed through marriage. [... more]

The Christian life is built on grace from beginning to end, but there are two things that can destroy it: posing and hypocrisy. These sins can lead to a lack of authenticity and purity, causing the church to become anemic and powerless. God uses finances as a revealer of where our hearts are, and when we prioritize materialism over God, we can expect judgment. The early church in Acts was bold, unified, and growing, but it was also filled with people who were genuinely living out their faith, not just pretending to be something they're not. [... more]

In the biblical body analogy, we are told that those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor. God has given more abundant honor to that part which lacked, challenging us to think of each other like God thinks. [... more]