The pursuit of good things can become a bad thing when they take on godlike weight and become essential to our happiness. This is idolatry, which is the source of all sin and anxiety. To overcome idolatry, we must lean into the presence and faithfulness of God, who promises to never leave us or forsake us. By trusting in God's goodness and love, we can find freedom from the frantic desire to have and fear, and live a life of contentment and peace. [... more]

God's omnipotence is demonstrated throughout the Bible, from creation to the promise of impossible feats, reminding us that He is all-powerful and able to do what He says. [... more]

The Bible promises a redemption of the body, not just the spirit, and the resurrection of believers is the theme of 1 Corinthians chapter 15. Paul explains the resurrection body using an analogy of seed, showing how it is dissolved and disintegrated, but then rises again in a different form, yet still the same person. He also discusses the form of resurrection, contrasting earthly and heavenly bodies, and how God determines the form of the resurrection body, just as he does for seeds and created creatures. [... more]

The image of a lamb on a throne in Revelation illustrates Christ's humility and power, majesty, omniscience, and victory. The lamb represents Christ's death and resurrection, and his ability to take the scroll and open it, explaining human destiny. The redeemed are those who have been purchased by Christ's blood, and they will live in a new heaven and a new earth, where they will worship the Lamb and live in a world free from troubles and tribulations. [... more]

Believers are the only lanterns illuminating a dark world, and they must not fail Jesus. The presence of even one or a few carnal Christians holds back the judgment of God, and the church is not weak because Christ is its head, seated in heaven. The purpose of church is to equip believers to be salt and light, and to represent Jesus in the world. [... more]

The Bible emphasizes the importance of living a life of faith, with God's Spirit and empowering gifts guiding us through the battle of life. As Christians, we should focus on denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, and looking forward to the glorious appearing of Jesus Christ. [... more]

The resurrection of the dead is a crucial aspect of Christian faith, serving as an incentive for salvation, service, and sanctification. Without it, life becomes meaningless, and people may resort to hedonism and sin. The Bible teaches that bad company, bad doctrine, and bad theology can corrupt good morals, leading to shameful conduct. In contrast, the hope of resurrection and reunion with Christ provides a purifying hope, motivating believers to live righteously and serve sacrificially. [... more]

Alastair Begg examines the Apostle John's letter to early church believers, revealing Jesus' triumph over sin, Satan, and death, and encouraging believers to remember the basics of their faith in the face of persecution and uncertainty. [... more]

Believers are called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, standing against the forces of darkness and evil. Jesus Christ's teachings emphasize the importance of living a life of endurance and perseverance, bringing hope and flavor to a world consumed by sin and decay. [... more]

Pastor JD Greer emphasizes the importance of discipline and sacrifice in sharing the gospel, highlighting the example of Paul in 1 Corinthians 9, who became all things to all people to reach the lost. He challenges the church to prioritize reaching people of different cultures and backgrounds, and to be willing to adapt and sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. [... more]

God has willed triumph through His truth, and though Satan and his followers may threaten, we will not fear because His truth will triumph through us. God desires to turn His children from darkness to light and has plans for Satan, including everlasting chains and fire. Jesus spoke of Satan's doom triumphantly, anticipating his execution and the casting out of the Prince of this world. [... more]

Believers in Christ have a profound hope that transcends death, as they will be raised in glorified bodies to be forever with God in heaven. This hope is a motivation to salvation, and the testimony of believers who have gone before us is a strong incentive to faith in Christ. The promise of a reunion with loved ones who have died is also a powerful motivator to live a life of faith, looking for a better resurrection. [... more]

The Bible teaches that God created the world good, but sin made it bad, and in Jesus, it's made new, and one day it'll be made perfect. This understanding of the storyline of the Bible gives Christians a distinct view of the world, emphasizing the kingship of Jesus and His role in redemption and the future. [... more]

Jesus teaches that people are valuable and lost, and that seeking them leads to finding and rejoicing. He emphasizes the importance of becoming seekers of lost men and women, and that finding them brings joy to both heaven and earth. [... more]

The Bible teaches that with God on our side, we are invincible, and Satan cannot win the battle for our minds or destinies. The term Sabbath is a majestic name for God, and Jesus Christ is the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. He must win the battle, and with Him, we can overcome any obstacle. [... more]

Psalm 46 was a great comfort to Martin Luther, who saw it as a mighty song declaring victory in the great battle against evil forces. The Lord of hosts is with us, and the God of Jacob is our refuge and strength. The Son of God was manifested to destroy the works of the devil, and through death, Jesus Christ gained the victory over Satan, the prince of this world. [... more]

Alastair Begg explores the reasons why people are spiritually blind and what's needed to open their eyes. He explains that Jesus' miracles, such as healing the blind man in John chapter 9, point to the fact that He opens the spiritual sight of men and women. Begg emphasizes that each person is spiritually blind from birth and that the Bible confronts us with the bad news of who and what we are before offering the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ. [... more]

God's ability to hear prayers is rooted in His omniscience and omnipresence, allowing Him to understand and respond to the thoughts and needs of His people, but He may refuse to hear prayers that are motivated by iniquity. [... more]

The book of Zechariah reveals the establishment of the millennial kingdom, the day of the Lord, and the judgment of the nations. Jesus Christ will return in glory, accompanied by the saints, and establish his kingdom on earth. The remnant of Israel will look upon him whom they pierced and mourn for him as an only son, leading to repentance and the opening of a fountain of blessing. The day of the Lord will bring catastrophic changes in nature, including the fading of luminaries, the darkening of the sun, and the rolling up of the heavens. The Lord will smite the nations with a plague, causing their flesh to consume away, and will give superhuman strength to Judah. The believing remnant from the nations will go up to Jerusalem to worship the king, the Lord of hosts, and keep the feast of tabernacles, while those who refuse will be punished with a drought and a plague. [... more]

Jesus Christ's kingship is central to the work of redemption, and his reign is seen in subduing us to himself, ruling and defending us, and restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. The cross is the epicenter of Christ's reign, where He declares it is finished and triumphs over all things that are ranged against Him and those for whom He dies. [... more]

Christians have a different motive for running life's race, to please Jesus and advance his kingdom. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and his followers must do the same. The value of a person is immeasurable, and God is like a shepherd, a woman, and a forgiving father seeking the lost. Forgiveness is not the same as consequences, and true repentance is necessary for restoration. [... more]

The spiritual fire that fell at Pentecost not only destroyed sin but also at times impenitent sinners Yes that's right unholy sinners in the midst of the Spirit-filled assembly Annanias and his wife Sapphira gave us a lesson for the ages in what not to do in the midst of a Spirit-filled assembly try to hide sin and lie to spirit-filled leaders Their experience like that of Nadab and Abihu underscores that we who know God must stay self-examined and be prepared to deal with heresy in the church whenever it rears its ugly head The Spirit's holy fire which [... more]

The ambitious project of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall was completed in less than two months due to the people's willingness to work together, a remarkable example of cooperation and divine calling. [... more]

God has a plan for Israel's cleansing from sin, deception, and dispersion, which will be accomplished through the death of the shepherd, Jesus Christ. The prophet Zechariah outlines the elements of this cleansing, including the removal of false prophets, the scattering of the sheep, and the devastation of slaughter. Ultimately, God will gather the scattered group and refine them like silver and gold, and they will call on His name and be saved. [... more]

Jesus has provided a perfect antidote to the devil's accusations, offering forgiveness and atonement for sin. As our great high priest, he has fulfilled all righteousness, bore the penalty for our lawbreaking, and made a once-and-for-all sacrifice for sins. This allows us to rest securely, knowing that our sins are forgiven and we are not our own, but belong to our faithful Savior Jesus Christ. [... more]

When Jesus comes to town, revival often follows, bringing conviction of sin, restitution, and spiritual life. People are reconciled, and their hearts are changed, leading to a genuine transformation that affects not only individuals but also their relationships and communities. [... more]

God's design for marriage is a covenant, not a contract, and divorce is as radical as amputation. Jesus' teaching on marriage emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, grace, and redemption, and that God can bring beauty and redemption even out of the hardest cases. [... more]

A spirit-filled Christian desires to submit and serve rather than to assert and rule, reflecting the biblical injunction of submission and the humility of Christ, who took upon himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. [... more]

Alastair Begg explains the essential role of Jesus as our great high priest, highlighting his merciful and faithful nature, and how he has done everything necessary in relationship to God to provide salvation and redemption for humanity. [... more]

God is a God of forgiveness, who will cleanse Israel and restore it to the place of blessing. This is a promise from Old Testament prophecy, including the book of Isaiah and the book of Zechariah. God's character is one of mercy and compassion, and he will forgive Israel's sins and remember them no more. This message of forgiveness is central to the Christian faith and is a reminder that God's plan for Israel is one of restoration and redemption. [... more]

When Jesus comes to a town, revival often follows, people are convicted of sin, restitution is made, and spiritual life flows where it never had before. Jesus notices individuals, and his presence leads to confrontation, confession, and a radical return to his priorities. [... more]

The Eternal God is from everlasting to everlasting, the God who ever was and ever shall be. This truth applies to God the Father and God the Son, as seen in scriptures such as Psalm 92 and 1 Thessalonians 4:14 and 17. [... more]

God's plan for Israel's deliverance and salvation is revealed in the Old Testament, demonstrating His grace and mercy. The nation will be protected and shielded from their enemies, and their hearts will be transformed through true repentance, leading to the pouring out of God's Spirit and the washing away of their sins. [... more]

Jesus' humanity and suffering are essential to the gospel's appeal, as he endured the full weight of human pain and emotions, yet remained obedient to the Father's will. This authentic expression of humanity makes the gospel attractive and relatable, allowing Christians to effectively impact a world they're not in. [... more]

Every Christian is brought into the desert, a place of conflict and communion, where they must decide to withstand the struggle and commit to God, leading to a deeper satisfaction and joy in their spiritual journey. [... more]

Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians 7 emphasize that both singleness and marriage are temporary gifts for the fulfillment of God's purposes. He debunks the idea that celibacy is a spiritually superior state and commands married people to fulfill their marital duties. Paul also highlights the advantages of singleness, including freedom to pursue ministry and mission, and encourages singles to trust God's plan for their lives. [... more]

The art of mocking God and his people has changed little through the ages, with ancient enemies using similar tactics as modern-day scoffers to defeat God's plan and word. [... more]

Jesus' experience in the Garden of Gethsemane reveals a deeply distressed and troubled Christ, overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, as he faces the prospect of his own crucifixion and the will of God the Father. [... more]

God's plan for Israel involves a great day of deliverance and salvation, a day when a tragic history will be reversed and become a history of great joy. This is predicted in the Old and New Testaments, particularly in the 12th chapter of Zechariah, where God promises to make Jerusalem a cup of trembling for all the peoples, causing them to stumble and fall. The prophecy also speaks of a worldwide battle, the Battle of Armageddon, where all the nations of the world will converge on Israel, but ultimately be defeated by Jesus Christ. This event is seen as a time of great judgment and salvation for Israel, and a reminder that God is in control of history and has a plan for the future. [... more]

Jesus Christ's experiences in the desert, including his temptations by Satan, reveal the importance of prayer, conflict, and commitment in spiritual growth. Through his time in the desert, Jesus learned to depend on God and find strength in His presence, ultimately leading to his obedience and sacrifice on the cross. [... more]