True faith is an act of the will, in the sense that God gives us a new will in the new birth, along with faith (John 1:12-13; Ephesians 2:8). God does not make us robots; he successfully woos our hearts. Faith is not merely an act of the will, because it is also the act of the Holy Spirit in our souls, drawing us to Jesus Christ, and bringing us to trust in him as he is revealed in his Word (James 1:18).
Gain Is Godliness, or Godliness Is Gain?
Godliness with contentment is great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). What do you need right now? What would make you genuinely, blissfully, permanently happy if you just had it right now? Ultimately, the answers to that question fall into one of just two categories: either “gain is godliness” or “godliness is gain.”
The Dangers and Benefits of Revival
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? (Psalm 85:6). We are in desperate need of revival. Our marriages, our families, our churches, our nation (no matter what nation we hail from)—in every arena of life and society and religion we need the omnipotent, renewing visitation of the Holy Spirit. Yet many of us as Christians do not know what “revival” even means precisely.
How Can I Discern God’s Will?
While every decision, whether large or small, is going to have its own distinct set of challenges, there are three basic principles that we should apply in every life situation. This does not mean discerning God’s will always be easy, but God does promise to lead us, in his own good time and way, when we apply these principles faithfully!
It Is Not Love That Sustains Marriage, But Marriage That Sustains Love
I recently came across this excellent quote on marriage from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the famous German preacher who was executed by the Nazis for trying to overthrow Hitler. Coming from a serious man, who lived in a day of serious challenges, it is all the more poignant and worthwhile. Marriage is more than your love for each other.
What Does It Mean For God to Be Our Father?
In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith (Galatians 3:26). At a men’s breakfast some time ago, I shared the following thoughts about what it means for God to be our father. If you are not a father it should bless, humble, and encourage you; if you are a father it should bless, humble, and inspire you to be a better father — a father more like God. Here are at least 15 implications from Scripture to the profound truth that God is our father:
Accountable To the Creator
I was blessed some time ago by Greg Gilbert’s book What Is the Gospel? This quote in particular struck me as helpful for Christians to consider, as we contemplate our motivation and message when it comes to evangelism:
Acts: Paul is Presented to Felix
Title: Paul Is Presented to Felix Text: Acts 23:12-35 Big Idea: God’s great interest is the small details of his kingdom and his people. Outline: 1) Paul’s enemies plot to kill him. (vv. 12-15) Question to consider: What promises from the past do you have for your current situation? 2) Paul’s nephew is used to deliver Paul. (vv. 16-21) Question to consider: Who might God be using/sending in your life right now? 3) The Roman army is used to protect Jesus’ messenger. (vv. 22-35) Question to consider: What personal details do you need to trust to God
Acts: The Lord Stood By Him
Title: The Lord Stood By Him Text: Acts 23:1-11 Big Idea: Jesus not only sends, but accompanies, his messengers everywhere. Outline: 1) Paul’s defense. (vv. 1-5) Question to consider: Do you desire to exalt God’s Word more than yourself? 2) Paul’s offense. (vv. 6-10) Question to consider: Are you willing to hear the facts about Jesus? 3) Paul’s ally. (v11) Question to consider: Are you willing to speak the facts about Jesus?
Acts: Go, For I Will Send You
Title: Go, For I Will Send You Text: Acts 22:17-30 Big Idea: God is not limited by our meager minds or wills. Outline: 1) Limiting God by our presumption. (vv. 17-21) Question to consider: Do you at times deny Jesus as lord, while calling him ‘Lord’? 2) Limiting God by our discrimination. (vv. 22-23) Question to consider: Do you place boundaries on God’s authority in this world? 3) Limiting God by our underestimation. (vv. 24-30) Question to consider: Are you misjudging God’s power in your circumstances?
Acts: What Shall I Do, Lord?
Title: What Shall I Do, Lord? Text: Acts 22:1-16 Big Idea: God calls everyone to know Jesus Christ, and to make him known. Outline: 1) I was zealous for God, just as you are. (vv. 1-5) Question to consider: If zeal doesn’t equal truth, what might you be wrong about? 2) I was opposing Jesus, just as you have. (vv. 6-10) Question to consider: What would a radical conversion look like in your life? 3) I needed the Righteous One, just as you do. (vv. 11-16) Question to consider: Do you perhaps have an appointment with
Jesus Died To Save Us From Our Own Solutions
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6). It’s not a pretty picture, but it’s true. You have seen someone trying to clean up their own mess before, and that this just ends up making things worse as long as they continue doing more of whatever caused the mess in the first place.
Any Unchecked Sin Is Ruinous
Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin (Hebrews 3:13). I was thinking this past week about cases where a person who has been a professed believer, maybe even a well-known Christian leader, falls into public sin or even apostasy, walking away from the Christian faith. Sadly, there have been many such cases in the news lately.
There Is a Healthy Hatred
I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me (Psalm 101:3). There is, according to God’s Word, a kind of healthy hatred — a hatred for sin and its ravaging effects. As I was contemplating this reality recently, I thought of at least four ways in which a healthy hatred for sin should evidence itself in the sanctified life:
FAQ: Why Is Jesus’ Birth So Important?
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