Jesus, the Perfect Self-Expression of God the Father and Why It Matters for You
The Bible opens with four words: “In the beginning God.” (Genesis 1:1) Before anything else existed, God was already present and engaged in a powerful relationship. Genesis 1:1–3 allows us to catch a glimpse of it: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness […]
Fearfully, Wonderfully—and Uniquely Made
“For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts […]
What Happens When A Christian Commits A Major Sin?
I recently received an honest question from a reader: “If a Christian commits adultery, can they be forgiven?” This question deserves a straight, Biblical answer. But before answering, we need to start where the Bible begins—with salvation and what happens when we are born again. So…what happens when we are born again? Every human is […]
Why Surrender Is More of a Privilege Than a Sacrifice
We often think about surrender in negative terms. For example, we’ve all experienced the kind of surrender that feels forced—and perhaps, to a lesser extent, the surrender that flows from gratitude. Which brand of surrender dominates our lives dictates the degree to which we have peace and satisfaction or…anxiety and fear. For example, I have […]
Why People in the Old Testament Were Not Saved by Keeping the Law
A common misunderstanding among born again believers—even folks who have been in church for decades— is that people in the Old Testament were saved by keeping the Law. But the Bible simply does not allow this conclusion! Before we even consider this inquiry about how people were saved in the Old Testament, we must begin […]
Memorial Day: Honoring the Ultimate Sacrifice
On May 1, 1865—just weeks after Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox on April 9, effectively ending the Civil War—a remarkable event unfolded in Charleston, South Carolina. During the final year of the war, Confederate forces had converted the elite Washington Race Course and Jockey Club, a popular horse-racing track for planters, into […]
Be Prepared to Speak of the Power That Saves
“That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”Romans 1:15–16 In a disturbing news […]
The Light That Always Breaks the Darkness
“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5 Recently, I came home after an exhausting day of depositions and court, and I was too tired to do anything—even take a walk around the neighborhood. My mind needed rest. I needed the refreshing presence of God. I sat in […]
When God’s “No” Is Actually His Greatest “Yes?”
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.” Psalms 84:11 Have you ever prayed for something that you were sure was good—only to see the door shut? In those moments, it’s easy to wonder if God […]
The Raven and the Dove: When It’s Safe to Leave the Ark
After the flood receded, as related in Genesis, Noah needed to know when it was safe to leave the ark. So, he sent out two kinds of birds: a raven; and a dove. (Genesis 8:6-8) The raven never returned. As a scavenger, it found plenty of dead carcasses and decay floating around, so it was […]