Why Jesus Took on Flesh and How We Now Live by the Spirit
For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh […]
20 Bible Verses for Overcoming Temptation
The first temptation in the Garden of Eden came in the form of questioning God’s very words. Can you imagine hearing that ancient serpent’s hideous tongue hissing in Eve’s ear? “Did God really ssssay?” We’ve probably heard variations of his temptations slither into our thoughts, too. Why is it such a big deal if I […]
No Condemnation in Christ: The Life-Changing Power of Romans 8:1-2
Do you know and love these marvelous words? Has your soul overflowed with praise that in Christ, you no longer face condemnation? Martin Luther once famously likened the Bible to a ring, the epistle of Romans to its diamond, and chapter eight, the sparkling point of the jewel. This is the beginning of a new […]
20 Bible Verses About Walking in the Spirit
The other day, my 22-year-old son and I took a walk to a bookstore. He’s at least six inches taller than I am, and while he casually walked down the street, I was at a half-sprint to keep up. Keeping in step with him was challenging, and when my pride and legs could take it […]
20 Bible Verses About the Presence of God
When you think of heaven, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Do you imagine it’s golden streets, ever-fruitful trees, and crystal rivers? Are you most looking forward to being reunited with loved ones or experiencing no more death, sin, or suffering? The Bible tells us we can expect these things in our heavenly […]
20 Bible Verses About Spiritual Fruitfulness
Fruit is universally appealing. Our eyes behold its beauty, and our mouths enjoy its natural sweetness and varied flavors. Just as our mouths water for physical fruit, our souls long for the spiritual kind. Spiritual fruitfulness is a metaphor used throughout Scripture to describe the visible outcome of a life that remains connected to Christ. […]
Have Yourself a Blessed Little Christmas
In the mid-1940s, the Hollywood Canteen was the hottest and most unusual nightclub in town. The Western-themed club didn’t serve alcohol, but that didn’t prevent Hollywood A-listers from showing up en masse. Everyone wanted to go there, and you might expect it would cost a fortune to get in, but the admission, food, and entertainment […]
20 Bible Verses About Peace
This summer, we took our family to the beach for vacation. We stayed right on the water, and each morning we picked up bagels and lattes from a nearby café and ate our breakfast overlooking the water. The morning light cast hues of pink and orange across the sky, and we watched as pods of […]
20 Bible Verses for Overcoming Depression
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5) Have you ever felt that way, or asked yourself that question? Perhaps you’re not sure why you’re so sad or depressed, but you feel a weight, a burden, and an unsettledness in your heart. Your malaise may […]
20 Bible Verses About Giving Thanks
Imagine for a moment that you were desperate for a miracle. Your whole life hinged on this one thing happening, and unless God intervened, you would die in isolation and misery. So you begged God loudly for his mercy–and then, one day, he answered. He healed you. Instantly. Completely. If that were your story, how […]