“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.” (1 John 5:16, ESV)
First Love
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5, ESV) Having grown up in... Continue Reading →
Fear of the Lord: Conclusions
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, NASB). “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NASB). Over the past week we have asked some questions about what it means... Continue Reading →
God is Love…
”The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23, ESV). One of the most frequently asked questions by people both without and within Christianity is this or similar: “If God is love, why would He allow such bad things... Continue Reading →
Mutual Comfort, Mutual Faith
”For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine" (Romans 1:11-12 ESV). Do you long for fellowship with other believers? Do you yearn to bless and strengthen others, and to... Continue Reading →
Our Boast In the Lord’s Delight
“Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice,... Continue Reading →
Love
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24 ESV). “I love you!” “I love you more!” I remember someone saying that love is not a competition. In some ways I agree with that. In others, not so much. In a competition there are winners and losers.... Continue Reading →
Walk In Love
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV). We often describe the Christian life as a journey, or more specifically a walk. I believe there are good reasons for that. When... Continue Reading →
Falling In Love, Part 1
"Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready" (Revelation 19:6b-7). Who doesn't love a wedding? The look in the eyes of the bride as she walks down the aisle... Continue Reading →
Eagerly Waiting
“And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV). I remember the anticipation... Continue Reading →
Skipping Stones 