Falling Into The Patterns Of This World
Have you ever found your foot tapping to a song without even realizing it? Some songs have simply infectious rhythms! But today on Discover the Word, we will discuss the danger and ease of falling into the patterns and rhythms of the world. Get your heart in tune with God’s when you listen today to Discover the Word!
Sanctification (2)
The Life Side. The mystery of sanctification is that the perfect qualities of Jesus Christ are imparted as a gift to me, not gradually, but instantly once I enter by faith into the realization that He “became for [me] . . . sanctification . . . .” Sanctification means nothing less than the holiness of Jesus becoming mine and being exhibited in my life.
How God Used My Painful Experiences to Bless Others
A few weeks ago, my Bible study group in church was reading Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life together. There was a section from the book that stood out to me.
Watchful Care
Before he raced out the door to school, I asked my son if he had brushed his teeth. Asking again, I reminded him of the importance of telling the truth. Unmoved by my gentle admonishment, he half-jokingly informed me that what I really needed was a security camera in the bathroom. Then I could check for myself if he had brushed his teeth and he wouldn’t be tempted to lie.
While the presence of a security camera may help remind us to follow the rules, there are still places we can go unnoticed or ways we can avoid being seen. Although…
Sanctification (1)
The Death Side. In sanctification God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side. Sanctification requires our coming to the place of death, but many of us spend so much time there that we become morbid. There is always a tremendous battle before sanctification is realized— something within us pushing with resentment against the demands of Christ.
Hope Anyway
Among the hundreds of articles I’ve written for Our Daily Bread since 1988, a few stick in my mind. One such article is from the mid 1990s when I told of a time that our three girls were away at camp or on mission trips, so six-year-old Steve and I had some guy time.
As we were enjoying an excursion to the airport, Steve turned to me and said, “It’s not as much fun without Melissa,” his eight-year-old sister and sidekick. Neither of us knew then how poignant those words would turn out to be. Life indeed has not been “as much…
The Doorway to the Kingdom
Beware of thinking of our Lord as only a teacher. If Jesus Christ is only a teacher, then all He can do is frustrate me by setting a standard before me I cannot attain. What is the point of presenting me with such a lofty ideal if I cannot possibly come close to reaching it? I would be happier if I never knew it. What good is there in telling me to be what I can never be— to be “pure in heart” (Matthew 5:8), to do more than my duty, or to be completely devoted to God? I must know Jesus Christ as my Savior before His teaching has any meaning for me other than that of a lofty ideal which only leads to despair.
Shelter from the Storm
When I lived in Oklahoma I had a friend who “chased” tornados. John tracked the storms carefully through radio contact with other chasers and local radar, trying to keep a safe distance while observing their destructive paths so he could report sudden changes to people in harm’s way.
One day a funnel cloud changed course so abruptly John found himself in grave danger. Fortunately, he found shelter and was spared.
John’s experience that afternoon makes me think of another destructive path: sin in our lives. The Bible tells us, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil…
Seeing And Believing
Today on Discover the Word, we conclude this week’s study titled, “Seeing and Unseeing.” Learn how the “cautious disciple” Philip was changed by a personal relationship with Jesus and discover how you can find new confidence in your faith! Listen to Discover the Word today!
Dependent on God’s Presence
Those who wait on the Lord…shall walk and not faint. —Isaiah 40:31
There is no thrill for us in walking, yet it is the test for all of our steady and enduring qualities. To “walk and not faint” is the highest stretch possible as a measure of strength. The word walk is used in the Bible to express the character of a person—…
The Book of Joshua
The book of Joshua covers the period of Israel’s history from the conquest of Canaan to just after Joshua’s death. Although certain events in the book can leave modern audiences feeling more than a little uncomfortable, it helps to remember that God promised to be with Joshua in all that he did, especially in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, establishing Israel’s tribal inheritances, and calling God’s people to remain faithful to the terms of God’s covenant.
This course is provided by Third Millennium Ministries (thirdmill.org).
The Book of Joshua
The book of Joshua covers the period of Israel’s history from the conquest of Canaan to just after Joshua’s death. Although certain events in the book can leave modern audiences feeling more than a little uncomfortable, it helps to remember that God promised to be with Joshua in all that he did, especially in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, establishing Israel’s tribal inheritances, and calling God’s people to remain faithful to the terms of God’s covenant.
This course is provided by Third Millennium Ministries (thirdmill.org).
We Believe in the Holy Spirit
Practically speaking, the Holy Spirit is the person of the Trinity who is most involved in our daily lives. But many Christians know far more about the Father and the Son than they do about the Spirit. In this series we’ll discover how the doctrine of the Holy Spirit developed historically, and we’ll explore the Spirit’s dynamic work in the world, in the church, and in believers.
Your Kingdom Come: The Doctrine of Eschatology
The topic of eschatology, or the end times, has fascinated people for centuries. But what does the Bible say about this extraordinary subject? What future has God planned for his creation and his people? In this series, we examine what the Scriptures teach about the last days, including a variety of challenging topics, such as the afterlife, the general resurrection, and the consummation of Christ’s messianic kingdom in the new heavens and new earth.
This course is provided by Third Millennium Ministries (thirdmill.org).
What Is Man? The Doctrine of Man
In every culture throughout history, people have asked questions such as, “Who are we?” and “Why are we here?” The Bible tells us that we are God’s images, created to rule over creation on his behalf and to turn the world into his earthly kingdom. Sin has damaged us and complicated our work, but by God’s grace in Christ, we can be restored and our work can be completed.
This course is provided by Third Millennium Ministries (thirdmill.org).
