Topic > Christian Beliefs > Salvation > Sanctification >
The Inspiration of Spiritual Initiative
Not all initiative, the willingness to take the first step, is inspired by God. Someone may say to you, “Get up and get going! Take your reluctance by the throat and throw it overboard—just do what needs to be done!” That is what we mean by ordinary human initiative. But when the Spirit of God comes to us and says, in effect, “Get up and get going,” suddenly we find that the initiative is inspired.
We all have many dreams and aspirations when we are young, but sooner or later we realize we have no power to accomplish them. We cannot do the things we long to do, so our tendency is to think of our dreams and aspirations as dead.
Is God’s Will My Will?
This is the will of God, your sanctification… —1 Thessalonians 4:3
Sanctification is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify me— is it my will? Am I willing to let God do in me everything that has been made possible through the atonement of the Cross of Christ? Am I willing to let Jesus become sanctification to me, and…
Virtues that should be present in the life of a believer
In Second Peter chapter one, we find a list of virtues that the apostle Peter says should be present in the lives of those who have a relationship with Christ. Today on Discover the Word, the group suggests there’s a foundational virtue that provides the base for all the others. Hear the conclusion of the […]
Growing closer to God through life’s trials
Nothing deepens your relationship with the Lord like having Him walk through a difficult situation with you. Perhaps you’re going through a tough time right now. Today on Discover the Word, the group will share how they’ve grown closer to God through the trials in their lives and how those seasons brought them greater compassion […]
Enduring the trials of life
What are you struggling with today? What burden would you love to get off your back? Today on Discover the Word, the group will offer biblical encouragement for enduring the trials and tough times that turn our lives upside down. Get an inspiring boost to keep going, today on Discover the Word!
How our faith in Christ helps us be to be patient
Life has a way of pushing our buttons. People, pressures, and overwhelming priorities can really stretch our patience! Today on Discover the Word, we will explore how to experience God’s kind of patience in our daily life. We’re looking at Second Peter chapter 1 today on Discover the Word!
When the Spirit of God is at work in our lives
You’ve taken the first step and given your life to Christ. But how does that really impact your daily life? Today on Discover the Word, we continue a thought-provoking study in Second Peter with a helpful discussion about what it looks like when the Spirit of God is at work in our lives because of […]
True confidence comes in Christ alone
In the film, “The Sound of Music,” Maria von Trapp sings, “I have confidence in sunshine, I have confidence in rain.” But nature can’t help you when you need answers to prayer. The apostle Paul modeled true confidence. His trust was in Christ alone and the power of prayer to transform people into His image. Don’t miss this important conversation today on “Discover the Word”!
Not Again!
As I was reading the text message on my mobile phone, my temperature started to rise and my blood began to boil. I was on the verge of shooting back a nasty message when an inner voice told me to cool down and reply tomorrow. The next morning after a good night’s sleep, the issue that had upset me so greatly seemed so trivial. I had blown it out of proportion because I didn’t want to put another person’s interest before my own. I was unwilling to inconvenience myself so I could help someone.
Regretfully, I am tempted to respond…
The Checkup
It’s that time of year when I go to the doctor for my annual physical. Even though I feel well and I’m not experiencing any health problems, I know that routine checkups are important because they can uncover hidden problems that if left undiscovered can grow to be serious health issues. I know that giving permission to my doctor to find and remedy the hidden problems can lead to long-term health.
Clearly the psalmist felt that way spiritually. Pleading for God to search for hidden sin, he prayed, “Search me, O God, . . . and see if there is any…
What do we need most when our faith is tested?
When painful trials put your faith to the test, what is the one thing you need most? Join our special guest, Mark Young, on “Discover the Word” as we discuss why God’s wisdom is essential in trying times.
Think Of Them No More
My early years as a believer in Christ were laden with foreboding. I had the impression that when Jesus comes back, all my sins will be portrayed on a giant screen for everyone to see.
Breaking Free
The elephant is the largest land animal on earth—and one of the most powerful. Yet it takes only a strong rope to restrain one. Here’s how it works. When the elephant is young, he is tied to a large tree. For weeks, he will strain and pull, but the rope holds him fast. So eventually he gives up.
Restored By The Master
Over the centuries, many attempts have been made to restore damaged and time-worn masterpieces of art. While some of these efforts have skillfully preserved the original work of artists, others have actually damaged many works of genius, including ancient Greek statues and at least two paintings by da Vinci.
Hyperseeing
Sculptors have a term for the artist’s ability to look at a rough piece of stone and see it in its final, perfected form. It is called “hyperseeing.”
Gutzon Borglum (1867–1941) is the sculptor who created many well-known public works of art. Probably the most famous is Mt. Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota. Borglum’s housekeeper captured the concept of hyperseeing when she gazed up at the massive faces of the four US presidents on Mt. Rushmore for the first time. “Mr. Borglum,” she gasped, “how did you know Mr. Lincoln was in that rock?”
