From the moment Jesus faced trial before Pilate, he was led away to his execution. Bearing the cross to which he would be affixed, he faltered under its weight, requiring someone else to carry it to the execution site. There, he was fastened with nails through his hands and feet, hoisted up as a naked, … Continue reading The Substitutionary Suffering of Christ
Being a human is difficult today. The older I get, the more sympathetic I am to such statements. I used to think our technological advancements meant we have it easier today than ever. In a way, it is true. Nowadays, we no longer need to wash clothes manually, endure days of delay for postal messages, … Continue reading God’s Law as the Answer to Modern Guilt
We find some of Jesus' most shocking words in Matthew 7:21-22. He essentially says that some people who call him Lord do not know him. He will one day say to them, "Depart from me; I never knew you." These people are self-deceived. There are signs of self-deception. Seven are listed below, and many come … Continue reading 7 Signs of Self-Deception
Many times, when God has strengthened us and given us a victory, we will soon find ourselves confounded by our weakness. That is why this passage about Samson is so encouraging. Here is a man who, by the strength of God, defeated many of the enemies of Israel and then, moments later, finds himself about to die from the lack of something as simple as water. - Click to Read More
Last Sunday night, a female immigrant from Pakistan joined our prayer meeting at church. She fled her homeland due, in part, to the persecution that radical Muslims perpetrate against Christians there. We prayed that her family would be able to escape so that they could worship the true God freely. Today (Wednesday), as I read … Continue reading Are Christians Soft on False Religions?
Shortly after Israel entered the promised land by crossing the Jordan River, five significant events happened while they camped in the plains of Jericho. These historical events are also pictures of our salvation in Christ Jesus. First, the Amorite and Canaanite kings, the enemies of the people of God, heard how the Lord had dried … Continue reading 5 Spiritual Truths from the Plains of Jericho
Weariness is usually more spiritual than physical. Even if we are physically exhausted, it is never too much of a problem until we become emotionally drained. Throughout the Word of God, we find encouragement for such times. Here are three things to remember when your spiritual life seems depleted. Rest in God’s Sovereignty and Care … Continue reading 3 Ways to Combat Spiritual Weariness
I have not been feeling well for the past week or so. My chronic illness has flared up a bit. Due to some unusual situations, I had to go off my diet, which affected my health. Work has also been stressful, and to top it all off, we had a family funeral last week. So … Continue reading Journaling Through Life’s Challenges
Although it's possible for young people to die early, it's impossible for the elderly to live long. The visible signs of aging are a clear indication that our end is approaching. There's no cure for old age. The graves are prepared for us. The natural process of decay will continue to wear down our bodies … Continue reading No Cure for Old Age
1) Sisyphean Striving – The Job Can Feel Pointless (Ironically) Work is difficult when the purpose is obscured. The story is told about two janitors working in the NASA building during the 1960s. One janitor was depressed because he thought he was insignificant compared to the literal rocket scientists in the building. He found so … Continue reading What Is So Difficult About Being a Pastor?
The Fight of Faith 