2) Transformed by an inward renewal that works outward3) Able to discern the will of GodFirst, we are told that a living sacrifice is not conformed to what the world looks like. This means that a believer who desires to live as an offering to God rejects whatever he/she sees in the world that does not line up with Scripture. In the first chapter of

What Is Prayer? Prayer requires us, the whole of our inner persons and the genuine expression of our selves before God. Think of the laments in the psalms - of the way the heart is pried widely to tell the Lord of the mental and emotional habitation of the writer. Psalm 88 expresses God has put the psalmist in lands of difficulty: “You have put me

What, Exactly, Does a New Believer Need to Know?Here are nine basic topics that will help establish and equip a new believer in the faith. Each topic could be expanded on in great detail, but this article will simply introduce the basic concepts of faith in each area of focus. If you are a new believer, studying what God’s Word says about each poin

Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Luke 2:4-14: So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and l

How Many Times Is Love Mentioned in the Bible? The word love does appear frequently in the English language Bible, beginning in Genesis. Part of the high frequency of the word is because there is only one word for “love” in the English language. It refers to familial love, God’s love, romantic love, or the brotherly love between brothers and sister

6 Reminders from the Life of GideonThe primary theme of the Book of Judges is that if you put your trust and dependence on the Lord, He will give you direction. Gideon expresses this theme and gives us these six reminders we can use in our lives today.1. God Always Sees the Best in UsIn chapter 6 of Judges, we find Gideon going about his business o

5. Idols Take, God GivesGod is called a “jealous God” many times in the Bible (e.g. Exodus 20:5, Deuteronomy 4:24, Joshua 24:19, Psalm 78:58, Ezekiel 39:25) and humans are called to worship Him alone. At first, this description of God might seem like a negative trait, as if He is being demanding or selfish. But He is also omniscient, meaning He kno

Paul's Inspiration for Being a Generous Giver Paul lifted up Jesus’ life and ministry as the ultimate example of giving."For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)Paul wanted his readers to see Jesus’ motivations

As you read, invite God to speak to your heart. If there is sin, expect Him to convict. If there is guilt, expect forgiveness. If there is weariness, expect strength. If there is fear, expect courage. If there is sorrow, expect comfort. If there is confusion, expect direction. If there is thirst, expect to be satisfied. If there is hunger, expect t

What Is a "High Priest"?In the Bible, we do have a distinction between the priests and the high priest. The priests may range in their duties from taking care of the sacrificial lambs and maintaining the temple, but the high priest had the enormous task as serving as a mediator between the people and God once during the year.On the Day of Atonement

I would think the book of Proverbs wouldn’t be too far behind in connection with “this too shall pass,” (also written by King Solomon) as there are countless reminders telling readers to trust God and His plan, knowing the difficult times will pass soon.'This Too Shall Pass' in a New Season of LifeAs we all enter into a new season of life, the thou

Idolatry“Do not be idolaters, as some of them were as it is written, ‘The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play’” (1 Corinthians 10:7).Paul quotes from Exodus 32:6. In that chapter, Moses had been up on the mountain too long, and the people panicked because they set their faith in a man instead of in the God Moses represented. Quic

Why Pray for Your Pastor? “Brothers and sisters, pray for us” (1 Thessalonians 5:25).In the Bible there is a precedence established to pray for one another, especially those who are teaching, preaching, and leading the church. Pastors and their families experience spiritual warfare, fatigue, trials, temptations, and a plethora of difficulties. They

Even in the Old Testament, we see this mighty truth when we read these words:“When the Most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance” (Deuteronomy 32:8

- Incited a crowd of people to do evil by calling for innocent blood.- Committing murder.The fact that Jesus's trial was so full of faulty procedures and injustice has led many to call it a sham legally, and it was. But even within this terrible event, God's hand can be seen. Yes, the Jewish leadership played a part in Jesus' death. But the deeper

The Core of Conflict Let’s start by better understanding the biblical root of the conflict. As with any form of dysfunction we experience, sin is the primary root cause. Looking back at the first events of conflict found in Scripture, we see how sin prompts man’s pride by twisting our perspectives (Genesis 3:1-13) and blinds our ability to respond

5 Things to Do Instead of Seeking RevengeThe Bible provides insightful teaching on what to do when we are wronged by someone instead of taking revenge.1. Love Your Neighbor“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 18:19).When Christians have been harmed, the

1. Pray the Word of GodThere is power in the name of Jesus, and John 1:1 reminds, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (NIV) Praying the Word of God, and speaking Jesus’ name brings the power of God’s presence into our everyday lives. Our purposeful God chooses to communicate to us through His the Truth

How Do You Know if You're Part of the Family of God?“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).Jesus was the greatest expression of love of all time. He sent His Son for us, fully human and fully God, to make a way for us to stand in His presence, to beco

In either case, Pilate seems well aware of this tradition, and trying to please the Jewish people, and trying to free Jesus, gives them a choice of which prisoner to release.The Jewish people choose Barabbas.Why Did the People Choose Barabbas over Jesus?Scripture makes it clear that the religious leaders had kneaded their way through the crowds, co