Playing make believe in the fields, building forts in the woods, dancing in the woods—this is how my best friend and I spent our childhood together. She was the sister I never had. With a bandana, we tied our wrists together and proclaimed ourselves “blood sisters.” We didn’t take any action, but in our imaginationsContinue reading “Blood Brothers and Sisters”
Category Archives: salvation
We Are Asking the Wrong Questions
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18 The individual who looks at his character and position from a legal point of view will not only despair when he comes to the end of his reckoning, but if he is a wise man he will despair atContinue reading “We Are Asking the Wrong Questions”
Give Me a Break
Stories can captivate our attention and our heart. They help us see ourselves and others more clearly. The story of the Prodigal Son is perhaps one of the most well-known stories told by Jesus. It is the third and final story in a string of parables that Jesus used to critique the religious leaders. TheyContinue reading “Give Me a Break”
Look Not to Your Hand
“Looking unto Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2 It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have noContinue reading “Look Not to Your Hand”
When Any God Will Do
What is polytheism?Polytheism is the belief that there are many gods. Breaking the word down, “poly” comes from the Greek word for “many,” and “theism” from the Greek word for “God.” Polytheism has perhaps been the dominant theistic view in human history. The best-known example of polytheism in ancient times is Greek/Roman mythology (Zeus, Apollo,Continue reading “When Any God Will Do”
Our Only Hope
What is propitiation?The word propitiation carries the basic idea of appeasement or satisfaction, specifically toward God. Propitiation is a two-part act that involves appeasing the wrath of an offended person and being reconciled to him. The necessity of appeasing God is something many religions have in common. In ancient pagan religions, as well as inContinue reading “Our Only Hope”
The Unexpected
Hall of Fame football player from the Baltimore Raves, Ray Lewis, had ups and downs both on and off the field. He won Super Bowls and awards but was also indicted on charges of murder and aggravated assault. Through it all, Lewis realized that He needed Jesus. “It’s simple,” Lewis says, “if God is forContinue reading “The Unexpected”
Tell Him…
Depends Who Is Doing the Saving
When people come to know Christ as their Savior, they are brought into a relationship with God that guarantees their salvation as eternally secure. To be clear, salvation is more than saying a prayer or “making a decision” for Christ; salvation is a sovereign act of God whereby an unregenerate sinner is washed, renewed, andContinue reading “Depends Who Is Doing the Saving”
Dust to Glory
You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked…. But God… made us alive together with Christ. (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5) The word gospel essentially means “good news,” specifically about our relationship with God. We all like good news, especially if it addresses bad news we’ve just received. If you’ve just beenContinue reading “Dust to Glory”
Intentional Faith 