We return to the pivotal passage of Romans 12:1-2, the all-important undergirding foundation of the Commands. Jesus said: My kingdom is not of this world. In becoming his followers, we make ourselves citizens of a different world than that existing around us. We have emigrated to a new kingdom.

Christians and non-Christians alike almost universally associate ”repentance” with an eye-opening revelation that takes place at a critical turning point of life, an overwhelming sense of contrition for sin, a decisive and pivotal juncture when everything changes.

Self-control and patience are closely linked, but contain intrinsic differences. Though patience is more familiar, it is also elusive, Self-control is more powerful.

The final two fruits of the Spirit listed by Paul in Galatians 5:23 are positively astounding. If we are paying attention, they stagger the world of our spiritual preconceptions.

The secret to understanding the Bible is really quite simple. The formula for unlocking Genesis 1 is the same as that needed to penetrate the mysteries of Revelation 22...and everything in between. That powerful key is: Converting principle to command.

It comes as no surprise that the first ”fruit of the Spirit” Paul lists in Galatians 5:22 is love.

The familiar passage in Galatians that underlies the ten ”Galatia” commands of this section emerges out of an extensive study in contrasts presented by Paul throughout this entire epistle.

The command not to worry--both from Jesus’ lips and from the pens of James, Paul, Peter, and John--is probably the single most difficult biblical command for me to lay hold of and simply obey.

I’m sure you’ve had the experience of rediscovering a treasure from former times, or one thought to be lost. I often find this happening with ideas as well as possessions.

Many kinds of courage have been required by Jesus’ followers at distinct seasons in the history of Christendom.