Whatever we may face each day, we can be confident that God reigns over His creation. At the end of the day or the end of the age God will give an answer to suffering and injustice, an answer rooted in His sovereign goodness.

Sex used as God intended is a blessing to self and others. It creates new life, strengthens marriages, and it points to our ultimate intimate relationship—with our Lord.

When we use sex in ways that violate God’s purposes, it becomes dangerous and can have long-lasting and destructive effects on us, our families, and our communities.

Opening any current newspaper will present us with numerous examples of the abuse of power arising from the effects of sin. What will ultimately dethrone this idol and return power to it’s rightful place in the world and in our hearts?

Power is what it takes to get things done. But when we exploit this God-given authority for our own gratification, we fall into idolatry, into sin. The power of the cross shows us a better way.

Having become broken image bearers through sin and spiritual death we have become restored image bearers called to live by grace for God’s kingdom. If we don’t daily wrestle with the temptations of money, sex, and power, it means we have already surrendered to them.

Only when we submit ourselves to God, humbly recognizing our sins and our destructive thoughts, words, and actions does the Gospel begin to make sense.

James tells is that there are passions at war within us, that threaten our walk with God and with each other. But God has provided a means to restore peace within and without.