“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4).When I was young and we went to church I would usually go to Sunday School.Before too long, however, I wanted to be up in the service with the adults so that I could hear the sermon.I remember the preacher … Continue reading A biblical definition of sin

In 1 John 3:3 the apostle writes: “And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”He was speaking about the return of Jesus. If we hope in him (which we do) we will be engaged in a process of purification. His idea is that we are striving—with God’s help—to be more … Continue reading Repeat it as you go about your day

Dr. Sean Tobin is a clinical psychologist who brings into his practice insights from both psychotherapy and Christian spirituality.He says that right out of the gate many Christians have a barrier in their relationship with God. At a base level they think of God as one of three things: angry, distant or weak.To move forward … Continue reading When your negative thoughts need a smack

Two students were knocking on doors evangelizing. One of those doors was answered by a mother. It was not a good day. The house was crazy, kids were going nuts, and she was clearly tired and frazzled. They asked her: “Are you interested in eternal life?” Looking around at her chaotic life she replied: “Frankly, … Continue reading To give you the crown of glory

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3)The more thoroughly you know Jesus, the more thoroughly you experience Jesus.Let me explain.Jesus does a series of different things in the Bible. He … Continue reading The more thoroughly you know him

“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24).John Ortberg invites us to imagine the following scenario. Imagine a man and a woman on their wedding day. The decorations are amazing. The guests are joyful. The music is majestic. … Continue reading Lord, what’s the least I need to do in this relationship?

What do Nero, Napoleon, Stalin and Hitler all have in common? They were all accused of being the Antichrist. The apostle John uses the word “Antichrist” five times in his letters. But what does it mean? The Louw-Nida Greek lexicon defines the term like this: “one who is opposed to Christ, in the sense of usurping … Continue reading Many antichrists have come

Jesus said: “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).John Chrysostom was a church father who was known for his eloquence, his commitment to a simple lifestyle, and his success at repelling demons.But he was also known … Continue reading Do I fear? No!

C.S. Lewis was a famous literary critic and author. He converted to Christianity from atheism. Here is one of his more famous quotes: “There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise… If I find in myself a desire which no experience … Continue reading When the world doesn’t keep it’s promise

The apostle John walked and talked with Jesus, the one who said he was the very light of the world (John 8:12). In 1 John 1:5 he shared this insight of clarity and power: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As his people we are to “walk in the light, as … Continue reading You can’t illuminate darkness with darkness