February 27, 2023
The theme for Hosea might be, “Good News from a Troubled Home.” God’s love for his people was on display at Hosea’s house. This minor prophet had married Gomer, who was unfaithful to him. But Hosea had purchased her back as an object lesson for Israel. . . .
August 10, 2020
By David Faust “Sin blinds you, then it binds you, then it grinds you.” I don’t know who first said those words, but they ring true. Disobedience to God leads to a downward cycle. “After desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15)—and that’s true on both a personal level and a societal level. Someone observed, “First we overlook evil. Then we permit evil. Then we legalize evil. Then we promote evil. Then we celebrate evil. Then we persecute anyone who still calls it evil.” There are two
February 8, 2013
By Lynn Gardner Paul warned against partaking of the Lord”s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27, 29). However, that does not mean we should not recognize our unworthiness as we partake. Our culture stresses self-confidence as a key to success. Proper self-respect as one made in the image of God is not sinful, and recognizing we are unworthy to be saved by God is not having a low self-image or low self-esteem. God places a value on us because he created us in his image, but we stand before him as guilty sinners who do not deserve his favor
By Joe Bliffen Your initial reaction to hearing about a terrible sin someone has committed indicates immediately whether you are developing the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16*). “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). What was Jesus” attitude toward sinners as he walked among us? In Zacchaeus, Jesus saw a man who had really messed up his life and needed a friend. On the cross, Jesus saw two criminals and the Roman soldiers, people who mocked him and blasphemed God. Yet Jesus looked beyond their faults and saw their need; he died for
February 14, 2012
By Pam Parmenter Two and one-half years ago, on our Monday-morning walk together, my husband confessed to me that he had lied to the elders of our church. Later that day, he confessed to the elders. On the next Sunday evening, he lost his job. He came home with tears in his eyes and said, “Honey, I”m so sorry. I lost my job.” I took his face in my hands and said, “Yes, but look at you. You”re clean.” In that moment, I believe God let me glimpse what he sees when we confess and repent of our sins, because
April 14, 2026
James Thompson
April 14, 2026
David Faust
April 14, 2026
Sandy Mayle