Maturing as Christians

Let me explain. Trying to solve the problem of racism without Jesus is truly an exercise in futility because (the root) of sin is a corrupted spiritual nature, not just bad behavior (the fruit). Here’s the reason why: external laws can regulate behavior, but only internal spiritual change can cure the human heart. Laws only address outward actions rather than the root causes of those behaviors. The Bible teaches that sin—including prejudice, partiality, and oppression—is a fu

You are a work in progress! Paul teaches, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). This means God wastes nothing—He can weave your struggles, heartbreaks, and mistakes into a story of grace that ends with these words: To those who are called, “He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). Be encouraged! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Theol

In other words, your life is an active, ongoing narrative shaped by God's purpose, where past pain, detours, and mistakes are not the end, but chapters leading to redemption, growth, and a future with Him. You are a work in progress! Paul reminds believers, “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). God doesn't start projects He intends to leave unfinished. Resting in Him means

If we're going to think biblically about the issue of racism, we're going to have to go beyond your experience or mine. We're going to have to go beyond American history. It is fundamentally a spiritual condition rooted in the rejection of God's design. The issue of racism is really an issue of the corruption of justice, and to find out where that went wrong, we're going to have to go all the way back to Genesis 3. This is where justice—the quality of being just, right, and e

John teaches, “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming” (1 John 2:28). The command to "abide in Him" is a call to continuous, obedient fellowship with Christ. That is, believers at the Rapture should be living in such close fellowship with their Lord that His sudden appearance for them merely continues the fellowship that was in progress on earth! It is an instantaneous freedom of

John teaches, “By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). The Judgment Seat of Christ is an evaluation of a believer’s motives and stewardship to determine eternal rewards (see 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13-14). According to John, having and keeping God’s Word means the love of God has reached its intended goal (perfected) in us (see 1 John 2:5

Show up for the work even when inspiration is not loud and motivation feels inconsistent. Progress is not built on how you feel—it’s built on what you choose to do consistently. Biblically, progress is built on diligence, faithfulness in small things, and endurance. It means that the long-term trajectory of your life is shaped by the small, consistent actions you choose to take daily. ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Theologian, Bible Teacher & Expositor

Patience matters because it guards against perfectionism. Expecting immediate perfection leads to a joyless, legalistic faith. It shifts the foundation of faith from grace to one of treating a relationship with God as a transaction or a checklist. Patience allows you to celebrate the direction of your spiritual growth rather than obsessing over the distance you have yet to travel. When you stumble, patience matters because it combats shame. It reminds you that “becoming more

The Apostle Paul reminds us that becoming more like Jesus is progressive. He noted that he was not "already perfect" but continued to press forward (Philippians 3:12). Paul has just spoken about his future death and resurrection with Christ. Someday, he will be made complete and perfect before the Lord (Philippians 3:10–11). He begins a new section in verse 12, starting with an important qualifying statement. Paul does not want his readers to think he saw himself as perfect a

Becoming more like Jesus is the lifelong, ongoing process by which the Holy Spirit transforms a believer to become more like Christ in character and conduct. Being patient with this process means embracing daily grace, resting in God's timing, and avoiding the trap of discouragement over human imperfection. Patience matters! While believers actively participate in the process, it is ultimately God who does the transforming (Philippians 1:6, 2:12-13). When you stumble, patienc