Maturing as Christians

Keeping God’s word is the tangible proof of our love for Him. When we obey, His love is "perfected" in us—meaning it reaches its intended maturity and full expression in our lives! As we reflect this love to others, we grow into spiritual maturity and become more like Jesus. God’s love finds its ultimate purpose when it transforms our hearts and spills over into how we treat others. The keeping of God’s word equates to walking as Jesus walked! ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Bible Exp

Obedience is a heartfelt expression of our love toward God. It is a tangible way to demonstrate our commitment and devotion, moving beyond words into actions that align with His will. Our willingness to follow and obey God's commandments joyfully emanates from the profound love we have experienced from Him, prompting us to live in a manner that pleases Him. Love and obedience are deeply connected. We do not obey God to earn His love. God loved us before we ever loved Him. He

Obedience demonstrates a profound and tangible commitment to God. Believers actively choose to observe His commandments, driven not by duty or obligation but by joyful devotion. In John 14:15, Jesus makes a simple yet profound declaration, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” This encapsulates the essence of our relationship with Him. It suggests that genuine love for Jesus is manifested through our obedience to His teachings. In maintaining the abiding relationship (John 15:1

We read, “For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar” (Hebrews 7:13). Because Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah rather than the priestly tribe of Levi, He did not qualify to serve under the old Levitical priesthood. This verse sits in the middle of a profound shift. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. Under the old covenant, priests came from one specific lineage. But Jesus did no

The disciples did not write down Jesus' words while He was speaking. At the earliest, they did not write of these things until ten years after the events. The skeptics say. "We cannot trust anyone to remember in sharp detail events that happened that long ago. Therefore, these gospels cannot be trusted." But that is to ignore what Jesus says here. The Holy Spirit has the power to bring back to human recollection "everything I have said," He declares. This is our reassurance t

Obedience shows our gratitude and thankfulness to God for His Salvation. If we have truly accepted His salvation in faith, our new freedom from sin displays itself in obedience. In the Bible, God looks at obedience as a vital response of love, trust, and active submission rather than a rigid list of rules (John 14:15). It reflects a heart that genuinely honors His authority and believes His ways are best. ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Expositor, Writer & Author

We read, “The Lord God commanded the man, saying, ‘From any tree of the garden you may freely eat’” (Genesis 2:16). Notice that before there was restriction, there was plenty. Before God ever said, “you shall not,” (v. 17) He said, “you may freely.” Genesis 2:16 shows us God’s heart at the very beginning of human relationship with Him. This verse isn’t about limitation. It’s about invitation into trust. The command begins with freedom. The garden is full, and the Father’s fir

First, Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit is coming “in His name” as His replacement, at His request, and thus His work is to make Jesus known to us. Our focus on the Holy Spirit is to expose and magnify His own desire to bring honor to Jesus. In the Bible, the Holy Spirit makes Jesus known by revealing His truth, glorifying His character, and awakening human hearts to understand who He is. Speaking of the Holy Spirit, Jesus said, “He will glorify Me, for He will take from

Identity gives you stability. Being made in the image of God gives you inherent value & worth (Genesis 1:27). Purpose gives you direction. Your primary purpose is to bring glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:31). If you’re not sure of your identity and purpose, you’re in crisis. Character gives you credibility. When you’re known for the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), you’ve got credibility. Relationship gives you meaning. Loving God first gives you the capacity and

First, Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit is coming “in His name” as His replacement, at His request, and thus His work is to make Jesus known to us. Next, the Holy Spirit will “remind” these disciples of everything Jesus has ever said. Further, Jesus said the Spirit would “teach” them, i.e., He would unfold the meaning and the implication of His words. Lastly, Jesus said, the work of the Holy Spirit is to “impart the peace” which only He can give. ~Dr. Robert L. Taylor, T