Maturing as Christians

The White House is on a mission to “make America great again.”  But when exactly was America great? Maybe we take it to mean liberty and justice for all. I recall a highlight of the school years was the daily standing recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to “one Nation under God … with liberty and justice for all.” But, “liberty and justice” have never been “for all.” American injustice refers to systemic and individual unfairness, often rooted in historical racism and ineq

Paul says, “In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will” (Ephesians 1:5). The apostle Paul continues to discuss the theme of predestination, connecting it to the themes of love and adoption. Because of His love, God chose in advance for believers to become His children. But he didn’t predestine certain individuals — as opposed to other unfortunate individuals — to be in Christ. This is left up to o

Paul says, “Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him” (Ephesians 1:4).  What did God choose? Did God choose us to be in Christ? Notice that Paul doesn’t say that God chose us to be in Christ. He rather says God chose us in Christ “to be holy and blameless.” What God chose from the foundation of the world was that whoever is in Christ will be holy and blameless. He’s not choosing who will be in Christ and who

Paul teaches us, “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness?” (Romans 6:16).  Sin feels like freedom until you try to stop! In other words, that indulging in sinful behavior initially seems liberating, offering pleasure and release from restraint, but this is only an illusion because when you attempt to quit, you disc

Paul teaches, “And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified” (Romans 8:30).  This verse counters the idea of random happenings, assuring believers that God has a plan and is in control. The care of our lives aren’t left to chance, but are guided by a good, caring, sovereign God who works for the benefit of His children. Notice the tense of the word “glorified” is past, not present or future. Why is that?

Paul teaches, “And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified” (Romans 8:30).  Paul describes a series of events for believers by highlighting God's intentional, sequential work from foreknowledge to glorification, promising ultimate completion. This verse is part of Paul's discourse on God's unwavering care, love and plan, showing how predestined believers are called, declared righteous (justified), and ult

What is divine providence? Divine providence refers to God's sovereign and mighty work to continually uphold and guide His creation to fulfill His specific purposes for believers. Paul teaches us, “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 signifies divine providence— God's active guidance and care,  working through all life's circumstances, good or bad, for t

Peter commands the believer in Jesus, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Why are we commanded to do these two things? Because worries and anxieties distract us from the productive things God wants us to do and consume us by diverting all our thoughts into these avenues of fear. Why is there a need for humbling yourself in a time of tria

Peter teaches us, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).  As believers, we’re open or prone to doubt two things in a time of intense trial: God’s sovereign control over circumstances: “Where is God in all this?” And, we doubt His concern for us: “If God is in control and cares, then why is this happening to me?” Peter says that we must bow

While continuing to reach every state in America, these are the new nations and cities being reached abroad: Athens, Greece; Pune, India; Beirut, Lebanon; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Rodriguez, Philippines; Bengaluru, India; Pretoria, South Africa; Bridgetown, Barbados; Clonee, Ireland; New Delhi, India; Chhindwara, India; Meath, Ireland; Bratislava, Slovakia; Imphal, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Karachi, Pakistan; and Johor Bahru, Singapore. Praise Jesus forevermore. These are His