Maturing as Christians

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

I’m asking that the reader approach these teachings with an open mind and an unbiased spirit. When this happens, deeper understandings and glimpses of God's care and concern for you, revealed by the Holy Spirit, will flood over your entire being. Only then will you be brought into a bold, new appreciation of the endless effort put forth by our great God and Savior for His sheep.  Out of this will emerge a growing admiration and affection for God and His extraordinary care and

Matthew tells us, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:30-31). This passage expresses the intimate knowledge that frames God’s care! God’s care is so detailed that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”  This indicates that no personal concern is too small for His attention. That phrase emphasizes God's meticulous, personal attention to every detail (even the numbering of every hair o

Let me begin by saying that God desires to bring Christians into a bold and new appreciation of His care and concern for them. One dictionary definition of appreciation is “sensitive awareness.” Are you as sensitively aware of God’s care and concern as you should be? A bold and new appreciation of God means placing high value and admiration on Him. It means having a “heightened perception and understanding” of His care for us. In a biblical context, God's care and concern fo