The cross is the emblem of our faith. Someone might argue that the empty tomb should be the emblem. I disagree because the compelling distinctive of Christianity is not that God is alive; many other world religions believe that. The compelling distinctive of our faith is that God died. What other religion brags on the …
We don’t like trials. We don’t want them, and we don’t enjoy them. What’s more, I don’t think we should ask for them. But the truth is, sometimes we need them. Peter pointed to this when he wrote, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by …
Why do believers sometimes divorce? Christians really want their marriage to work, and yet the percentage of divorce among believers is virtually the same as among unbelievers. Are we missing something? Yes. We’re not following Jesus’ path for relational reconciliation. Jesus’ way is very clear: Now if your brother sins against you, go and tell …
Editor’s Note: This is part 2 of a two-part series. Click here to read part 1. It’s time for believers in troubled marriages to use Jesus’ wisdom in Matthew 18 to bring resolve and healing to their home. Jesus’ path seems rather confrontational, however, so why would someone want to invoke His three steps? Let …
6 Reasons You Need to Submit Your Marriage Crisis to Jesus Read More »
Editor’s Note: This is part 1 of a two-part series. Stay tuned for part 2! Brad and Anna had a happy marriage. They were both devout believers in Jesus, fell madly in love and married soon after college. In time, they began having children, were active in their church and to all appearances seemed to …
3 Steps to Resolve the Crisis in Your Marriage Jesus’ Way Read More »
When discussing sins such as homosexuality, some leaders in the body of Christ today are saying things like, “It doesn’t really matter what your sin is. Sin is sin. All of us are sinners, and all of us need forgiveness.” It’s true that we all need forgiveness, but it’s not true that all sins are …
Bill’s wife, Jen, suddenly came down with cancer. The doctors diagnosed it as an extremely aggressive type of cancer, and Jen was given just weeks to live. Because of previous crises, Bill knew what it was like to persevere in faith through sustained trials. He had watched the Lord change both their hearts, excavating and …
Jesus and His disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana, and Jesus’ mother was also there. She came to Him and said, “They have no wine.” So Jesus checked in with His Father. “Abba, how about it? Want Me to do something here?” I imagine the Father’s response must have been something like, “Not …
Bob Sorge explains why it is important for Christians to find that secret place in Christ.
There’s more to gain from this vow than meets the eye With this one simple declaration, dozens of everyday decisions become so easy. The eye covenant helps you determine: Which movies and programs to watch Which books and magazines to read The kinds of music and videos you keep in your home and on your …
It takes more than a firm decision to do this well Before making an eye covenant, consider this practical advice: Don’t make an eye covenant until you’re absolutely ready. Wait until you know the Lord’s grace is leading you to do it. Don’t allow a premature or hasty covenant to turn a means of grace …
There’s a difference between resolving to walk in purity and making a covenant with God to do so. Here’s how that difference can bring victory over sexual temptation and change your life. One day, during my prayer time, I came to Job 31:1: “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I …
Trusting God isn’t easy when tragedy strikes. How do you respond when you face death, suffering or a life-crippling crisis? War. Genocide. Suicide bombings. Divorce. Rape. Sex slaves in cages. Toddlers in refugee camps. Orphans on streets. Debilitating handicaps. Premature deaths. Natural disasters. Car accidents. Mental illness. AIDS. Cancer. Our planet is a ball of …
I used to believe God never used physical affliction to do a spiritual work in the hearts of His people. I was taught that God has many means at His disposal to deepen our love and purify our faith, and sickness and infirmity were not among those tools.
Affliction always comes from the hand of the enemy, I was told, and Christ would never send such a thing our way because He died to deliver us from all the works of the enemy. So sickness is never God’s will for the saint, and if it lingers then there’s something wrong. These were things I believed and preached—until infirmity hit me.
