Settling Your Debt with God
As it was for Jesus, so His followers may face very difficult times in this world. Their suffering, however, will be limited to this world. In contrast, a terrible, eternal judgment awaits those who reject Christ. Jesus Himself gives us all fair warning.
What to Do While You Wait
The expectation of Jesus' return is not a motivation to just sit back and await His coming but to watch for it with excitement and joy and to work all the harder in His service. We need to be faithful stewards of the time and opportunities He has given us.
How to Conquer Anxiety
Covetousness is a deadly danger, and it is often fueled by anxiety. Jesus not only warns us of the temptation of covetousness, but also provides the antidote to anxiety.
Justifiable Fear in Life
Fears can become cruel masters that control and crush your lives. Faith in the Lord is the key to breaking free of such debilitating fears. Yet, Jesus Himself teaches us there are some things we should, in fact, fear.
Becoming a Better Hypocrite
Jesus has very strong words for spiritual hypocrites. We are wise to heed those words and be ever alert to the underlying attitude of the world that fuels it--namely, the pride that promotes a focus on ourselves and on impressing others.
The Opportunity of a Lifetime
Learning the truth of God revealed in His Word is not merely an academic exercise. That is because the truth--properly understood and applied--changes our lives. Jesus warns that to reject it is to flounder in spiritual darkness and invite divine judgment.
Whose Side Are You On?
Jesus' life, works, and teaching demand a decision about who He is. Do we accept Him as Lord and Savior or foolishly try to explain away the things He taught by word and deed? There is no middle ground.
How to Get the Attention of God
Jesus' teaching on prayer is not only informative; it is also encouraging. He affirms that God answers sincere and honest prayers and is not reluctant to do so. Nothing is too big or too small for Him, and there is no time our prayers are inconvenient for Him.
The Model Prayer
Prayer is not getting God to do things for us. It is a matter of properly recognizing and honoring Him and humbly recognizing how dependent on Him and needy we are. The Lord's Prayer, or more properly the disciples' prayer, is an enlightening model of God-honoring prayer.
Becoming Like Mary and Martha
The sisters Mary and Martha both loved and served the Lord. Yet their different priorities give Jesus an opportunity to teach us the importance of keeping work and worship in proper balance.