There are many words which describe our salvation. Each one emphasizes a particular aspect of that salvation. We talk about forgiveness, regeneration, justification, redemption and sanctification. The word we least understand is the word atonement. We know about the Jewish Day of Atonement and believe in our atonement, but we have little understanding of the meaning of this word. Illustrations of Atonement…

As we approach the end of one year and the beginning of another, this is often a time of introspection and personal evaluation on numerous levels.  As you spend time assessing where you are—financially, relationally, medically, spiritually, etc.—make sure that you are using a proper standard. Paul addressed this matter in 2 Corinthians 10:12, when he defended himself against false charges that…

It would be an understatement to say that the Bible was beautifully written. A more accurate statement is that godly men were moved by inspiration to pen the very words that God would have them to write (2 Pet. 1:20-21). Those words contain a very sober and challenging warning with relation to our time on this earth. “So there remains a Sabbath…

Spiritual lives are not always characterized by “mountaintop experiences.” It was wonderful for Moses to be in the presence of God on Mount Sinai, but eventually he had to leave the mountain and return to the reality of dealing with the Jewish rebellion in worshiping the golden calf. In the same way, Peter, James and John were at the Mount of Transfiguration…

For a period of about five or six weeks each year, the slogan is tossed around in certain circles and then retired for about eleven months until it emerges again.  While there is zero evidence (Biblically or historically) that Jesus was born on December 25 (in fact, the evidence points away from that time), it does bring a certain satisfaction to hear…

“Here come I to my own again, Fed, forgiven and known again, Claimed by bone of my bone again and cheered by flesh of my flesh” (1-3). Joseph Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book, opened his poem “The Prodigal Son” with those lines. In it he writes from the perspective of the returning son.  As we consider that thought, what should…

Our experiences in life teach us one thing—very few things in our lives work out as we plan them. In fact,  few of the plans for a single day become reality. This can be so frustrating, but take a look at the life of Paul. Look as his plans, and then look at what happened. Then, consider how Paul’s faith made it…

Paul wrote to His church family in Philippi and expressed his heart so openly, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you” (Phil. 1:3).  Paul had many things for which he was thankful regarding these brethren and even bragged about them to other congregations (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 11:9).  Following Paul’s lead, I thank my God for the brethren at Palm…