Articles, Bible Questions and Discipleship Guides

Using the inauguration of a U.S. president as a launching point, this devotional reflects on the divine appointment of King David in 1 Samuel 16. It reminds believers that while the world values outward appearance, God chooses leaders based on the heart. With the Holy Spirit, every humble servant is qualified to be used by God. read more

If your sins are already forgiven in Christ, why confess? Discover the biblical reasons confession matters for spiritual growth, humility, and joy. read more

Discover how sin separates us from God, and how the cross restores our relationship. read more

This reflection on King Saul highlights the reality that a strong start in leadership doesn’t ensure a faithful ending. Though Saul began with humility and promise, pride led to his downfall. The lesson is clear: godly leadership requires humility, obedience, and the understanding that all authority is under God’s control. read more

The article explores Israel’s rejection of God’s theocratic rule in favor of a monarchy, emphasizing the tragic consequences of this decision. Drawing from 1 Samuel 8, it warns modern believers against rejecting God’s gifts and conforming to worldly standards, urging instead a pursuit of God's will and distinctiveness through faithfulness. read more

Many years ago, I traveled with other pastors to India, where we were honored to be hosted by a gracious, welcoming local church. As a sign of appreciation, our hosts brought us three folding chairs— the only three chairs in the entire church—for us to sit on and rest. While we were sitting, a young man approached us with something surprising and familiar: three bottles of Coca-Cola. In the parts of India we were visiting, a soft drink was a costly and rare luxury! Of course, here in America, we have them at every vending machine and convenience store. We’re so bored we need a dozen different flavors to keep us interested in Coca Cola. But for many, like our new friends in India, this glass bottle of soda would have been a special treat. read more

As we examine the sixth letter written by Jesus to first-century churches, you may be wondering if any of these seven churches were setting a good example. Some of them were a mixture of good and bad, while others seemed to be teetering on the brink of spiritual disaster—prompting Jesus to send a divinely-inspired warning.  There was at least one church with a consistent track record of biblical faithfulness. While most of the other letters read, “But I have this against you …”, the church in Philadelphia received a very different sort of letter—a letter of commendation and promise. This letter is still an encouragement to every church since.  Many Christians live in fear of God, worried that He only intervenes when believers need the rod of rebuke. We often assume that “no news from God is good news.” But Revelation 3:7-13 makes clear that Jesus doesn’t just speak to us when we fail, He encourages us when we’re faithful.  read more

Standing inside Westminster Abbey in London, I remember being struck with the thought: This is not what a church is supposed to feel like.  I was not uneasy because of the Abbey’s appearance, which remains one of the most beautiful architectural and artistic sites I have ever visited. Christians can and should appreciate and celebrate artistic achievements, because the ability to create beauty reflects the creative brilliance of God.  I didn’t feel out of place in the Abbey because it is old, having been built in the 1200s. Westminster Abbey has been an icon of British life and culture for centuries. To this day, it remains the traditional location of royal coronations and weddings.  read more

Many wonder about the "unforgivable sin" in Mark 3:29. Have you committed it? Discover what blasphemy against the Holy Spirit truly means and why believers can rest in God's assurance of forgiveness. read more

Relative truth has become increasingly popular in our culture, as people seek to replace objective truth with their own feelings, emotions, and opinions. This is never clearer than when people attempt to deny the truth of their own genetic code. Someone born with “XX” or “XY” chromosomes—a concrete scientific fact—can still claim that their gender is different than their DNA, and our culture bows to their preference.  For our culture at large today, the only absolute truth they accept is that there is no absolute truth. They seem to ignore this glaring contradiction!  read more

If the first century church could be influenced by a culture of sexual immorality, we aren’t immune from this temptation today. Our culture flaunts sexual immorality as virtue. You will be tempted; your children will be tempted; your church will be tempted to not take sexual sin seriously. Anticipate this reality; and ask God to prepare you.  read more

Have you ever wondered why God seems different in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament? Dive into this blog post to uncover how God’s justice, holiness, love, and grace reveal His unchanging nature and redemptive plan. Learn how understanding this truth deepens our faith and inspires worship! read more

In Jesus’ letters to the seven churches, delivered through the apostle John, Jesus wrote specifically to the church in Smyrna with both encouragement and challenges regarding persecution.  read more

No fire lasts forever.  This is good news when it comes to wildfires. No matter how far a wildfire might spread—the largest ones can cause millions of dollars of property damage and displace thousands of homeowners—it will eventually stop.  read more

Is the mark of the beast mentioned in Revelation literal or symbolic? Discover why a literal interpretation aligns with Scripture and what it means for the end times. Learn about the spiritual significance of this mark and the choice individuals will face. read more

Discover the biblical meaning of Leviathan—a powerful creature described in the book of Job. Learn what Leviathan represents and how it reveals God's sovereignty. read more

Discover practical, Bible-based steps for cultivating self-discipline. Learn how to rely on God’s strength, embrace accountability, and set godly goals for spiritual growth. read more

Why does Jesus have the authority to judge all humanity? Explore how His deity, resurrection, and perfect holiness establish Him as the righteous judge over all creation. read more

Discover what the Bible says about pornography, lust, and purity. Learn how Scripture guides believers in pursuing holiness, resisting temptation, and finding healing and accountability. read more

Explore the compelling evidence for a Thursday crucifixion of Jesus, aligning with biblical prophecy, the Gospel accounts, and the symbolism of Passover. Learn why this matters for understanding the integrity of Scripture and the perfect timing of God's redemptive plan. read more

Does God promise to heal all who are sick before they reach heaven? While God can and does heal, not everyone receives physical healing in this life. Discover what the Bible teaches about suffering, God's will, and the ultimate promise of perfect healing and glorified bodies in eternity. read more

When I read an interview in Business Insider last year with Elon Musk, I thought I was reading the plot of a science fiction novel, not a... read more

How should you respond if your pastor has been plagiarizing sermons for years? While this issue raises concerns about honesty and integrity, it’s also an opportunity to extend grace. Learn how to address the situation with wisdom and support, while encouraging transparency in ministry. read more

Have you ever wondered why humanity seems to suffer for the sin of one man—Adam? This question has troubled many people throughout the centuries. In this article, we'll explore the biblical explanation of how Adam's sin affects us all, why God holds us accountable, and how Jesus provides the ultimate solution. Understanding this can bring clarity and hope as we trust in God’s plan for redemption. read more

In 1976, a British diplomat and general named Sir John Glubb wrote an essay documenting the decline and eventual collapse of various... read more

Why did Jesus only focus His ministry on a small region? It was part of a strategic plan to fulfill prophecy, train His disciples, and lay the foundation for the global spread of the gospel. Discover how Jesus' ministry fits into God’s larger plan for salvation. read more

Does Satan still accuse believers before God? While the Bible shows that he does, believers have an advocate in Jesus Christ who defends us. Discover how Jesus has already defeated Satan's accusations and what this means for your life today. read more

If you’ve ever watched a horse race or the movie Secretariat, you’re familiar with the covering that horses sometimes wear on top of... read more

Are rules in the Christian life the same as legalism? While God’s commandments guide us, legalism distorts them into something harmful. Learn how to follow God's rules out of love, not fear, and how to avoid the trap of legalism. Discover the difference in this insightful blog post. read more

Is superstition just harmless fun, or does it pose a deeper spiritual threat? In this article, Stephen explores whether superstition is considered a sin and how it can divert believers from fully trusting in God. Learn why practices like reading horoscopes or using Ouija boards can open the door to deception, and discover the biblical truths that provide true security. Read on to understand how to avoid the trap of superstition and strengthen your faith in God’s sovereign power. read more

Have you ever wondered: “What about those who have never heard the gospel? Are they going to face the judgment of God?” This question... read more

Have you wondered what Jesus meant when He said we must eat His flesh and drink His blood? It’s a puzzling statement that left His listeners confused, but it holds a profound spiritual truth about how we receive eternal life. Uncover the meaning behind this metaphor and how it reveals the depth of our need for a true, life-giving relationship with Jesus. read more

A few months ago, our representatives in Congress selected Mike Johnson to be the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. Many... read more

The Protestant reformer and theologian, John Calvin, once said, “While we teach that faith ought to be certain, we cannot imagine any... read more

One of the most pivotal moments in Christian history took place in ancient Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. ... read more

I want to examine our topic this month in reverse order. As we consider the times, places, and manners in which God invites us to ask Him... read more

Recently, I watched a video clip of collegiate runner Tanguy Pepiot, a track and field star for the University of Oregon. In the video clip, Pepiot is comfortably leading the race as he approaches the finish line. With just a few final steps to cross the finish line, he raises a hand and gestures for the crowd to cheer for him. What he didn’t realize is another runner is closing the gap. While Pepiot slows down to prematurely celebrate, his victory turns into a loss as he’s passed at the finish line. Pepiot lost the race by one tenth of a second.  What a significant metaphor for running the race as a believer. It only takes a few moments of distraction, an allowance of hubris, a compromise of impurity, or a decision of dishonesty and years of faithful service can end in spiritual tragedy.  read more

The "mystery" Paul refers to is a term he often uses to describe a truth that was previously hidden but is now revealed by God. In this case, the mystery is the profound relationship between Christ and the church. read more

Cathy asks, "How can I explain the reality of hell to my children?" ... read more

Don asks, "Based on Ephesians 2:8, does God supply the faith needed for salvation in addition to the grace? ... read more

I recently finished an extensive biography that covered the life and career of Napoleon Bonaparte. It took six different coalition armies comprising the rest of Europe to finally defeat Napoleon and his French Empire, and Napoleon was banished to the island of Elba.  In a daring move, Napoleon escaped his house arrest on the island and returned to France, hoping to regain his throne. He landed on French soil with 600 soldiers, and less than a month later, he regained his throne in Paris and his emperor’s crown.  read more

Need to talk to a friend about sin? Learn how to approach the conversation with wisdom, humility, and love. Discover practical steps for self-examination, praying for guidance, and speaking the truth in love. Explore biblical principles for encouraging repentance and offering support. Read our full article for detailed insights and tips. read more

If you had told Albert Einstein’s elementary school teachers that one day he would be a brilliant scientist (the "Person of the Year" as named by TIME Magazine), they would have laughed at the idea. Einstein was considered a slow, lazy child who couldn’t communicate well until he was four years old. Once he finally learned how to speak and began asking questions in school, his classmates and teachers were confused by his abstract questions that seemed to make no sense. It would take time for the world to catch up to Albert Einstein.  The famous evangelist D. L. Moody created similar reactions of concern and doubt from his church leaders. As a young convert, when he applied for church membership, he was rejected by the board of deacons. They were convinced that Moody didn’t know enough about the Bible to be admitted as a church member. So, they demanded from him a year of biblical instruction, to which he agreed. The following year, Moody applied again and— the church records noted—he was admitted “with reservation.”  read more

Israel was under the heel of Rome when Christ was born – and the added persecution by Satan to wipe out the Christ child is one of the underlying dramas of the Christmas story. The anguish of Israel was heard as Herod had all the Jewish boys under the age of two killed in and around Bethlehem in order to destroy the one who was born, King of the Jews. read more

Discover the surprising lesson on true greatness from Luke 22:24-30. Learn how Jesus redefined greatness through servant leadership and humility. read more

This is a challenging yet crucial topic: Biblical Reasons for Divorce and Remarriage. Explore the sanctity of marriage vows and the conditions under which divorce is biblically justified. Learn what Jesus and Paul teach on this sensitive issue. Whether you're seeking guidance for your own marriage or looking to understand God's design for marital relationships, you'll gain profound insights and practical wisdom. read more

C.S. Lewis beautifully characterized the Christian faith when he wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”  The Bible isn’t just something you believe to be true; it is the sunlight— the worldview—through which you see everything else.  The way we interact with others, the way we speak, the way we vote, the way we worship are all influenced by our belief in God and our reliance on His Word. Indeed, the Bible is no less important to our lives than the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe.  read more

Have you ever wrestled with the concept of God's sovereignty, especially when it comes to the idea of election? If so, you're not alone.... read more

In Erwin Lutzer’s book about the trustworthiness of the Bible, he tells the story of a Russian double agent who was stranded in Mexico.... read more

The acclaimed film director Woody Allen once remarked that “We have no spiritual center—we are drifting alone in the cosmos.”  This feeling of spiritual limbo is reflected by data released a couple years ago; a Gallup Poll found that for the first time ever in the history of America, a minority of people are members of a church or other religious meeting place. Not surprisingly, this trend is being led by millennials and younger generations. Only 36 percent of millennials are members of a church, while 31 percent report having no religious affiliation whatsoever.  Allen’s observation that our culture lacks a spiritual center is seen most clearly when people are asked if the Bible is the literal Word of God. Only 20 percent of respondents said that it is.  read more