The Splendor of His Coming

“And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64NLT) How often do you think about Jesus’ second coming? And when you do, how do you view it? Does it frighten you? Encourage you? HaveContinue reading “The Splendor of His Coming”

What Is Temptation?

“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.” (James 1:14 NLT) Temptation can and often does lead to sin, but temptation itself is not sin. Jesus was tempted, but He never yielded. Today I’d like for us to look at what the Bible teaches about temptation. Temptation literally means: “anContinue reading “What Is Temptation?”

The Fear of Believing

“’Joseph, son of David,’ the angel said, ‘do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.’”                 (Matthew 1:20a NLT) Fear is a very real and present danger when it comes to understanding and carrying out God’s will. It has many implications and can often be confusing and disturbing. But if we’re patient and openContinue reading “The Fear of Believing”

What Really Scares You?

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 NLT) When I was a boy, I had an inflatable clown that I used to punch, and it would bounce right back up. I keptContinue reading “What Really Scares You?”

What A Beautiful Name!

“Therefore, God elevated Him to the place of highest honor and gave Him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (PhilippiansContinue reading “What A Beautiful Name!”

Why So Many Miss Heaven

“The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.” (Matthew 7:13b NLT) When I was in college, I worked part time at the local newspaper, where I met a young man about my age, whose nickname was “Garb.” That seemed a little odd, so one dayContinue reading “Why So Many Miss Heaven”

What Is Loving Others Supposed to Look Like?

“If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that?” (Matthew 5:46a NLT) Whether we realize it or not, a lot of our values, in terms of what we believe, including how we treat others who are different from ourselves, is “caught” more than taught. What does that mean? It meansContinue reading “What Is Loving Others Supposed to Look Like?”

Does God Send People to Hell (Part 2)

“I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer remain in the dark.” (John 12:46 NLT) Yesterday we looked at the question, does God send people to hell? But, as my wife would attest, sometimes my mind goes in soContinue reading “Does God Send People to Hell (Part 2)”

The Way to Heaven

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6a NLT) The quote above from John 14 was spoken to Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, shortly before Jesus was betrayed. Jesus was explaining to His disciples that He was going back to His Father, and in a matter-of-fact manner saidContinue reading “The Way to Heaven”

The Peace of Prayer

“God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 NLT) Peace is a familiar theme in this season of the year. When the angel came to the shepherds to announce the Savior’s birth, the Bible says: “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host ofContinue reading “The Peace of Prayer”