“Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it?” (Romans 6:2 NLT) Sin is a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional issue that can easily be misunderstood and/or misrepresented. On some levels it’s very straightforward, but the plot thickens because God alone knows our heart and can know with certainty whether we’ve sinned orContinue reading “What Does It Mean to Die to Sin?”
Tag Archives: sin
The One True God of the Bible
“But the Lord is the only true God.” (Jeremiah 10:10a NLT) In the days in which we live you’re in a vast minority to believe there is only one God. And an even greater minority to believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Why is that? I’m certainly no expert in the historyContinue reading “The One True God of the Bible”
What Is a Hypocrite?
“It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.”” (Matthew 7:5 The Message) Have you ever been called a hypocrite? I have. And it stung.Continue reading “What Is a Hypocrite?”
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?”
Who Are the Children of God?
“This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike ‘What’s next, Papa?’” (Romans 8:15 The Message) Being a child of God is not a reconstruction of an old life, it’s the transformation into a brand-new species of being, one that has never existedContinue reading “Who Are the Children of God?”
When Fear Is Good
“’Don’t be afraid,’ Moses answered them, ‘for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning.’” (Exodus 20:20 NLT) Hundreds of times throughout the Bible we’re told to “fear not” or “don’t be afraid,” yet isn’t fear healthy on some levels? When IContinue reading “When Fear Is Good”
Keeping Our Focus on Jesus (Part 2)
“…especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” (Hebrews 12:1b NLT) The battlefield on which a follower of Jesus will live and die, is between our ears. The most dangerous mine field of our existence as a believer is our mind. To keep our thoughts focused on Jesus while pursuing the sinful ways ofContinue reading “Keeping Our Focus on Jesus (Part 2)”
Keeping Our Focus on Jesus (Part 1)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down…” (Hebrews 12:1a NLT) The writer of the Hebrew letter opens chapter twelve with a reference to the “huge crowd of witnesses” that have run the race of faithContinue reading “Keeping Our Focus on Jesus (Part 1)”
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?”
Keeping Our Eyes on the One Who Is Invisible
“He (Moses) kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” (Hebrews 11:27b NLT) What we think about comes about. What we choose as the subject of our focused attention, whether with our eyes, mind and/or heart, becomes, over time, the driving force of our lives. Problems arise whenContinue reading “Keeping Our Eyes on the One Who Is Invisible”
Walking With Jesus 