Both testaments of God’s Word emphasize a two-fold focus for the spiritual life that involves loving God and loving one another. This two-fold focus is the emphasis of Paul’s remarks to the Thessalonians in chapter 3 of his first letter to them. So how would you evaluate your love for God and your love for one another? Do you ever wonder if you will be able to continue loving God and continue loving one another up to the end of your earthly...

I often find myself pursing the question, how does God motivate His children to accomplish His will, to obediently follow His Word, and to love Him with all of their hearts? I wonder this because as a parent I want to encourage my children to love the Lord and to do His will. I wonder this because throughout my days of ministry both in and out of the classroom, I have made many attempts to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ to follow the...

If you were to read Philippians 2:1-11 along with this study my goal would be to encourage you to embrace the exalted character of our God. I want to encourage you to confess with a hearty AMEN that Jesus Christ is Lord. In the quietness of this moment I want to invite you to appeal to the Lord, as did Moses in Exodus 33:18, show me your glory. What was Moses asking? What are we asking when we blend our voice with Moses and desire to see the...

The start of a new year always brings with it a measure of optimism. We get to turn the page, write new goals, plan for new opportunities, and perhaps take a fresh look at the important unfinished things of the past year.  But, in the midst of your enthusiasm do you ever feel a cold wind of discouragement?  As you look at the new year opportunities all you can see is challenge.  Perhaps you feel the cold winds of a strained economy or maybe you...

The OT Book of Isaiah includes a very strong polemic against the idols of heart that rival worship of the true and living God. Isaiah’s message in the latter half of his prophecy (Isa 44-48) is a preachment of the law that calls for exclusive devotion to the Lord our God (Ex 20:2-6; Dt. 6:4-5). In Isaiah 44 the authoritative message is that idol worship is foolishness. A godless life is bankrupt. The idolatrous graven images constructed...

There are many tools in the market place to help us do the work of the Evangelist. We are exhorted to this work in 2 Timothy 4:5, But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. Gospel tools are designed to expose what we are hoping in and what we are relying upon not only for this life but also for eternity. The gospel tools available to us are helpful in light of all the conversation...